Thread: Recommendations for rear suspension/differential

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Once again my inexperience and lack of basic knowledge shine through. I am currently stuck on what rear end application to use for my 1940 Chevy Master Deluxe. Some say to use Ford 9" and others say use GM 10 bolt rear. Can some of you more experienced folks give your recommendations. I will be installing a GM 350 engine built up to 383 stroker and either TH 350 or 700r4 tranny. I would appreciate any recommendations on what gear ratios you would recommend and also on the suspension requirements I will have. Any and all comments/recommendations will be greatly appreciate again!
Thanks in advance.

I would have to say 9" Ford, they're very strong, parts are readily available for them, and you can buy them brand new allready built to the correct width from numerous manufacturers such as Currie and Moser.

As far as gear ratio, it would depend on which tranny you decide to use and what purpose the car is going to be used for. Racing, around town cruising, or down the highway cruising.

Thanks again Dave. My car will be used mostly hiway cruising since I live outside of town, but with some in town driving. I am not really sure which transmission is the best. I fairly familiar with the TH350 and 400, but the 700r4 and the L series transmissions I am not familiar with at all. I see many people building their rods and using the 700R4 but don't know what they offer over the 350 or 400. The price you have to pay to learn I suppose !!!

lots of choices here..the 700 R has a low first gear..I believe 3.05-1..correct me if wrong and the forth gear is an overdrive I believe either .86 or .73...for your build up I would go for a 12 bolt with end axle retainers...for suspension you could go for a single leaf,coil over with Cal-tracs......coil over 4-link....as far as the ratio goes a 3.55 with Posi would be good....

Thanks Woody for the input. I am finding out there are lots of options and much to consider. Guess that's why I joined here to
pick up what info you experienced guys have to offer and are willing to share. I do appreciate the info and recommendations.
Thanks again

With the 700R4, a set of 3.25 gears would give you a real nice cruising speed at 2000 to 2500 RPM, depending on tire size you use. I like the 9" Ford over the 12 bolt GM, mainly because it is easier to change gears. Just slide the axles out, and pop in a different center section. Even have a set of 6.33's set up on a spool for the serious Saturday night stuff. Just my 2 cents worth. The GM 12 bolt is an equally strong unit.

2004R tranny (not cheap to build up but stronger than a 700R4 when built) and it's the same length as a TH350.

8.8 Ford from '95 or newer Explorer.

>>>They're cheap, disk brakes, 31 spline axles, factory posi, 3.55 or 3.73 gears from the factory.

Thanks Richard....that tranny is a new one on the list for me. I will look into it though. The rear sounds pretty good with most of the needed goodies already there. Gonna check some salvages today. I appreciate your suggestions.

For Overdrive tranny check out these guys. Lotsa good info there even if you don't buy one of their units:

www.bowtieoverdrives.com

Overdrives are really a best of both worlds deal, can't beat 'em.

I agree with Richard on the Explorer 8.8, they are very available, most are positration, have good gear selections with 3.55 and 3.73 and they come with disk brakes. If they are the right width for your ride, it's a sweet deal. They are also plenty strong.

Pat

Hey Pat thank you very much for the comments and especially for the link to Bowtie. I now know more than I will ever need to know about transmissions.... Seriously I really enjoyed their site and know now where I will be getting my tranny when I am ready for it. Their prices were really great and I have seen these transmissions sell for more on ebay.
Thanks again