I have recently finished up installing the 455 in the truck. It has been loads of fun, but the current 215/75R-15 tires are, um, just a wee bit inadaquet for the torque:Brow::laugh: I obviously need some stickier rear tires, and I would like to run it down an official 1/4 track just to see what it'll do. I was considering a set of DOT street legal drag radials, but will the stock rearend (particularly the 43 year old axles) be up to the task? What do I need to do to make the rear end strong enough and NHRA legal?
I don't think you need to do anything to the rear to it to make it NHRA legal. C clip eliminators might be required at some point at some power level, but I'm thinking you will be fine. Drag radials are a lot easier on everything than slicks. You can get some Moser axles or just run it the way it is.
Take that gas tank out from behind the seat and put a fuel cell over the rear axle. That'll get the fuel stench out of the cab and get you more legroom and traction all at the same time.
Thanks for the replies. It is reassuring that my rear end is good to go for now. I will keep the Moser axles in mind for a future upgrade. Yes, getting the fuel tank out of the cab is my next project. I was thinking about going with a suburban tank behind the rear axle and under the bed, but a fuel cell in the bed would be easier and perhaps safer.
I'll 2nd that, I've seen if you're running a certian 1/4 mile time (under 12 secs maybe?) you need bolt in axles, or something along those lines. One vintage drag event (Byron Speedway in IL) requires less than 12" of rubber hose, but I'm not sure if they count the over the axle rubber line, the rubber line from the front axle area to pump, and if you have rubber line anywhere between pump and carb.
Nothing wrong with the truck 12 bolt...Lots of parts out there for it. If the rear is original to the truck you should think about giving it a rebuild as with ANY OLD rear. IT IS TRULY UNFAIR THAT YOU PUT NEW PARTS INTO A MOTOR AND THEN HOOK IT TO A GOOD NEW TRANNY AND THEN EXPECT AN OLD REAR TO HOLD NO MATTER WHAT THE SIZE PARTS. Just some common sense thoughts. Ring and pinion will always out last almost all parts on the car as long as oil was kept in the rear... axles are old and the design of tapered axles is a flaw. You will not need the elim kit as long as you go with good aftermarket alloy axles and the axle bearings for the c-clips are excellent for all driving applications even racing. new bearings and seals with your same set-up will go a long way for longevity and strength in any rear. Take care, Jim JD
