Differential, Axle Shafts & Driveshaft

Message Topic Search Topic Options Post Reply Create New Topic Printable Version Translate Topic

   Ladies and Gentleman,
Wanted to solicit which drivetrain parts you are using and why. As I start planning my 521 install (and all the little things that go with it), I am interested in what I need to do versus what would be nice to do. Your real life experiences will have a big influence on me not buying all top-of-the line components if I don't need them.

Why is this in the big block forum you ask? Because I specifically want the experience of big block owners only - if I were leaving my 351W in, I would not even be worried about any of this one bit.

A little background; This is going into my 75 Sport - currently 351W (235,000 original miles), and as such everything at least needs a good rebuild drive-train wise (with a new engine and transmission going in). I will be looking for a new housing - the one in there had a sealed axle shaft bearing disintigrate on me in 1996 and it chewed part of the axle housing where the bearing sits so I figured a new one was justified.

Like Paul (Psquare75), I want to retain my higher gears (2.75 right now) but I would like more traction. Not racing this thing, but all the rain in Seattle, extra traction on wet roads is always a welcome thing. I had read about a "locker minus" differential that was good for the street and not too bad on corners provided you did not give it too much gas - can't remember what it was though.

Anyway, my specific questions for all of you:

1.  What driveshaft do you use? Like it?
2.  What differential do you use? Like it?
3.  What axle shafts do you use? Like them?

I am not convinced I need top of the line Currie (or whoever) parts for a daily driver 521. Want to see what works and I think the conversation will guide me to the right answer.

Thanks!

Author	Message Topic Search Topic Options Post Reply Create New Topic Printable Version Translate Topic
GranTorinoSport Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Admin Group Admin of "The Org" Joined: 20-May-2003 Location: Seattle Status: Offline Points: 2290	Post Options Post Reply Quote GranTorinoSport Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Topic: Differential, Axle Shafts & Driveshaft Posted: 01-July-2012 at 11:42PM
	Ladies and Gentleman, Wanted to solicit which drivetrain parts you are using and why. As I start planning my 521 install (and all the little things that go with it), I am interested in what I need to do versus what would be nice to do. Your real life experiences will have a big influence on me not buying all top-of-the line components if I don't need them. Why is this in the big block forum you ask? Because I specifically want the experience of big block owners only - if I were leaving my 351W in, I would not even be worried about any of this one bit. A little background; This is going into my 75 Sport - currently 351W (235,000 original miles), and as such everything at least needs a good rebuild drive-train wise (with a new engine and transmission going in). I will be looking for a new housing - the one in there had a sealed axle shaft bearing disintigrate on me in 1996 and it chewed part of the axle housing where the bearing sits so I figured a new one was justified. Like Paul (Psquare75), I want to retain my higher gears (2.75 right now) but I would like more traction. Not racing this thing, but all the rain in Seattle, extra traction on wet roads is always a welcome thing. I had read about a "locker minus" differential that was good for the street and not too bad on corners provided you did not give it too much gas - can't remember what it was though. Anyway, my specific questions for all of you: 1. What driveshaft do you use? Like it? 2. What differential do you use? Like it? 3. What axle shafts do you use? Like them? I am not convinced I need top of the line Currie (or whoever) parts for a daily driver 521. Want to see what works and I think the conversation will guide me to the right answer. Thanks!
	Scott Eklund Webmaster

stanman Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 23-March-2007 Location: Nova Scotia, Ca Status: Offline Points: 1434	Post Options Post Reply Quote stanman Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 02-July-2012 at 1:56AM
	I do not now, nor have I in the past, owned a big block. However, I have had experience with a limited slip differential in my last F150. The problem I see, since you specifically mentioned wet roads, is the "go sideways" factor. Fun if you're ready or planning for it, but a nasty suprise if you aren't. With the kind of power your 521 puts out in comparison to my 5.0 you will have trouble launching on any surface with an open diff but could lauch hard OR light up both tires at will with a posi or limited slip....or go sideways on wet pavement at any speed. I don't know if this helps but hope it gives you something to ponder.

Psquare75 Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Admin Group Member of the Stroker Club Joined: 26-November-2005 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 4591	Post Options Post Reply Quote Psquare75 Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 02-July-2012 at 2:37AM
	I'll get grief from the racers..... 78 Cougar.. 523/C6 1. Driveshaft, custom from Denny's driveshaft. I gave them measurements and they put one together for me. 1330 u joints. Thinking was, would you rather break a u Joint, or a tailshaft/rear end pinion? (this was reinforced by others here and on 460ford) I do have an eBay driveshaft loop that I installed 2. Just a refreshed 4 pinion 28 spline trac loc. It paints two black lines nicely, which was my concern. 3. Axles...... 100% stock 28 spline axles.. Caveat: I run heavy street tires. Traction isn't all that great. I can count on one hand how many burnouts I've done (2) and WOT launches I've done from a standing start (3). Call it getting old, maturity, or whatever, but I didn't build the car to really beat on it. 77 Cougar very mild 460/c6 1. I don't know. Looked like a stock piece. 2. OEM tired 3.00:1 trac loc 28 spline 3. OEM 28 spline Again, not built to beat on, but daily drive. I had real cheap Mastercraft RWL tires. They made that car feel very fast, as they'd squeak REAL easy. The diff had bad clutches when I bought it, but I was only concerned with the gear increase and keeping the car mobile. WOT launches are laughable. Resulted in one wheel spinning rapidly. Rain was fun. If you want your car to feel powerful, buy a set of Mastercrafts! What would I do if funds weren't an issue? 31 splines with either a Detroit soft locker or a Torsen in an OEM case. Camaro guys keep breaking Torsens, but they are launching at 3-4K + with a manual trans and drag radials or slicks. I haven't actually been in a car with a Detroit locker or soft locker, so I can't comment on their driveability or noise. Personally I'd want a noiseless unit.. Let the Mustang guys deal with the bangs and rattles. I think you were describing the Torsen, Scott.
	Paul 77 XR7 460/C6/3.00:1 SOLD 78 XR7 523/C6/3.5:1 79 F100 460/TKO500/3.25:1 'I also have some left over potatoes-I understand you can generate electricity from them'- Foote500