Chrysler's Best Axle - 1966 'Garbage Can' Plymouth Barracuda Gets An 8 3/4 Upgrade

This is my 1966 Plymouth Barracuda called the "Garbage Can Cuda," which is slowly being transformed into a classic-styled drag car. One important step in that process is installing a rear differential that can take the heat. I can all but guarantee that several commenters on this video will say I need to opt for a Dana 60 instead, but I'm going to insist on using the A-body's factory performance axle - the 8 3/4.

Basically, the Chrysler 8 3/4 axle is just like a Ford 9", but slightly worse. It's a relatively stout piece with a similar Hotchkiss-type replaceable center section. The sheet metal housing is a bit of a weak point, but in general, these axles were strong enough to propel countless muscle-era Chryslers into legend. Most A-body Dodge and Plymouth cars came with the smaller 7 1/4 axle. Only the most muscular performance versions (or some stick cars) got this bigger axle. For this reason, they are in short supply, but just about everyone with an A-body wants one.

Anyway, in this video, I'll cover the basics of the 8 3/4 setup, explain the process for adjusting axle shaft end play (with factory type tapered bearings, anyway,) and cover some of the finer points of replacing a differential assembly in one of these cars. I won't actually finish the installation... but that's fine.

[rctopfueler]

Great now you and uncle tony have the same car time to have a competition

[dadalebreton]

Only thing missing are Red Painted Cragars! Hahahaha
In those years, they would put red steel wheels. It was so popular that tire manufacturers started putting red lines on performance tires.
That's why I prefer painting old pitted and rusted Cragars Red instead of fake chrome paint.
Those centerlines are great also! 😊

[beljames]

Who doesn't like watching a great rear end?

[MoparJimmy]

CENTERLINES !!! Love it. Careful, I hear the back glass on those cars are worth a fortune they say.

[GregBB]

Nonstop Jaime, that is all I can say. Thanks for putting a smile on my face.

[jamesblair]

Wow. 2 early white Barracudas in one day, and what a fine day it is.

[TC-ozhk]

Bought a 65 Barracuda in 1993 just after graduating from college. Just a 225, but put a Clifford Performance header on it and a 2in exhaust. New springs, drums all around, new carpet, springs, and tires on it. Not fast but sounded great and was a great cruiser. Sold it in 2000. Miss it like crazy. Thing was in great shape and was a Northeast car. Love classic Mopars!

[rockystanaitis]

Preheating to at least 250F prior to painting is my favorite flex. I use a 20 pound propane tank and a weed burner!

[Rvshadow]

It has the same paint job as my RV. Looks great from 10 feet away, not so much up close.

[musclecarmitch]

Great rear end swap! I do prefer the tapered Timken stock bearings over the so called "Green bearings" that folks are upgrading to, the tapered bearings are a little aggravating to set up but they last better in the curves, hills and hollows in my area!👍

[bradsrestorations]

Making progress on something is all that matters! Extremely creative minds have ADD. You're doing great!

[craigerickson]

This one reminded me of 30 years ago when a did a gear swap on my javelin mod 20. Left the shackles in place but pulled the axle and replaced after the 4.10 posi upgrade. Oh to be young and strong again. 😂

[danmoffia]

When my wife says why do you have so many projects going at one time?
I just simply tell her I'm multitasking... Lol😂

[MidnightOilsRestoration]

So much relatable footage it reminds me of home and my issues with time blindness 🤦🏻‍♂️😅…all is well, nothing to worry about-carry on young man😁

[brianandrews]

Thank you for putting another rear end in the Rocket Barracuda. I have been seeing that car on several video and feeling sorry for it! I am really hoping someone will still step up adopt it and bring it back to life. Without an axle, it’s chances would go from slim to zero!

I’d adopt it myself, but I am on the other coast … plus my ‘64 Barracuda … and my wife … wouldn’t like it!

[martinadams]

I wanted to put a 8 3/4 in my 67 formula S. I found another 67 with one, had the correct e brake cables and 3.55 suregrip. i did what you did putting a 7 1/4 in its place, traded the whole car for a 85 charger 2.2, dont ask me why. charger had dead cylinder, so now is a charger 2.5. charger guy sold the red 67 fastback to some guy from Seattle, something about his kids staving. This was 20 years ago, the formula is in back of the shop, rearend in the barn. been busy restoring steam engines.

[SeanJoseph-ss]

Good A-body swap....looking forward to seeing more content and thanks..🔧🔧👍

[JeffMiletich]

Back to back videos!?!? You're gonna spoil us!

[flamesarewicked]

I lucked up and found an A-body 8 3/4 housing for my 68 Dart GT about a month ago.. 8hr round trip later I found the “unobtainium”

[classicdude-mike]

it's more than rain that falls on our heads (Waits)