I've had an A-body 8-3/4 housing for several years, and after pricing 8-1/4 rear ends in our local yards, I decided to build the 8-3/4 for my convertible. I've been gathering bits and pieces, including new BBP Yukon axles with green bearings, 3.23 open gears, and 10" brake parts.

It's sort of a shame to use that rear end in a nearly stock 225, and because of the overkill, I'm back to the idea of swapping someone for a BBP 8-1/4 with 3.23 gears. But that's easier said than done, and I doubt I'll find such a combination in North Texas. The only thing I've found locally have 2.something gears and the prices are too high to justify buying one and changing gears. I really don't want that tall gearing and the gutlessness that goes with it.

Suggestions anyone? When checking small yards, which models might be more likely to have 3.23's?

8.25" A-body 3.21's non -sure grip most likely...

1973-1976 3spd manual on the floor cars with disc brakes...(most likely)
1973-1976 Duster/Dart Sport 340/360 cars...(those also came with 2.94 and 3.55:1 sure grip rears...)

-D.Idiot

Install the 8 3/4 in the car and be done with it, you will be glad you did.
I currently own five SL6 cars that have 8 3/4 rears, all of them have enjoyed more then a few 1 hour gear ratio swaps.
DD

Ditto... Worry about putting an 8.25 in it only if you get another vehicle that needs the 8.75.....

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Ed
64 Valiant 225 / 904 / 42:1 manual steering / 9" drum brakes

Thanks for the info, DI.

You guys are probably right. If nothing else, it's the old "bird in the hand" concept. The only used parts I have left to scavenge are the e-brake cables and shock mounts, so I'm almost there.

If it is stock? Wouldn't a BBP 7 1/4 be fine? People give them away! The stock in my Duster is 3:23's. Just SBP. I have a '66 B body 8 3/4 with a chunk from somewhere else with 3:91's

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'72 Duster 198 stock cam, 3:23's Hookers on jack stands for 8 years in the driveway
'79 Maxivan 360 Offy Qjet Comp RV cam/rusting in the driveway.
93 D350 160HP Cummins Auto Dually Clubcab needs a injector pump
2005 Golden Couch Buick

Probably, but since I'm going through the exercise of changing things, I'd like a bit of insurance. It's also possible that I might do a few more engine mods when the one I have tires out.

Except for a Super Six, electronic ignition and a new timing chain, the engine is the way it rolled out of the factory, so the internals will soon need some work.