I need to narrow a stock '88 disc rear. Has anyone done this? What's involved and how difficult? I'd like to keep the suspension components (trailing arms, shocks, springs) in the same positions but cut off at least an inch from each side. Is there enough spline to handle the 1" cut or will the axles need to be resplined?
If this seems confusing, it is because I'm putting the rear in a 1939 car.
Thanks

 

Custom axles are the only way to go. It is a LOT of work and if you don't know what's involved, you probably shouldn't attempt it. Need to cut an inch out of the axle tubes near the ends, but you have to cut perfectly and then weld them back up perfectly. Everything has to be thrown into a jig and like I said, perfectly welded.

 

This is not going to be a "holeshot-type" ride, merely a cruiser with a modern drivetrain. Can the stock axles be cut or do I need to go with custom axles?
I think I and my racecar building friends can handle this, but is there someone who specializes in this, on the East coast?
Thanks

 

So you're saying you don't need a perfectly straight rearend to drive around on the street?? At least on the track its only you that gets hurt.

The axles need to be custom. You can't cut down axles unless you have the ability to re-spline them.

 

I will say it isn't impossible though. I just assumed since you asked what's required that you didn't know what you were getting yourself into. Stupid me judging books by their covers. Its entirely possible, just like how someone around me is making a bolt-in rearend out of an 8.8" mustang center section and 10-bolt axle tubes. You just have to get it EXACTLY straight using a jig or some other setup.

 

What I meant by only a cruiser is I don't necessarily need stronger axles, just shorter ones. I do have the equipment to respline them, but without opening up the rear I was just wondering if anyone knew whether there was enough spline to use for engagement once an inch is cut off.
Sorry for the confusion, I'm not that familiar with these rears. It will be a cruiser but it definitely needs to go down the street straight.
Thanks for responding.

 

why don't you just run an inch more of backspacing on the rims if that is what you need? this is a lot less complicated than narrowing a very weak 10 bolt rear end.

 

I don't have an inch of front wheel space to give up.

 

You can't cut down stock axles because you'de be cutting off the c-clip that holds them in.

 

c-clip eliminators would take care of cutting the groove for the c clip off
you would have to measure the shaft
if you used c clip eliminators that automatically take about 5/16th off the end of the shaft thats not needed so it could be real close to being long enough onl;y having to cut 11/16th of the splines. Pull the shafts and measure

 

Where can I get c-clamp eliminators?
Thanks

 

You can get C-CLIP elininators from summit or jegs

 

But not for the 7.5" diff. Only the 12 bolt or 8.5" 10 bolt.