rear disc conversion

[Moparfreak1980]

I got a 85 dodge ram and have been looking into converting it to rear disc and was wondering if the parts off a 75 imperial rear end would work I know the bolt pattern is different

[Speed Dragon]

http://www.tsmmfg.com/2551C.htm

[76D100]

I was also thinking about this mod, I dont want to buy someones kit, Id rather build it myself.

Whats a simple bolt on to the axle?

[Moparfreak1980]

what I was thinking is I already have everything one would need to do this on a axle sitting behind my shed if it would work

[Speed Dragon]

I believe it will all bolt on, check the bolt pattern where the backing plate bolts to the rear end housing. If it's the same, it will bolt on. You'll need '85-older 8 1/4 axles (assuming that's what rear you have) for the smaller 4.5" wheel pattern. You can make the fronts match by using '85-older spindles and rotors also.

[B-300]

I looked at doing an Imperial axle swap about 2 decades ago into amy '78 van and if I recall correctly the reason I didn't is the Imperial had 5 on 5" which didn't match the 5 on 4-1/2" or the '85 up 5 on 5-1/2" bolt circle.
:WHT: It's possible that I found an 8-3/4" rear end first and choose to go that way. I do have an 8-3/4" rear end in my '71 van with Willwood rear disc brakes... They won't work on a 8-1/4" or 9-1/4" rear axle because they have fixed calipers and those axles need floating calipers do to the semi-floating axles that move a bit at the C-clips.

[Moparfreak1980]

I am not looking to change the bolt pattern on my truck (although I would like a sure grip) I picked this thing up while working at a wrecking yard to save it they just wanted the motor and tranny the rest was going to the crusher but i have yet to find a use for it and was thinking this could be one

[76D100]

So... What backing plates should I be looking for from what year of what car to bolt up to my current dif?

[Moparfreak1980]

this is a 5 x 4.5 bolt pattern out of a 75 Chrysler Imperial with a 440 mind you new calipers pads and discs are likely needed but I would consider letting it go

[B-300]

I would go with something newer that you can find replacement parts for. Thinking back 2 decades I think the axle I was looking at was a large ford car with coil springs.

[4404spd]

How about a rear disc set up off a 02-up Ram with 9 1/4 5.5 bolt pattern I know the disc's are really big and you need to run 17" wheels and larger though.

[Moparfreak1980]

thats some of the problem I have rims for the truck http://memimage.cardomain.com/member_images/8/web/656000-656999/656679_14_full.jpg

[B-300]

The Willwood's I have are 12.19" rotors and just fit under aluminum 15x8.5" rims that have a deep-dish. (offset for wider track)
Your wheels look like they are deep-dish also, mine are the classic slot type rims.

[Moparfreak1980]

mine are 15x8.5 but i don't know about the deep dish i think they likely are but couldn't tell ya for sure

and since i'm asking questions is there anyway to get me a possi for my 5x5.5 bolt patern with out going to a Found On Road Dead rear end

[B-300]

There are many suppliers for limited slip differentals to fit all of the rear and front axles Dodge used. Seach "limited slip differential".

[Speed Dragon]

mine are 15x8.5 but i don't know about the deep dish i think they likely are but couldn't tell ya for sure

and since i'm asking questions is there anyway to get me a possi for my 5x5.5 bolt patern with out going to a Found On Road Dead rear endCahnge the front spindles, rotors, and rear axle shafts and drums to '85-newer pieces.

[B-300]

He already has an '85 according to post #1.
The correct dodge term for limited slip is "Sure-grip" not possi.
(My rear wheels look like those on Starsky Hutches' Torino.)

[4404spd]

1980-1993 had 5x51/2 bolt circle in 86 they went to a fork to engage the 4x4.

[Speed Dragon]

He already has an '85 according to post #1.
The correct dodge term for limited slip is "Sure-grip" not possi.
(My rear wheels look like those on Starsky Hutches' Torino.)Oh, I misread his post, I thought he was asking how to change to the 5.5" bolt pattern.

4404spd, not sure what fork you are referring to, but the bolt pattern was 4.5" up until at least '84, I think '85 is when they changed to the larger pattern but it may have been '86.

[4404spd]

Oh, I misread his post, I thought he was asking how to change to the 5.5" bolt pattern.

4404spd, not sure what fork you are referring to, but the bolt pattern was 4.5" up until at least '84, I think '85 is when they changed to the larger pattern but it may have been '86.
Im talking 4x4 im not sure if i saw if his truck is 4x4 or 2wd.

[Speed Dragon]

Im talking 4x4 im not sure if i saw if his truck is 4x4 or 2wd.Oh, gotcha. IIRC he has a 2x4, could be wrong though.

[Moparfreak1980]

nope your right it's just rwd and 85 is the year that they changed to the 5x5.5