The Crusty Cuda: Whole lotta Shakin' (N96) Goin' on!

[njsteve]

I took the purple mobile out for a spin today to test the rear differential installation. Bontempo Brothers did a great job on the sure-grip installation. Not a sound out of the rear end. Totally silent. Ran her through the gears for about ten miles. Didn't even have any popping out of gear under coast conditions. So maybe the transmission doesn't need synchros after all. Just needs to be warmed up and driven.

At 60 mph, the tach reads 2,600 rpm.

Here she is, in all her dusty glory. Next project might be to actually wash and wax her.

Things left on the short list:

1) S24MY Turbostart sealed Group 24 repro battery. Out of stock everywhere, even though Summit, Jegs, etc., will take your money and then tell you a fake future shipping date from the manufacturer. Even TurboStart themselves say they arent building them til at the earliest late March 2021. https://www.summitracing.com/parts/tbo-bb-s24my (Says 2/2/21 shipping date when checked on 1/18/21)
2) Bumper jack assembly, base plate, bumper hook, etc.
3) Sunny days to drive it and some cruise nights again...

[RPOLS3]

Very nice Steve. Congratulations.

[Andy]

Looks awesome! I had a few issues in the past with my 4 speed popping out of gear in deceleration with my 'Cuda. I crawled under the car to find the bolts slightly loose on the u-joints. Tightened those and no problems since. I guess the harmonics were causing it.

[mssl72]

Looking great!!

[CTBob]

Hey, Steve! Wow! Sweeeet! Looks great ‘n drives great, too! Fantastic!

I’ve been workin’ on tryin’ to assist in sleuthing details, including the pre-Dave origins of the Now-Non-Crusty ‘Cuda! Without a Broadcast Sheet, original selling dealer info, or, earlier owner info, it presents a bit of a challenge, however, I’ll, in all probability, be re-connecting with formerly-frequently-in-touch MoPar pals, so, who knows? Inflow o’ some fun info may appear in the futuro!

In the meantime, re: the 8-¾” rear:
In your post #902 on p. 91, you mentioned, and, posted a pic of, the rear ring gear date (5-21-70), as well as showing the carrier (“pumpkin”) casting date, which is, as is sometimes the case (pun intended), rather indistinct. At the time, ya thought that it showed a ’71 date code, however, after playing with a photo you posted, and, running it through several filters (as well as adjusting the size), it appears that it MAY say “C 9 70,” ‘cause that final digit looks much more like an incomplete zero, than a one. Since the casting dates can be indistinct smooshes (either in whole, or, in part) I’m truly tentative about the “C” part! (That could translate to December 9, 1970.) If you can locate an axle housing date code, that may be helpful, as well, however, unless there’s date code “harmony,” they still may not agree, ‘cause of the mix ’n’ match nature of the separate pieces.

Glad to hear that the rear gear now brings some cheer! …And, good choice on the Dana Powr-Lok, ‘cause, although the “muscle era” moniker from MoPar for their limited slip diff was “Sure-Grip,” what was, actually, inside depended upon which axle, and, of what vintage. (In ’70, it would have probably been a Borg Warner Spin Resistant.) Of the 2, many prefer the Dana.
Here’s a link to Dana/Spicer for a 15-page Service Manual/Tech PDF of the Powr-Lok. Really cool stuff! https://media.spicerparts.com/cfs/fi...store=original

I’m, also, providing a link to MyMopar.com which presents a super-comprehensive guide to 8-¾” rear axles; their various & sundry vintages & permutations, as well as parts compatibility & interchangeability. (Note: I am not certain that this is the original source of the article, as I have seen it published on more than one site.) http://www.mymopar.com/Mopar8_75RearEndGuide.htm

Good news, also, that the trans is staying put, gear selection wise! As Andy pointed out (Post #921), it could be harmonics. Bill @ Mostly Mustangs says “Hello!” He, also, said, “It could be harmonics, but (if the trans is good), they’d have to be serious harmonics. Usually they’d have to be bad enough that you could make a milkshake in the back seat!” …So, maybe, that trans may need a freshening or adjustment for good measure…

…However, in the meantime, ENJOY IT!

[njsteve]

Bob,

Isn't "C" the month date code for March when it comes to casting dates?

"C" would be December on a fender tag, though. (My old hemi Charger was built on "C08" - Monday, Decmber 8th, 1969)

[CTBob]

Hey, Steve!

Chrysler uses a finite-but-numerous variety of date coding scenarios, in combination, or, alone. Some use the letters exactly as you have listed. Others use numerals:
1-January
2-February
3-March
4-April
5-May
6-June
7-July
8-August
9-September
10-October
11-November
12-December

SPDs (Scheduled Production Dates) use:
1-January
2-February
3-March
4-April
5-May
6-June
7-July
8-August
9-September
A-October
B-November
C-December

I know that Dana rear ends list numerical dates on the axle tubes (i.e.: 4 15 70 = April 15, 1970), but, having not had a car with an 8-¾" in a while, I'm not absolutely certain what the casting date protocol for the carrier assembly is. (Further research may turn up an answer, or, perhaps, someone on the Forum may know!) That's why I said "MAY," and, "truly tentative." It would seem logical that that first character should be a numeral, and, not a letter. I put "C" because that's what it appeared to be to me in the photo, as well as I could ascertain.

Month/Year date codes, as you mentioned, re: the jack, are definitely common, so as you stated "C 0" (or, 0 C?) is March 1970! Perfect! …But, usually, they appear as in you example. I don't recall having seen any Alpha/Numeric (such as "C 0") utilized in lengthier ways (such as "C 9 70"), which is why I went "out on a limb" (axle tube?), so to speak, and, translated it into the "other" alpha possibility. If you are able to tell what that first character is, we may arrive at a better (and, more accurate) answer.

…And, that's so great about Terry! Not only is he able to help you, but, he still has the '71 'Cuda! Fantastic memories from back in the day! So cool!

[Jonesy]

Car turned out great! I still would be tempted to put stripes on it, even though it didnt come with them originally.

[olredalert]

----Wow, just Wow, Steve! I'm not particularly a Mopar groupie but this little bugger is really cool!.....Bill S

[mockingbird812]

BeaUtiful Steve! What a wonderful color combo. Well done.........ENJOY!!!