which is stronger - stock '84 disc rear or stock '84 drum rear - Third Generation F-Body Message Boards

battmann · 08-31-2009, 08:55 PM

i tried searching, but couldn't find the answer i was looking for. i'm restoring a 1984 Trans Am and am not sure which rear end to use. i have two rears to choose from. both are from '84 Trans Ams and are stock. one is a posi disc, one is a posi drum - i believe they are both 3:23 ratio. i have the master cylinders and prop valves for each.
is one of these rears better than the other to use? my car is going to be a quick street car with maybe 2 visits to the track each year. i'll eventually be running a 350 engine with about 400hp at the rear wheels. i know there's much better aftermarket rears, but i won't be able to afford that for awhile.

camaronewbie · 08-31-2009, 09:12 PM

I would think rear axle strength is the same, they are both same splined axles - ust different braking systems attached on the ends

JamesC · 08-31-2009, 09:23 PM

Both have 26-spline axles. No difference in strength. The following FAQ may provide some useful info:

http://www.thirdgen.org/techboard/tr...-10-bolts.html (FAQ About 10-Bolts)

JamesC

Darkshot · 08-31-2009, 09:30 PM

Forget about the brakes and pick the one that is in better shape. They're exactly the same.

8t2 z-chev · 08-31-2009, 10:07 PM

As far as the brakes go,i'd be tempted to go with the
drum-i've used both and have found the drum to be
more reliable,lighter,and just as effective as the pre-89
disc setups with their clumsy,clunky,leak-prone calipers.
Also i'd say the drum has better pedal feel.
mine has discs now(they do look cooler)but i might
switch back to drum later.

JamesC · 09-01-2009, 07:45 AM

The Delco-Moraines have a bad reputation on the board, but with the "fit" kit in place, they seem to function well--at least mine did.

Here's the recall:

http://members.shaw.ca/crussel/recalls/86c28/86c28.html

JamesC

84 z28 · 09-01-2009, 08:53 AM

Just for an extra measure you should have the axle tubes welded. I know a guy that knows a guy that knows a guys sisters,brothers,uncle that can do it for you. Let me know.