bwilde86

iTrader: (5)

Currently planning out a build.

1958 Chevy truck. Will have a 4 link system in the back. Will probably be in the 500-750 rwhp range with a manual trans.

I know 9 inches are always the favorite for fbody cars with dana 60 being a close second. From what I've heard the 12 bolt failed on these cars due to the torque arm. Is a 12 bolt as strong at a 60 or 9inch if built right with no torque arm? 12 bolts are just easier to find and generally cheaper so was hoping it would be strong enough.

01ssreda4

iTrader: (96)

http://www.performancetrucks.net/forums/

What kind of launches are you planning? A 12 bolt will definitely work for your application.

TurboS10

iTrader: (12)

The issue you have is weight.
You'll be close to 4000lbs with that setup.
You'll want a 35 spline D60 if you'll ever run at the strip with a slick.
If running the big 32" street tire you might want the D60 still.
I found my housing only on craigslist with 3.73 and open diff for $75 out of an 01 1 ton van. 3.25 tubes stock....I'm saving it in case I ever get around to building a truck again.

I had a 60"ish flange to flange 2nd gen fbody 10blt in my 59 and it fit perfect w/ stock offset rims.

For street tires only, the cheapest is an 8.8 out of a ford truck and put strange chevy ends on it when it's narrowed. The truck housing is stronger/heavier than the mustang.
Get the 31 spline Ford Motor Sport clutch style diff for $250 and custom strange axles.
The 8.8 internals are a copy of the 12 blt.
These probably won't survive on 315 drag radial either at that weight.

Download the strange catalog and look at what's available for all the rear ends. Prices are close regardless where you buy. But Currie and Moser seem to be the highest.

You said 4 link.
The street rod style parallel 4 link is not the same as a Chassis Works drag style 4 link. The parallel style will not work well with that much horsepower.

01ssreda4

iTrader: (96)

A slick is easy on parts due to the sidewall. I would say a hard hitting drag radial like an et street radial would be the hardest on parts.

bwilde86

iTrader: (5)

Your 59 weighs 4000lbs? Mine is close to 3200. I plan to use it mainly for street but occasionally take it to the track. I live close to strange engineering actually. Why would the 4 link be a bad idea? I'm not looking for a drag setup... I want more Street use and handling rather than launching.

TurboS10

iTrader: (12)

I don't know what it weighed. Others online said that's what it weighed.

Street rod suspension won't hook with that much power.
If it does, most setups are not strong enough.
Guys with old trucks tend to get the street rod stuff.
Might be a bad assumption on my part.

Talks to tech at Chassis Works and they'll try to sell you what will do what you want.

NASCAR runs 60's truck arm style. see Hotrods from Hell site

Lots of options