Hey everyone, I JUST SIGNED UP TODAY, MY SON AND I ARE BUIDLING AN 82 Z28, WITH 383 STROKER. WE ARE LOOKING TO GET INTO THE 11'S IN THE 1/4 MILE, THE CAR IS REAR HALFED WITH LADDER BARS, BUT DOESNT HAVE A REAR HOUSING. I WANT TO INSTALL A SHORTENED 9" FORD, BUT THE COST IS WAY OUT OF MY BUDGET. I DO HAVE AN 8.5 10 BOLT REAR HOUSING OUT OF AN 81 1/2 TON 4X4 TRUCK. WILL THIS WORK FOR MY APPLICATION?
CAN IT BE SHORTENED TO AROUND 45"? IF SO, CAN I FIND SHORTENED AXLES THAT WILL CONVERT TO 5 BOLT WHEEL PATTERN? WILL MY EXISTING DRUM BRAKE BOLT ON? OR WHAT CAR BRAKES IF ANY WILL WORK? AS FAR AS GEARING CAN I GET A SPOOL TO WORK IN THIS HOUSING?
I AM NOT SURE OF THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A CAR AND TRUCK HOUSING. ANY ADVISE ON SOLVING MY PROBLEM  WOULD BE AWSOME!!!!!!!  

I cant tell you the differences in the car-truck 8.5. I can tell you that I would not use an 8.5 10 bolt rear in a car with enough power to run in the 11's. I just purchased a GM 12 bolt for my 80 Camaro (50.00). If your going to make lots of power, I wouldn't go with anything less or you'll be picking up the pieces from the pavement.  

YEH YOUR RIGHT CUTTING CORNERS IN THIS AREA WOULD JUST END UP COSTING ME MORE DOWN THE ROAD! I GOT SOME TIME, I WILL HAVE TO KEEP SEARCHING FOR A 12 BOLT OR A 9" THAT WAY THE CAR WILL BE DONE RIGHT. THANKS FOR YOUR ADVICE, ITS JUST WHAT I NEEDED TO HEAR, TO CONVINCE MYSELF TO DO IT RIGHT.  

Whats with the caps DRDZ28?  

I too am a newbie and am building a 55 Belair I got last spring. It has a 10 bolt in it and I have already bought a 9' to replace it. For now I will be pumping up a 327 similar to what this GREAT MAGAZINE published over the last two issues. The 10 bolt can't handle that type of abuse so i am starting from scratch with a 9" and 3.88 gears, which are in it. I only want( and according to my "finacial director") can only afford to do this once so i better build her to take any future pumpos in HP that I might want to go to.I plan on a TH400 with a Gear Vendors behing it...when I get the cash!
ANYBODY OUT THERE......I have to narrow to pack it in the wheel wells and probably tub her a little to get the tires I want under it.Am I alright with the 3.88 gears and where do most people cut the axles to do the splice, against the pumpkin or out closer to the axle bearings?