I know 8 inch rear ends, like what came in Mavericks, are stronger than they get credit for, but can they hold up behind a moderately built big block? This particular rear end has a spool, 4:11 gears and Strange axles
I would say yes. Most of the 8", and 9" for that matter that have come apart behind a clutch car or a car with a trans brake. The other reason for them coming apart is them not being set up correctly. Both are strong, the 9" stronger due to its bigger parts.
Do you guys think an 8" will hold up to about 450rwhp on slicks? I want to run slicks on my car but I'm afraid that it will blow to pieces with traction.
The caps for the carrier bearings are the weak link in the 8" If you are foot braking an auto trans you may be fine for a while with slicks but... I would go with a stouter set up like a good 9" with billit caps...Unless you can get billit caps for the 8"...
If you are going to hit it hard a few times with a stick tranny you may end up picking up the pieces. Just to drive it for a street car the 8" will hold up. Now with that said, how many have ever had a Big Block Maverick or 450 Hp and drove it easily. It just ain't gonna happen. You're at the limit with an 8".
I have a 72 maverick with a 347 cu in motor c4 trans with a trans brake ,4200 stall converter 9 in rear 5.38 gears and 14x32 slicks. The motor made 460 HP at the flywheel at 6600 rpms on the dyno. It went 6.92 et 1/8 mile first pass off the trailer,second pass broke a 31 spline moser axle. Will try again when I get it fixed. looks like it's a crap shoot either way...