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Easiest way to switch rear wheels to LBP?
https://slantsix.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=64655		 Page 1 of 2
Author:  Andy's GT [ Sat Mar 28, 2020 4:43 pm ]
Post subject:  Easiest way to switch rear wheels to LBP?
Hey y'all, this is probably a dumb question, but what all do I need to make my rear wheels LBP? 67 Dart GT, 3 speed auto, stock rear end (7 1/4 I assume?).
I installed a disc brake kit a while back, and so currently am running 14" LBP front, 13" SBP rear, and have a 14" SBP for my spare (50% chance of having the right tire in a flat situation :oops: ).

I would love to get new wheels and tires and have them all be LBP 14" (or 15"?) So I guess I am looking for wheel recommendations too, I like the classic Cragar style, but what's easily available and semi affordable for LBP?
Author:  Reed [ Sat Mar 28, 2020 5:11 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Easiest way to switch rear wheels to LBP?
Quote:
Hey y'all, this is probably a dumb question, but what all do I need to make my rear wheels LBP? 67 Dart GT, 3 speed auto, stock rear end (7 1/4 I assume?).
I installed a disc brake kit a while back, and so currently am running 14" LBP front, 13" SBP rear, and have a 14" SBP for my spare (50% chance of having the right tire in a flat situation :oops: ).
You need either to swap to later 7 1/4 rear axles with the LBP (waste of money and effort if you can even find them), swap to an A body 8 1/4 rear axle from a 73-76 A body (this used to be the cheapest and easiest method, but those axles are getting harder to find and more expensive), switch in an A body 8 3/4 rear axle with shafts from a larger vehicle with the LBP cut down and resplined to match the A body axle (BIIIIIIIIIG $$$$ these days), or do the more budget friendly Ford explorer 8.8 rear axle swap documented elsewhere on this site.
Quote:
I would love to get new wheels and tires and have them all be LBP 14" (or 15"?) So I guess I am looking for wheel recommendations too, I like the classic Cragar style, but what's easily available and semi affordable for LBP?
Personally, I love slotted mags. Those are even availabel new from American racing in limited sizes and offsets. The 5x4.5 bolt pattern remained in used on vehicles clear into the 2000s. I suggest getting some 16 or 17 inch rims off of a late model Ford Crown Vic/Mercury Grand Marquis.
Author:  Andy's GT [ Sat Mar 28, 2020 5:28 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Easiest way to switch rear wheels to LBP?
Thanks Reed! I appreciate the breakdown of the different optionsn
Author:  Charrlie_S [ Sat Mar 28, 2020 5:30 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Easiest way to switch rear wheels to LBP?
The easiest way for me, is to redrill the SBP 7 1/4 axles and drums to LBP. But I have a drill fixture to do that.
Author:  Andy's GT [ Sat Mar 28, 2020 5:50 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Easiest way to switch rear wheels to LBP?
Is that something someone local might be able to do or something you made yourself?
Author:  GTS225 [ Sat Mar 28, 2020 7:17 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Easiest way to switch rear wheels to LBP?
The easiest method would be to find some billet wheel adapters to go from the 5x4" pattern to the 5x4.5" pattern.
The second-easiest is what Charlie suggested. There should be some machine shop near you that could perform the needed mods.
Charlie, is there enough meat on those axles to allow that? I seem to remember something about redrilled axles having the studs really close to the edge of the flange. (That might have been on the 8-3/4", though.)

Roger
Author:  Danarchy [ Sat Mar 28, 2020 7:50 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Easiest way to switch rear wheels to LBP?
Depending on your location and skill set, the Ford explorer 8.8 rear axle swap is very inexpensive. (My location Texas, Explorer rearends are less than $100) parts to refurbish about $75-$100. Cutting and welding is the dependent on your skills part.
Author:  Dart270 [ Sun Mar 29, 2020 2:04 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Easiest way to switch rear wheels to LBP?
I just bought some billet wheel adapters and have been running them on my 62 Valiant for several 1000 miles. I use deep offset wheels (Ford Mustang late 90s/early 2000s spec, or similar years Ford Ranger/Explorer, but others will work), and then run about 0.5" spacer on the front hubs (need longer studs than stock - Milodon or ARP has them).

https://www.ebay.com/itm/1-1960s-Mopar- ... 2648188246

Later you can find a rear axle with BBP and swap at your leisure.

Lou
Author:  GregCon [ Sun Mar 29, 2020 7:45 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Easiest way to switch rear wheels to LBP?
Well....this is one of those paths I am fortunate enough to not need to go down. There is really only one correct answer, though many of the suggestions have merit. Whatever you do, make sure the wheels are securely secured so they don't exit the vehicle on the highway.

If I were going to swap to a Ford 8.8", I would also swap the transmission to a Ford E4OD, and the engine to a Ford. It would be easier to use the matching Ford radiator and I would endeavour to get as much of the interior of the Ford vehicle they came from as well. I'd probably swap over the engine bay and crossmember to a Ford, and at that point I'd be better off using the Ford sheetmetal and glass. I'd change all the emblems and trim to Ford stuff, too. I would do that so as to avoid the embarrassment that arises from someone looking under my Mopar and seeing a Ford rear end. (Barfing Emoji)
Author:  volaredon [ Sun Mar 29, 2020 8:11 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Easiest way to switch rear wheels to LBP?
something not mentioned, if doing axle swap, you would also need rims with the bigger bolt pattern.....
Author:  slantzilla [ Sun Mar 29, 2020 8:47 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Easiest way to switch rear wheels to LBP?
I have 2 LBP 7-1/4 rears laying in my shop in Milford. You can have one or both if you like.

You can't put the LBP axles in an SBP housing, the tube ends and axle bearings are way different.
Author:  DadTruck [ Sun Mar 29, 2020 9:05 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Easiest way to switch rear wheels to LBP?
If this CV ever gets out of the way, maybe Andy and I can get together and make a run out to Milford,,
Author:  slantzilla [ Sun Mar 29, 2020 1:44 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Easiest way to switch rear wheels to LBP?
That would be cool!
Author:  Rick Covalt [ Sun Mar 29, 2020 5:05 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Easiest way to switch rear wheels to LBP?
Quote:
If I were going to swap to a Ford 8.8", I would also swap the transmission to a Ford E4OD, and the engine to a Ford. It would be easier to use the matching Ford radiator and I would endeavour to get as much of the interior of the Ford vehicle they came from as well. I'd probably swap over the engine bay and crossmember to a Ford, and at that point I'd be better off using the Ford sheetmetal and glass. I'd change all the emblems and trim to Ford stuff, too. I would do that so as to avoid the embarrassment that arises from someone looking under my Mopar and seeing a Ford rear end.
Greg they have a pill for what seems to be ailing you!! :D :D

Seriously the 8.8 offers major advantages in the strength and cost and availability areas. People are mentioning the Explorer swap, that requires another axle. The easier method is to just use the Mustang rear and get the right offset wheels. Most of the GT rears were posi too! Larry Bird has one in a 66 "narrow" A body so you will have more room in a 67 and up.
Author:  Andy's GT [ Sun Mar 29, 2020 6:26 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Easiest way to switch rear wheels to LBP?
I think I might take Slantzilla up on that! I'd like to keep it semi original, and f*rd free :lol: and yeah, I will need new wheels, that was my main goal, having all 4 plus the spare be the same size haha.
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