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"B" and "E" body axle widths

Posted: Mon Jan 19, 09 8:55 pm
by Pete
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

Posted: Mon Jan 19, 09 9:08 pm
by Anonymous
Yes and No............... Unless you move the springs in Pete there is not much point in putting the B axel in....................

Posted: Mon Jan 19, 09 9:11 pm
by Pete
Damn! I thought you were going to say that :evil:

Thanks for the very quick response, Slick :thumbright:

Posted: Mon Jan 19, 09 9:16 pm
by Anonymous
Pete, to move springs in is a simple job and the B body axel is a good mod.................. :thumbright:

Posted: Mon Jan 19, 09 9:23 pm
by Pete
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.

Posted: Mon Jan 19, 09 9:33 pm
by Dave-R
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. :thumbright:

Posted: Mon Jan 19, 09 9:34 pm
by Dave-R
275 x 60 x 15's will fit with the right backspace anyway. No mods needed.

Posted: Mon Jan 19, 09 9:36 pm
by Pete
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

Posted: Mon Jan 19, 09 9:41 pm
by Dave-R
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. :roll:

Posted: Mon Jan 19, 09 9:42 pm
by Dave-R
Pete wrote: Just looking for an off-set kit; anybody know of one?
Thanks for all your help.

Pete
MP parts.

Posted: Mon Jan 19, 09 9:48 pm
by Anonymous
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....................... :thumbright:

Posted: Mon Jan 19, 09 9:56 pm
by Pete
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 ;)

Posted: Mon Jan 19, 09 10:24 pm
by Anonymous
So what make type and size are they Pete........................

Posted: Mon Jan 19, 09 10:41 pm
by Cannonball
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 ??????????? :D

Posted: Mon Jan 19, 09 11:17 pm
by Pete
You do have a point, Duncan...just using up me spares ;)