I have put the "new" Ford 8" rear in the Dart. The pumpkin is offset enough from the Mopar that the drive shaft now interferes with the muffler on the driver's side. Do I have concerns here about the lateral angle now present in the drive shaft, or is it simply another vector in the vertical angle that is already there? The Mopar rear was set up with 2 degrees at the front u joint and 2.5 degrees in the back, and was perfectly smooth at all speeds. I am certain the lateral angle is less than that by far, just judged by eye. I don't know how I would actually measure it. It seems as if things will be cool as long as the front and rear angles are the same.

I know there are guys out there running this rear in their A body Mopars, so suspect it is fine. All other dimensions are perfect. The flange to flange measurement is a prefect match at 56.5". I was able to set the disk brakes up correctly. I cannot drive it yet as I need new U-bolts and the drive shaft is a bit short for my comfort. The locator pins on the new springs are slightly further back than the old ones, the Ford rear has a shorter rear yoke, and the shaft was a bit short to begin with. This all adds up to not quite enough yoke in the trans.

I will need to move the exhaust over to clear the shaft now, as it was very close before, and will interfere until I do something. . My exhaust is due for a rethink and redesign anyway.

Thanks in advance for the normally thoughtful and helpful responses.

Sam

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The lateral offset will cause no ill effect.

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Yeah....Im the one who destroyed this rare, vintage automobile.....

Wonderful. Thanks. I figured as much since you, Lou and others are running Ford rears. But you know by now I am a professional paranoid.

Sam

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