- Joined
- Mar 6, 2005
- Messages
- 1,074
- Location
- Trois Rivieres, Quebec, Canada
- Corvette
- 63 Resto Coupe-Red 65 Roadster
It is one thing to install a monster motor in our Corvettes, it is something else to be able to use all the correct parts in order to have everyting stay together. In the sixties when big block's were used in our cars, the factory made very little changes to the regular running gear. For those in the know, we have all seen the stiffer suspensions, sway bars, and also the change to the ( differential side yokes ) axles, however almost all of the other parts remained relitivly unchanged.
In selecting my drivetrain parts, I quickly realised that with a little investement in time and some extra cash, almost all the items that make up the running gear from the transmission tail shaft, to where the rubber hits the road could be replaced by better quality, and longer lasting parts. The following photos show most of the parts that will make up my drivetrain, so that I can have fun with the 572, without giving me a heart attack, every time I step on the go pedal. There are certainly other manufacturers that can also supply you with different choices, however these are the ones I chose. Here is a short description of the parts, with links to the manufacturers at the bottom of the page.
From the right to the left we start with the Keisler super heavy duty yoke, and chromoly driveshaft. Next we have a gear set from " Tom's Differential " These are made by Richmond gear, and have gone through the specialized heat treating that is done by Tom's Differential. Along with the gear set, we have new hardened steel caps, and hardware to hold them in place. The next item is the heavy duty unbreakable rear end cover, which can be found at most of the resellers. Next I purchased the extra heavy duty axles from " International Axle ", these are supplied with HD caps, and are almost indestructible. Next item is the half-shafts. I had this set made up by Dynotech and they are chromoly, with forged flanges, and are assembled using HD spicer, U-joints without the grease nipple. Next we have a new set of spindle flanges. Although these can be found anywhere, I was told that those that are supplied by " Bairs " are of a slightly higher quality, and are better suited to abuse. Next we have the HD spindle, also made by " International Axle ". These are made with high quality aircraft dropped forged steel and are much more precise then what is normally seen on our cars. The last items ( not shown ) are the heavy duty off-set rear trailing arms. When you see material, and the way these are constructed, you will know what heavy duty means.
This completes for now the details on the parts that are to be used in the rebuild of my car. As it stands, the only thing that I might swap out are the U-joints that are part of the driveshaft supplied by " Keisler ". The joints have grease nipples, and I am seriously considering swapping them out for some HD high impact U-joints from " Spicers " without the nipples, because they are the strongest U-joints made. The following are the links to the various suppliers mentioned in the description above.
http://www.keislerauto.com/gm/transmissions/corvette_63-67.asp
http://www.tomsdifferentials.com/tomp.htm
http://www.internationalaxle.com/
http://www.dynotechengineering.com/
http://www.bairs.com/
Stepinwolf
In selecting my drivetrain parts, I quickly realised that with a little investement in time and some extra cash, almost all the items that make up the running gear from the transmission tail shaft, to where the rubber hits the road could be replaced by better quality, and longer lasting parts. The following photos show most of the parts that will make up my drivetrain, so that I can have fun with the 572, without giving me a heart attack, every time I step on the go pedal. There are certainly other manufacturers that can also supply you with different choices, however these are the ones I chose. Here is a short description of the parts, with links to the manufacturers at the bottom of the page.
From the right to the left we start with the Keisler super heavy duty yoke, and chromoly driveshaft. Next we have a gear set from " Tom's Differential " These are made by Richmond gear, and have gone through the specialized heat treating that is done by Tom's Differential. Along with the gear set, we have new hardened steel caps, and hardware to hold them in place. The next item is the heavy duty unbreakable rear end cover, which can be found at most of the resellers. Next I purchased the extra heavy duty axles from " International Axle ", these are supplied with HD caps, and are almost indestructible. Next item is the half-shafts. I had this set made up by Dynotech and they are chromoly, with forged flanges, and are assembled using HD spicer, U-joints without the grease nipple. Next we have a new set of spindle flanges. Although these can be found anywhere, I was told that those that are supplied by " Bairs " are of a slightly higher quality, and are better suited to abuse. Next we have the HD spindle, also made by " International Axle ". These are made with high quality aircraft dropped forged steel and are much more precise then what is normally seen on our cars. The last items ( not shown ) are the heavy duty off-set rear trailing arms. When you see material, and the way these are constructed, you will know what heavy duty means.
This completes for now the details on the parts that are to be used in the rebuild of my car. As it stands, the only thing that I might swap out are the U-joints that are part of the driveshaft supplied by " Keisler ". The joints have grease nipples, and I am seriously considering swapping them out for some HD high impact U-joints from " Spicers " without the nipples, because they are the strongest U-joints made. The following are the links to the various suppliers mentioned in the description above.
http://www.keislerauto.com/gm/transmissions/corvette_63-67.asp
http://www.tomsdifferentials.com/tomp.htm
http://www.internationalaxle.com/
http://www.dynotechengineering.com/
http://www.bairs.com/
Stepinwolf
