Ok I have aquired a 78 Versailles rear. NO center section. After the clean up and painting, what about a change to 31 spline axels? Are there any available ? If so what about changing bearings ect. Anything there that will present problems? I have a N-case carrier that I plan to run and want to use a Detroit "sof-locker" unit with maybe 3:70 gears. Cal-tracs and mono leaft springs as well. Currently have 8.8 with 3:55s and a mini spool. I would like any experienced feedback here. I did try the search function but came up with a bunch of bits and pieces , nothing really complete start to finish. Thanks
got one in my '73 Grabber. everyone that i have seen came with 28 spline axles, as did mine, so i would say that you may have to have some made for the correct length unless you can find some from a 67-68 Mustang that was 9". i think they're about the same size btu dont hold me to it. mine was a factory Traction-Lok with 2.50 gears so i just swapped the gears out for some 3.50's and was done. bolted right in my car. i havent drove it or anything yet so cant give you any on-the-road adivce yet or anything. lemme know if i can help with anything else. i think there's a handfull of others on here that have one as well, but not many
The versille axles are small bearing.To go to 31 spline you would have to change the axle tubes to accept bigger bearings since the 31 spline axels are of the bigger bearing designe.
i can get you 31 spline axles that work with small bearings. the disk brakes on the versailles are really heavy and dont work that well. going to the more modern ford explore brakes dumps weight and they work really well.
thanks..follow up questions Mean Mav...you think the 67/68 31 splines may fit? I'll have to check into the bearing sizes to be sure I guess. What did you guyds have to do on the e-brake connection? Bryant- would the explorer brakes be a direct blot up with the Versailles rear? Why do you feel they work better? Have any of you guys made any kind of master cyl swap or changes ? if so what did you use? I'm only making 360 RWHP so maybe the 28 spline would suffice, just thought the 31 spline would be better. I really want to go to a detroit sof-loc rear , but don't want to make this a 1500.00 project either . Would love to hear any details form any of you guys on the swap. I am going to put on the cal-tracs and probably monoleaf springs at the same time. Already have the stuff for the frt disc brake swap, its going on too. Thanks again all !
the exploerer brakes are alot lighter. the parking brake is a small drum inside the rotor hat and it holds realy well. the caliper is simple and light compared to the lincon caliper. they dont just bolt on. heres a tech artical that goes over the install http://mmb.maverick.to/showthread.php?t=43089 you can get a brand new kit from currie for around 450 or you can go junk yarding and find them for under 100 bucks. there is ring that goes between the axle bearing and retaining plate that you will need if you get the stuff used. you can get it from currie they make it in a two pice style that makes it so you dont have to replace the bearing. with your power and suspension plans you should upgrade to 31 spline axles. a new axle kit with bearings and studs usually comes in at 400.00
the 67-68 may work. like u said, check ur bearings and everything. as for the e-brake cables, im gonna fab something up and use a hand lever on the tunnell
i recomend staying away from mosers. ive seen them twist easly. they harden the axle then cut the splines in. this means that the tips of the splines are hardened but the rest of the spline is in soft material. i have seen many mosers twist and snap there shafts when they shouldnt of. stock 28 spline axles are beter than 31 spline mosers. i would recomend strange s/s axles or mark williams master line axles. you will find that all 3 of these makers are really close in price.
