Re: [Amc-list] Ford rear for my American...

[Frank Swygert <farna@xxxxxxx>]

It seems to me that changing to a 7.5" axle is a backwards move. If the nuts have been retorqued over the last 5-10 years on the AMC 15 you don't have anything to worry about, unless you plan on running slicks or putting in mini-tubs for tires over 9" wide. Now if you really want to change the gear ratio I don't know that I'd invest in gears for the 15, or there's some other reason to change something about the rear axle that's a bit costly. Replacing the bearings and such (general rebuild) isn't too much trouble or cost, but replacing the ring and pinion and/or putting in/rebuilding the AMC limited slip diff would be. It's like the rack and pinion steering in my Classic, or the dual carbs I ran for a while on my old 63 American 196 powered car -- more "gee whiz" and/or "ooh-ahh" factor than need. I should include the Jag IRS in that category too, although I did need to change the rear suspension and axle and wanted rear disc brakes... it's just an expensive way to do it! 

The Ford 7.5" should be about as strong as an AMC 15 (7.56"), but only because of the one piece axle/hub. I think the shafts are actually a bit smaller than the 15, but may not be, or be a harder material (doubtful). The two piece design is only a problem with lots of hp and slicks or very wide tires and good traction control. There are guys with 400 hp AMXs (two seaters) running two piece hubs with no mods in 10 second cars. They just retorque the axle nuts every 4-5 years (at least one mentioned doing it every year or every other year... I forget which!). 

--------------
Date: Mon, 07 Jul 2008 17:18:06 +0000
From: Wrambler242@xxxxxxxxxxx

Well, I made it back alive, now time to start investigating getting my hands on the 90-92 ranger 8.8"  rear end for the American.
The guy I had contacted on eBay wants about $625 for the rear he has and does not know mileage or condition.
  I'm saving that as a last resort measure!
I'm kind of wondering how a 7.5 would fair? seems like a dumb move, but it would allow me to get rid of the two piece axles and go to rear discs.
   I know my 84 Mustang GT had a 5.0L and a stick in it and I beat the snot out of i's 7.5 and never broke it... 

  

-- 
Frank Swygert
Publisher, "American Motors Cars" 
Magazine (AMC)
For all AMC enthusiasts
http://farna.home.att.net/AMC.html
(free download available!)


_______________________________________________
Amc-list mailing list
Amc-list@xxxxxxxxxxxx
http://splatter.wps.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/amc-list