"B" and "E" body axle widths

Pete · Post by **Pete** » Mon Jan 19, 09 8:55 pm

Hi there,

Thinking of putting a spare "B" body axle on the Challenger (as you do).
This is because a "B" - '68 - '70 axle is narrower for more tyrage.

However, looking at Moparts they quote Spring perch widths (center-to-center) :
B BODY - '62-'70= 44"
E BODY - '70-'74= 46"

Can anyone verify this - I thought it was a "bolt on" and am surprised that Chrysler re-worked the rear end this much. I guess it would mean new perches to weld on.

Anyone who has actually done this mod - your views would be greatly appreciated, thanks.

Pete

Anonymous · Post by **Anonymous** » Mon Jan 19, 09 9:08 pm

Yes and No............... Unless you move the springs in Pete there is not much point in putting the B axel in....................

Pete · Post by **Pete** » Mon Jan 19, 09 9:11 pm

Damn! I thought you were going to say that

Thanks for the very quick response, Slick

Anonymous · Post by **Anonymous** » Mon Jan 19, 09 9:16 pm

Pete, to move springs in is a simple job and the B body axel is a good mod..................

Pete · Post by **Pete** » Mon Jan 19, 09 9:23 pm

I assume it involves off-set rear shackles and a revised front hanger?

I only need a bit more tyre clearance on the arches (outer wheel houses); not going for massive tyres - just enough to get 275 x 60 x 15's in on TTD's.

Dave-R · Post by **Dave-R** » Mon Jan 19, 09 9:33 pm

The springs are the limiting factor as Slick so rightly says.

Pete. My offset rear hangers give you 7/8ths more room.

The front hanger depends on what springs you use. For SS springs (which are A-body length) there is an offset front hanger to suit.

But to use normal length springs you can modify the offset A-body hanger to suit. Just a simple bit of cutting and welding. This is the way I went.

Dave-R · Post by **Dave-R** » Mon Jan 19, 09 9:34 pm

275 x 60 x 15's will fit with the right backspace anyway. No mods needed.

Pete · Post by **Pete** » Mon Jan 19, 09 9:36 pm

So, will just doing the rear hangers get me enough to get the "B" body axle on?

I get the feeling it won't. Just looking for an off-set kit; anybody know of one?
Thanks for all your help.

Pete

Dave-R · Post by **Dave-R** » Mon Jan 19, 09 9:41 pm

Just cut the existing spring perches off the axle and weld new ones one once the axle is fitted. You will have to do that either way, fitting axle or just fitting offset springs.

Dave-R · Post by **Dave-R** » Mon Jan 19, 09 9:42 pm

Pete wrote: Just looking for an off-set kit; anybody know of one?
Thanks for all your help.

Pete

MP parts.

Anonymous · Post by **Anonymous** » Mon Jan 19, 09 9:48 pm

That's right Robbo I have off set shackles and front brackets with S/S springs. I am fitting a B/Body dana in mine so that I can fit a 10 wheel without cutting the lip on the arches.......................

Pete · Post by **Pete** » Mon Jan 19, 09 9:56 pm

It would seem that the only offset hangers are for use with SS springs (may come in handy on the Belvedere).

I already have the wheels (could not get any Raylees

) so I am trying to make do with what I have got.

I have a spare pair of perches, and that''s a lot cheaper than a hanger kit

Anonymous · Post by **Anonymous** » Mon Jan 19, 09 10:24 pm

So what make type and size are they Pete........................

Cannonball · Post by **Cannonball** » Mon Jan 19, 09 10:41 pm

Pete wrote:So, will just doing the rear hangers get me enough to get the "B" body axle on?

I get the feeling it won't. Just looking for an off-set kit; anybody know of one?
Thanks for all your help.

Pete

how many bloody cars do you want to bugger about with at once pete ???????????

Pete · Post by **Pete** » Mon Jan 19, 09 11:17 pm

You do have a point, Duncan...just using up me spares