Alright guys, im not sure if this place is like the HAMB and i ahve to do a intro, so ill jsut do a quick one, and get to the point of this post. Im a 18 year old kid whos working on a 1966 Valiant v100. I know i have to upgrade the brake system, and im researching that in the Brakes section right now, but allmy car friends tell me i have to put a new rearend in it. Is this a necessity? if so, why? and if it is, what kind should i use? Thanks for your time, Evan

guh...that was me, yeah, im a new guy, what can i say...

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if its yours, nobody has to like it except you...

H'mm. There are possible reasons why you might want to install a different type of rear axle, but not so much to get better brakes (there are plenty of good brakes that fit a stock '66 Valiant rear axle) but to get a stronger rear axle assembly.

What kind of driving are you doing, and what is leading you to want to upgrade the brakes? Better brakes are always nice, but standard brakes work fine if they're in proper repair.

Also remember, if you only have time or money to upgrade half the brake system at a time, always start with the front. Better brakes only in front = better stopping. Better brakes only in rear = lockup, spin, crash.

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一期一会
Too many people who were born on third base actually believe they've hit a triple.

oh i definatly am upgrading the front first, up to disc brakes, i shoulda been more clear...and, well, lets just say im driving like a 18 year old, haha...so, do i need a better rearend? and if so, why, what kind, you know that sort of thing...thanks again guys

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if its yours, nobody has to like it except you...

Better brakes are a good idea. Which kind are you going to install? Be careful in selection and installation - lots of people depend on it.
One reason for changing rears is to get the 5 on 4.5" bolt pattern to match the pattern on the 73-76 A-body front disk brakes a lot of people use. A better variety of rims is available in that size than in the 5 on 4", and having the same bolt pattern all around is a good thing in my book.

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"When you find a big kettle of crazy, it's best not to stir it." - Pointy-haired Boss

1964 Valiant V200, 225/Pushbutton 904
BBD, CAI, HEI, LBP, AC, AM/FM/USB, EIEIO

what are you ultimate plans with the car? big horsepower, lotsa torque? if thats what your going for then yes you need to upgrade to a stronger axle. better brakes usually come with it. whether you get a ford 8", mopar 8.25" or 8.75", all those axles come with a larger 5x4.5" bolt pattern vs. the 5x4" bolt that will be in the front. now you have to carry two spares or chenge the front end to the larger bolt with either the 73-76 A-body discs or the 76-80 aspen/volare discs. you need to sit down and plan your build up of the car so you know which direction you need to go. keep coming back and we'll help.

zedpapa

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1970 dodge dart w/225 /6 bored .040" over, holley 390cfm w/vac. sec., compcams 252s, clifford shorty headers w/2.5" exhaust w/flowmaster, f-body 11" front discs, aluminum A-833OD, 8 1/4 w/3.21 SG
soon to have 5 gears!!!

Don't forget Ford 8.8

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"Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account."

i just want to make a cruizer. gunna keep the 170, origional everything, pretty much. Its gunna be lowered, front brakes upgraded (whats the best kind to use?) and i donno about the rear end yet...the two spares is a good point. Thanks for your time guys

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if its yours, nobody has to like it except you...

If you arent going to change to a V8 I wouldnt change the rearend at all. There is no point. You are young and I would guess this needs to be cheap. Just make sure the rear brakes are right, upgrade the front brakes to disc and be done with it. Im sure you want to put most of your money in the looks and interior. At least I did when I was a kid.

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James E. Faith
My First Ride built 14 years ago....still got it!
http://www.pctradepost.net/images/71.jpg

i like what im hearing from you, haha...im actualy looking to keep the origional interior and just rattle can the car primer black, until after college (4 years) when i chop the top and shave the handles, then im going with a cream interior, and gloss black, with red metal flake roof and scallops...i was talking to a buddy of mine, he told me to just get a universal spare, so i thin kill go with that, and keep the rear end. But he also mentioned how he thinks a rear and brake parts from a Volari (sp?) wagon would work well with the 66'...any thoughts?

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if its yours, nobody has to like it except you...