1969 Corvette Stocker

[X-TECH MAN]

Originally Posted by Chad Rhodes

I beg to differ on that. A properly set up Swing Axle will live behind a big block just fine. Greg Eaton runs mid to high 8's on a Tom's differential IRS. You do have to know what you are doing but the Tom's stuff is 100% reliable in a stocker. Its also an advantage on a marginal race track.

I had the "TOMS" complete swing axle also known as Henerys stuff. I got all of mine from Leon Maranian when he went to S/S and a dana rear. It is really strong but your not supposed to run a spool...Just a posi unit with a swing arm assembly (NHRA rules) though some do run a spool. Several have ended up in the wall because of using a spool instead of a posi (Muni Haddad for one???) when a half shaft or U joint breaks look out.. Your on borrowed time with a high HP big block. Its up to you. If i was going with the small block I would stay with the swing axle. I ran mine for 3 years with a small block and a 4 speed (7 inch tire days) with out a failure but as soon as we went to the S/S rules of 1972 (larger rear tires) I ran into breakage. One tip....align the rear with 1/8th degree Positive camber with the swing axle and use a heavy rated (pound) transverse spring.