That is a 1981-1987 Van/Truck bellhousing with the ballstud style bell... the clutchfork is 1/2" too long for the A-body with this combination, and will make geometry a little more fun
under your car.. it will all bolt up, but the Z-bar to fork rod will be out of alignment.


FYI. Look for an A/F body version with the slotted retainer and the fork with the 'tab'....(Pre-1981)


Note for lurkers, this clutch fork length is correct if using an 11" clutch and 143 tooth flywheel in a 1967-1980 slant six A/F body...FYI.

So it *could* fit, but it'd take a lot more work than with the correct one? Yeah, I'm looking for a different one...I might end up just just doing the passon route for all the remaining parts.

Now if I can find a good rear axle without having to go the moser route...Or would the 7.25 axle be adequate? Either way,I have to change out both the axle shafts (so that it matches the 5x4.5 botl pattern up front) as well as the axle ratio...would it be better to find an 8.25 or 8.75, or just leave the original?

How's this shifter look, also? Will it clear a bench seat?

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Is the above alright? I don't wanna buy it and find out it won't fit bench seats....sorry. Plus the axle question above, I've no idea which direction to go. (Sorry, I hope I'm not annoying)

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Shifter looks like one from a late F body (I have one like it in a bin in the shop).



These pop up on craigslist occasionally... I got my last one on this coast for $200.... If putting in an A-833OD, then you could find one for a bit more $$$
in 3.55 and sure grip from a 340/360 Duster/Dart...3.21 rears are common as well (I've had 2, one from a 1973 Dart Sport and one from a 1974 Duster... both
were from manual 3 speed on the floor cars...)

FYI you will need to shorten your driveline or find one from a similar car with the HD rear end...

So how does that factor into fit? Should I look for a different one? Sorry if some of these seem obvious, I'm reading as much as I can but I'm still new to this sort of work. Is it just the shifter handle different, or are there differences in the mechanism/rods themselves?

I did expect driveshaft modding for a different axle, yes. I've never actually spotted an A-body 8.25 for sale though. This one from a Duster MIGHT be (I didn't know the photo was so blurry til I was home). Even if it is, I'm not sure of its salvageable. I've heard Jeeps have them too, but that perches/shockmounts have to be moved?

Edit: How about This plus this?

Edit 2: Is there any chance my engine can take the pilot bushing? Or should I start looking for a replacement? Hmm, earlier in thread I was told an early 70s engine should....is there any chance of it not?

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The straight 4 speed is the way to go if you like to drive.I set my 65 valiant wagon up with a 170 slant a A833 out of a 65 Barracuda and a 7 1/4 sure grip with 323 gears.I LOVE IT ! The little 170 really performs well with this set up and it's a blast to drive.

Yep, I've already got the trans itself! Since it's an OD, I'm going to go at least 3.55, maybe even 3.73 or 3.90.

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