1986 5th Ave what to do?

prauk

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ok, I have an 86 5th ave. Leather interior, moldy. 318 lean burn converted to a 2bbl w/ reg ignition. I also have a 1979 lebaron 318ci 2dr. I need the rear out of the 5th because its the 8 1/4. the lebaron has the 7 1/4. swapping them. i have a 360 magnum i'm swapping into the lebaron. Anyone want the 5th with the small rear? an extra la318 without accessories? I'm taking the aluminum wheels off the 5th too. swapping to the lebaron. What to do?
 

Camtron

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Are you sure the 5th Ave is a 8.25” and not a 7.25”? My 89 5th Ave had a 7.25” that looked like it could be a 8.25” at a glance but it wasn’t. The 8.25” would still need to have a 2.94 or better gear ratio in it to really be able to build it up. If it has a 2.73 or smaller like a 2.24 ratio, a posi carrier and larger gear wouldn’t even fit inside it so, it’s as good at the 7.25” in that case.
If the axle tubes taper down where they enter the differential, that 8.25” is a 7.25”, would have to open it up to verify the gear ratio stamped on the ring gear.
Hope this helps some. I don’t know what you have done or know and apologize if this is all things you’ve done and checked.
 
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80mirada

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some 8.25 housings do not have clearance for the 2.7 and up limited slip, but the housing can be ground to clear. It is hit or miss depending on year if they are clearanced.
 

beatersRus

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ok, I have an 86 5th ave. Leather interior, moldy. 318 lean burn converted to a 2bbl w/ reg ignition. I also have a 1979 lebaron 318ci 2dr. I need the rear out of the 5th because its the 8 1/4. the lebaron has the 7 1/4. swapping them. i have a 360 magnum i'm swapping into the lebaron. Anyone want the 5th with the small rear? an extra la318 without accessories? I'm taking the aluminum wheels off the 5th too. swapping to the lebaron. What to do?
what to do is post pics of the fifth ave,esp the body pics.
im in search of some parts for my 2 cars.

interested in what you have left and i dont need the rearend back in it either.
that might save you some time and work
i can bring a trailer and take it away.
lmk,im above you in western ny.
 

ChryslerCruiser

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some 8.25 housings do not have clearance for the 2.7 and up limited slip, but the housing can be ground to clear. It is hit or miss depending on year if they are clearanced.

Am I understanding that an 8.25 w/ 2.2 gears can be modified to accept something like 3.55 gear set?
 

80mirada

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yes, you need a 2.71 and up carrier or limited slip, and check for clearance on the carrier, but that can be ground out if it is a problem so the carrier can clear
 

prauk

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Are you sure the 5th Ave is a 8.25” and not a 7.25”? My 89 5th Ave had a 7.25” that looked like it could be a 8.25” at a glance but it wasn’t. The 8.25” would still need to have a 2.94 or better gear ratio in it to really be able to build it up. If it has a 2.73 or smaller like a 2.24 ratio, a posi carrier and larger gear wouldn’t even fit inside it so, it’s as good at the 7.25” in that case.
If the axle tubes taper down where they enter the differential, that 8.25” is a 7.25”, would have to open it up to verify the gear ratio stamped on the ring gear.
Hope this helps some. I don’t know what you have done or know and apologize if this is all things you’ve done and checked.
i appreciate the feedback. I will check and post the results. i'm going to pull it in the shop right now. maybe i can upload a photo.
 

prauk

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20200328_142212.jpg
 

Camtron

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Looks like 7.25” and some worn shackle bushings, unfortunately.
 

Mikes5thAve

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Yeah that be a 7 1/4. 8 1/4 has the bigger tubes from end to end and doesn't have the flat sides on the housing cover.
 

prauk

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Cars too clean to part... Anyone interested. 318 converted to non lean burn... 2bbl. Runs good. Though couls probably usea tuneup.
 

beatersRus

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Cars too clean to part... Anyone interested. 318 converted to non lean burn... 2bbl. Runs good. Though couls probably usea tuneup.
yes...please post pics of the body and the moldy interior.
how does the underside of the car look up by the front ?
 

Camtron

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If you turn a profit on the car, there’s some post on here about swapping Ford Explorer, 8.8 rear ends into these cars. Cost effective and easy enough, could be a good route for the Lebaron if you can’t find a reasonably priced 8.25”.
Cheers
 

beatersRus

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and if you want one of those afore mentioned ford explorer rearends complete from end to end with disc brakes,and a limited slip rear
ill make you a great deal and bring it with me when i come to pickup that fifth.
lmk
 

prauk

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i have a junk explorer sport with the disc brake rear..... I'll have to figure out the swap.
 

beatersRus

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mint.... X CLEAN. no rust. definitely worth saving
pics and price...im telling you..
im the kind of guy who will go out there,
hookup the trailer and be headed your way if the price is right.

if you dont believe this,
you can ask any of the guys on the FB m-body group and any of the guys from the A-body,b-body and truck forums too.
i just drove from western ny to toledo ohio and back to get an m body.
 
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