Does anyone know what would have been a common rear end for a 1983 Dodge 250 Custom Maxivan with a 318-V8? I may be able to get the 360-V8 4bbl from one of these vans, but I was hoping to find out ahead of time what the rear end could possibly be. The van originally had a 318 but was replaced.

Jerry

_________________
There's a difference between ignorance and stupidity.
Ignorance is not knowing any better.
Stupidity is knowing, yet doing it anyway.

Only two rear ends available for Vans and trucks...most 80's vans got the 8 1/4" rear, but some heavy duty vans and trucks could be optioned for the 9 1/4" rear...


-D.Idiot

DI,
So, the obvious question is, would either one of those from the van bolt up under our '74 Sport?

Jerry

_________________
There's a difference between ignorance and stupidity.
Ignorance is not knowing any better.
Stupidity is knowing, yet doing it anyway.

If I find a good truck rear (like 3.55-4.11), I pull the gears. I measured up a truck once and the rear was 7" wider (backing plate to backing plate) than the duster rear I had in my car....

You'd need some mods, some welding, and the correct backspaed rims to make it work...the 12 bolt 9 1/4" is ok for it's application, but not worth bothering with under a slant six car (or even a small block car either)...

The easiest one to roll under and slightly modify (non-stock applications), are the early to mid 60's B-body 8 3/4" rear ends.... I've heard Volare/Aspen rears work, but you have to do some modifications as well...


good luck on the hunt....

-D.Idiot

I've seen 8 3/4" in vans before but I am not sure what model it was.

unless transplanted from an earlier model...the 8 3/4" died in the 1972 model year for passenger cars, and in 1974 in the Truck/Van line....

If you can find an 8 3/4" truck axle, you can have a shop cut it down and order axle shafts to make it fit under anything...they are a very strong rear end...but rear gear sets aren't cheap any more...nor are those rear ends...

-D.Idiot

Tell me about it.. I bought a parts car (duster 340) solely for the rear, anything else that came on it was only a bonus (wasn't much useable left...)
Usually those gears are in good condition and you can get away with a $210 rebuild that includes bearings/seal/labor. Thats what a local shop charged me, 110 labor and 100 for the bearing/shim kit. If you find a complete used unit that looks ok chances are you can just run it after you clean it up and change the oil.
I have some extra center sections, if anyone is interested.