Joined: Mon Aug 13 2007, 04:25AM
Location: Independence, MO
Posts: 9
First off, I am new to the forum... so hello to everone.
Second, I just bought a complete Sure Grip unit off E-bay for $425. It came with a 742 case and has the 3.23 gears with it. Was that a good deal? It was listed as "good condition". Should I go ahead and rebuild the unit while it is apart for peice of mind, or are these units pretty solid? I will be installing it in a 66 Newport with an existing 742 case. Will the new complete unit bolt right in? And Lastly, When I have the rear end apart, is there anything you guys recommend me doing to freshen up the rear end, such as bearings or seals, ect? I will be installing SSBC rear discs at the same time.
Welcome!! Nice to see a "local", I am a northlander.
That unit is probably a clutch style. If so, and it isn't trash, you did alright. A nice thing about 8 3/4 chunks is they come out so easy. I would give it a good once over, and then install it. The service manual procedure for testing requires it be installed as well. You could temporarily install it, with no gasket or fluid and manually spin the tires by hand to quickly see if it grabs.
If the seals are leaking, it should be obvious. You can also look in the the tubes with a light and visually inspect them. The bearings are pressed on, this will require a trip to a machine shop. It isn't expensive though. If they look good and don't whine, they are probably fine. Again the 8 3/4 is so easy to deal with, that if any of those give you trouble they are easy to pull and service.
The new center will bolt right in, no problems. All 3 center sections are interchangeable with the housings. The only adjustment involved is the axle end play on the drivers side. There is a star like wheel that adjusts the end play. The rest is bolt and GO!
Joined: Mon Aug 13 2007, 04:25AM
Location: Independence, MO
Posts: 9
Thanks a lot for the info. I'm rebuilding the 383 to about 350 hp along with the trans while adding an 11" converter. Now with the 3.23 gears, I ought to finally be able to break the rear tires loose on the big boat at will. I've gained a lot of helpful info on this site. I've been lurking for a while and gaining knowledge from everyone. Its been great help so far. I've even went with the Explorer radiator because of this site.
I'll probably go the the Goodguy's show on Saturday. But, I will definately be going to the Greaserama on Sunday at the Boulavard Drive Inn. If you've never been its pretty entertaining. A lot of do it yourselfers. Some really interesting cars, some really goofy ones too. They cater to the "rat rod" crowd (I hate the term "rat rod", but it explains the type of cars).
Did I see your car at this years World of Wheels?.
I will be out at Good Guys all weekend, track me down if you can. Looks like a couple Dockers from St. Louis are also coming in for GER and will be out at GG on Sat. They just mentioned GAR to me today, hadn't heard of it before.
How is the Explorer rad working for you?
Yeah, I was at World of Wheels, kind of towards the back corner on the west side.
Joined: Mon Aug 13 2007, 04:25AM
Location: Independence, MO
Posts: 9
I still have not installed the radiator yet. Right now I just have nothing but new fancy new parts all over. The Newport is just sitting in my driveway waitng for me to get more motivated. The heat lately has really slowed me down. I still need to paint the engine compartment before I get everything back together. I am also waiting to get my engine back, Automotive Machine & Performance out of Lawrence is doing it for me. Should be another couple of weeks. I'll get a kick in the but after seeing everyone elses cars this weekend.
I do remember seeing your car over by the trophy room at the World of Wheels. It was Incredibly nice. If I go to Gooduy's I look you up and introduce myself.