Which rear axle is correct?

[STXCuda]

I am currently building up my 1970 Barracuda, it will be a Hemi clone car with Automatic. What rear axle is correct for the car the 8-3/4 or the Dana 60? Also side note were automatic hemi cudas available with column shift or are they all console shift cars? thanks!!

 

[mrmopar340]

All Hemi cars were Super Trak pack with Dana rears unless I'm mistaken. 440 cars with six paks too I think.

 

[Challenger RTA]

column shift

Yes I have seen them column shift. The week after I bought my challenger. Dead broke or I would have bought it too. With a shaker hood and 8k miles on the clock. A whopping $2300! 70 CUDA FC7

 

[MoparCarGuy]

1970 HemiCudas with the D32/D34 - 727 Torqueflite Automatic transmission could have either an 8-3/4" rear axle (3.23 or 3.55 gears) OR a 9-3/4" Dana 60 axle (4.10 gear only).

The base axle was the 8-3/4" with the 3.23 gear and no A3# option code on the Fender Tag or Broadcast Sheet.
The 8-3/4" axle could be upgraded with option code A36 - Performance Axle Package to get the 3.55 rear gears and Sure Grip.
A36 - Performance Axle Package = 3.55 Ratio in a 8 3/4 Axle w/ Sure Grip, 7 Blade Torque Drive Fan, 26″ Radiator w/ Shroud and Hemi Suspenson Handling Package. Only Available in 340 & 383 4 barrel w/ either Trans or 440 & 426 Hemi w/ Auto Trans.

The 9-3/4" Dana 60 was also available with the Automatic Transmission if option code A32 - Super Performance Axle Package was ordered.
A32 = Super Performance Axle Package = 4.10 Ratio in a 9 3/4 Dana Axle w/ Sure Grip, 7 Blade Torque Drive Fan, 26″ Radiator w/ Shroud, Hemi Suspenson Handling Package and Power Front Disc Brakes. Only Available in 440 & 426 Hemi w/ Auto Trans.

The Dana 60 with 3.54 rear gear (option code A33 - Track Pak Package; 4-Speed Only) was not available on the 727 Automatic Transmission cars.

Column-shift info:
1970 Barracudas/Cudas ordered with a V8 and an automatic transmission but no console received the column shift even on a HemiCuda.
Example of a 1970 HemiCuda with column-shift automatic and A32 - Dana 60 with 4.10 gears.

If you ordered the C16 Console, you got the Slap-Stik floor shifter.

 

[Challenger RTA]

8-3/4" rear axle

That is something to write home about. That is a testament how strong they are!

 

[Chryco Psycho]

& yet I have broken many 8 3/4 diffs

 

[Challenger RTA]

& yet I have broken many 8 3/4 diffs

I have broke many braker bars 1/2" and 3/4" when using a pipe. Exceeding the tools limit. I wonder How much HP that took?

 

[Chryco Psycho]

It has more to do with traction , the tires prevent damage But if the tires cannot spin & the front tires lift torque will break them

 

[Challenger RTA]

It has more to do with traction , the tires prevent damage But if the tires cannot spin & the front tires lift torque will break them

You mean like winter tires in the summer! I broke one in a dart one time. 7 1/4"

 

[MoparCarGuy]

Yep, high torque and traction (slicks) do not bode well for the 8-3/4’s longevity.
I guess in this case it depends on what is planned for the car.
Racing? Upgrade axles or go to a Dana 60.

 

[Chryco Psycho]

I had a 71 Duster 440 4 spd , It was caged had floating ladderbar suspension , on the street I ran dirt track compound DOT tires , at the track 11x 29 slicks , it would lift th front tires for about 40' ran 1.4 to 60' . It twisted the axles on the first pass at the track , I chose to by new axles rather than build the dana . It also lifted the front tires on the street , I would replace the center section on the 8 3/4 roughly yearly , should have built the Dana from the start .

 

[STXCuda]

1970 HemiCudas with the D32/D34 - 727 Torqueflite Automatic transmission could have either an 8-3/4" rear axle (3.23 or 3.55 gears) OR a 9-3/4" Dana 60 axle (4.10 gear only).

The base axle was the 8-3/4" with the 3.23 gear and no A3# option code on the Fender Tag or Broadcast Sheet.
The 8-3/4" axle could be upgraded with option code A36 - Performance Axle Package to get the 3.55 rear gears and Sure Grip.
A36 - Performance Axle Package = 3.55 Ratio in a 8 3/4 Axle w/ Sure Grip, 7 Blade Torque Drive Fan, 26″ Radiator w/ Shroud and Hemi Suspenson Handling Package. Only Available in 340 & 383 4 barrel w/ either Trans or 440 & 426 Hemi w/ Auto Trans.

The 9-3/4" Dana 60 was also available with the Automatic Transmission if option code A32 - Super Performance Axle Package was ordered.
A32 = Super Performance Axle Package = 4.10 Ratio in a 9 3/4 Dana Axle w/ Sure Grip, 7 Blade Torque Drive Fan, 26″ Radiator w/ Shroud, Hemi Suspenson Handling Package and Power Front Disc Brakes. Only Available in 440 & 426 Hemi w/ Auto Trans.

The Dana 60 with 3.54 rear gear (option code A33 - Track Pak Package; 4-Speed Only) was not available on the 727 Automatic Transmission cars.

Column-shift info:
1970 Barracudas/Cudas ordered with a V8 and an automatic transmission but no console received the column shift even on a HemiCuda.
Example of a 1970 HemiCuda with column-shift automatic and A32 - Dana 60 with 4.10 gears.

If you ordered the C16 Console, you got the Slap-Stik floor shifter.

Exactly the type of information I was looking for! Thanks for the great example as well.