[FT LB]

I'd like some opinions and advice on rearend components strictly for drag racing.

Project's a bone-stock 63 tempest wagon. Orig 326's out, nose & fenders are removed and front suspension's now being overhauled. Orig rear trans is still in place for mobility. Next year a 750hp 462 & th400 will be installed. Interior's now gutted awaiting backhalf & cage construction (Dec 05). In preparation for that, I need to start considering the rear setup. I have 33x16.5 slicks on 15x15 wheels, so car will be tubbed, and my preference is 4-link over ladder bars.

It's been suggested I go right for the gusto with a M/W modular 9" assembly. Pricetag aside, it would undoubtedly suit my needs.

Now, although I'm not a tightwad and I will not cut corners on strength or safety, I am curious about other (read: more affordable) setups. Any suggestions, pros/cons, do/don'ts?

No doubt, this thing's gonna take a few years before any shakedown runs. Regardless, as this is my first race-only car, you can imagine my enthusiasm and excitement.

Sorry for the lengthy post... just thought I'd put all my cards on the table to solicit the best insight. And thanks in advance. Tim

[FT LB]

I'd like some opinions and advice on rearend components strictly for drag racing.

Project's a bone-stock 63 tempest wagon. Orig 326's out, nose & fenders are removed and front suspension's now being overhauled. Orig rear trans is still in place for mobility. Next year a 750hp 462 & th400 will be installed. Interior's now gutted awaiting backhalf & cage construction (Dec 05). In preparation for that, I need to start considering the rear setup. I have 33x16.5 slicks on 15x15 wheels, so car will be tubbed, and my preference is 4-link over ladder bars.

It's been suggested I go right for the gusto with a M/W modular 9" assembly. Pricetag aside, it would undoubtedly suit my needs.

Now, although I'm not a tightwad and I will not cut corners on strength or safety, I am curious about other (read: more affordable) setups. Any suggestions, pros/cons, do/don'ts?

No doubt, this thing's gonna take a few years before any shakedown runs. Regardless, as this is my first race-only car, you can imagine my enthusiasm and excitement.

Sorry for the lengthy post... just thought I'd put all my cards on the table to solicit the best insight. And thanks in advance. Tim

[issach428]

If you have the money go with the 9 inch and forget about it. I personaly went with a moser 12 bolt with all the good stuff. 9 inch housing ends, custom axles,rear cover etc. I know that the 9inch is better but there are guys running in the 8's and i am sure faster with 12 bolts.. For me to go with the 9 inch would have cost me at least another $1500. And about the faster gear change bla bla bla. I know of no one that changes gears on a regular basis to even need that feature. (excluding bracket racers and guys that race for a living). Properly set up they will both get the job done safely.

[Half-Inch Stud]

Strange Engineering Dana60.

All new parts, including housing and tubes welded. Seems as light as a full GM 12-Bolt.

Fully assembled <$2000
HIS

[issach428]

If you have the money go with the 9 inch and forget about it. I personaly went with a moser 12 bolt with all the good stuff. 9 inch housing ends, custom axles,rear cover etc. I know that the 9inch is better but there are guys running in the 8's and i am sure faster with 12 bolts.. For me to go with the 9 inch would have cost me at least another $1500. And about the faster gear change bla bla bla. I know of no one that changes gears on a regular basis to even need that feature. (excluding bracket racers and guys that race for a living). Properly set up they will both get the job done.

[PontiPowered84TA]

Give Moser a call, they can build a 9" plenty strong for your application and alittle cheaper too,..i bought a 12 bolt complete housing from them, very nice products, fit just the way it shuold!

[Goathead]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">If you have the money go with the 9 inch and forget about it </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Ditto..

[White Warrior]

I have a Moser 9" Ford housing in my 63 Tempest Coupe. I am using their 35 spline axles and a Strange 12 Bolt drop in section,also a regualar 9" drop in for a spare.This has held up well,altho the 12 bolt drop in is not as durable as the regular 9". I had chips in all the pinion teeth after 2 years use. This was with a 4 speed so an automatic would probably last longer.
While a 4 -link is supposed to be better,it is much harder to set up than ladder bars. You can have about 60 different adjustment positions and 50 of them will be worse than ladder bars.
I raced two 63 Tempests,one a wagon and they both hooked well with long [over 38"] ladder bars

[FT LB]

Thanks for the tips. 9" it will be. Will be calling Moser for quote on a setup.

WWarrior: Thanks (I think ). Yes, opting for a 4-link was based on adjustability. Your comments have me re-thinking the choice. I have seen your car launch and it's a thing of beauty!

Anyone else have opinions on 4-link vs ladder bars? Pros/cons? I will search the archives. Thanks again.