I remember seeing a rear end housing on a street rod a few years back that was very large. Bigger than a Ford 9". I believe the owner told me it was from an Oldsmobile or Buick. From the back of the car the diameter of the housing looked great and dominated the view. I haven't been able to find one on ebay, not knowing what it was out of didn't help. Does anyone out there have an idea?
Large Rear End Housing
- Thread starter 1lapdown
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R Pope
Well-known member
Early '50's Olds rears are big. They were the one to use before the 9" Ford came along. I think they handled power better, but are hard to find parts for now.
I agree on the Olds. All the old drag cars used them before the 9' because they could handle the abuse. Buick does have a large center section but not as widely used and hard to find posi units. I'm current looking for a posi for a 55-63 housing thats posi . Found a couple in the $1000 range!
Dirtyrat
Got Fins?
I believe some pontiacs had this larger rear as well.
Willowbilly3
A *real* tin magnet
Wouldn't shipping be prohibitive if you found one on ebay? Probably why there aren't any on there.
I'm not sure what years are desirable. I sent a 1958 98 to the crusher with one in it this year, couldn't seem to get any interest in it.
I'm not sure what years are desirable. I sent a 1958 98 to the crusher with one in it this year, couldn't seem to get any interest in it.
RPM
The Rat Master!
Have you looked at the Dana 60? Bigger and stronger than a 9" and a lot less expensive to build. A lot less expensive!
You can build a bullet proof Dana 60 for less than a $1000.
You can build a bullet proof Dana 60 for less than a $1000.
blurooster
Well-known member
size mattered when I was younger but now I like a good ride and unsprung weight comes into play. I have never run slicks so never needed the biggest heaviest rear end. Ford 8" and the new(?) 8.8" are good strong units with a wide gear selection.
Willowbilly3
A *real* tin magnet
I agree, 8.8s can be found complete with limited slip for a couple hundred bucks, or less. And with disc brakes if you like.
440shorty
Well-known member
Buick
Buick rears up to 64 or so were made for closed driveshafts, i.e. torque tube.
Just sayin'
440shorty
Buick rears up to 64 or so were made for closed driveshafts, i.e. torque tube.
Just sayin'
440shorty
donsrods
Well-known member
Hey, hey, hey........I DO NOT have a large rear end. I am just big boned. 
The question that comes to my mind is, why do you want that particular rear end ? Large does not necessarily mean better or stronger. Plus, you will be dealing with a very expensive rear end to build and gear ratios are not cheap or plentiful either.
There is a reason the Ford 9 incher has become probably the most popular hot rod rear, and the 8 incher is probably a close second. Another downside of a big old rear end is unsprung weight, which affects the ride quality of a car.
Don
The question that comes to my mind is, why do you want that particular rear end ? Large does not necessarily mean better or stronger. Plus, you will be dealing with a very expensive rear end to build and gear ratios are not cheap or plentiful either.
There is a reason the Ford 9 incher has become probably the most popular hot rod rear, and the 8 incher is probably a close second. Another downside of a big old rear end is unsprung weight, which affects the ride quality of a car.
Don
