Posted: 9/26/2014 2:42:47 PM EDT
What say ye arf?? I have posted previously about my 1971 Plymouth satellite and this summer I was able to get it in a shop for headers and exhaust, after I did a intake and carb swap on my own for the first time. Now I want to go from auto to manual trans and do a rear-end swap. After the last few months of research and seeing all the options I have come to something along the lines of a TKO 600 Pro-Fit kit and a Dana 60 from some where. Should I look for a new Dana 60 or should I go for one from that time era. I don't want to say cost is not a concern, but I would rather do it right than have to replace stuff later. Is that the definitive answer? Ease of install? Any BTDT stories? I would need all the parts since its a factory auto. Thanks |
| Are you doing the work yourself or paying someone....either way I still tend to lean towards no unless you have the skills to do it yourself, a donor/parts vehicle, and a butt load of time (to scrounge junkyards, rebuild stuff, tear down, test fit, cut, fabricate/refit, adjust, plumb new brakes, install and troubleshoot). |
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dr diff on moparts should be able to help with the dana.
from the prices I have seen, used vs new isn't enough diff to make me go used. but I probably would stick with an 8 3/4 unless I had something really big under the hood. I am pretty sure that trans requires some cutting to make it fit. but I have only looked at the OD auto swaps not a manual. but at least with the modern stuff there are less parts to find trying to swap to a manual. |
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Its originally a 318 car so it has the weakest of the rear-ends the 8.25 so there is now a 440 in there and I want to be able to use the power. A price on a new 8.75 wasn't much less than the Dana 60's I saw so I figured at 100 - 200 $ difference why not go with the Dana.
As for piecing it together, I sadly lack time and ability. Wait reread the previous post. Well... I had considered doing the rear-end to save a bit at a shop and let them do the transmission install. And thanks for the website Andrewh |
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I would go with an 8 3/4 rear end. They are plenty stout and can still be found everywhere. The 489 member is the strongest with 1 7/8" pinion and sure grips available. You need to find a housing that fits your b body and spring perches may need to be moved. Also need to set pinion angle before welding perches.
For the trans swap, easily done but hunting parts can be a challenge. Figure flywheel, clutch/pp, bellhousing, trans mount/support, associated cables and hardware. Need the 4 speed pedal assembly under the dash. You also need the 4 speed transmission tunnel for the hump. The radiator should work, just plug the trans fluid cooling lines. I'm sure you can find a driveshaft that fits, but one can be made. |
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I've found some companies that make a "Pro-Fit" kit that has all the parts you need including repro pedal assembly. After some more research I am still liking the TKO 600 as it has the better Overdrive than a rebuilt A833 can offer, its just that it looks like there is a difference in 2 - 3k between the two options.
So I am guessing I could use an older 8 3/4 from a vehicle from the same age? It doesn't seem like the rear-ends changed much over the years but I am no expert. 
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