Pro-Touring FBody 9inch

[@joehall7772]

The guy at Pro Touring F-Body was great to talk to and is a true resource. I went with Trick Performance for my truck. I'm not sure who I'll go with for my 1969 Firebird.

[@thegarageclinic3161]

Thanks Joe. I agree. Dave is his name. What a wealth of knowledge! BTW, I LOVE the '69 firebird, most definitely my favorite year of the first gen. Just missed a 69 T/A a few years ago....ah well.

[@dr.schmecklesbergklitnick3811]

It looks absolutely gorgeous, I looked around online and they don't seem to be selling them anymore, looks like great quality

[@CarguyEd5150]

I went with a Strange Engineering 9 inch with a Truetrac for my 77 TA and it was a direct fit. They offered several rear brake options, including drum brakes if you wished. I went with their standard package of Wilwood 4 piston rear brakes and I have no complaints. The 9 inch looks great and performs even better. It looks great under your ride and you made a wise choice.

[@thegarageclinic3161]

Thanks. It works great at the autocross too! Id like to see pics of yours.

[@transam4555]

What a great quality video, clean n straight to the point. Really nice looking T/A too. Glad I came across this as next summer we might be doing this swap.

[@thegarageclinic3161]

Thanks for the really cool comments. I tried to answer all the questions that I had before I moved forward. I assumed someone else would have the same ones.

[@chaichin7678]

I wish my 79 firebird looks nice like yours. Mine really need upgrade so bad. Excellent video.

[@thegarageclinic3161]

Hey! Thanks for the reply. I got mine 6 years ago and it did NOT look like this. Although I haven't painted it, I've tweaked, touched or replaced every nut and bolt and system on the car. Just keep at it and enjoy it!

[@XS8]

It's the number one rear end for the good old muscle cars in my opinion

[@thegarageclinic3161]

AGREED

[@desifrazier121]

I like your video looked smooth sailing I’m just learning about to put 3rd member axle are already in the 9 inch that’s how I bought it but new 9 inch just got pull axle back out and do what you did I thank you for all your help teaching others thanks

[@thegarageclinic3161]

Good luck!

[@rickrenkiewicz4418]

Just put in a Moser 9" with TrueTrac into our 1995 Z28. Can't believe how much more solid the car feels. Car is producing ~530 Hp. so the new rear end was necessary. Didn't notice that you replaced your driveshaft, which we had to do. Now for some sticky tires!

[@thegarageclinic3161]

Rick Renkiewicz congrats Rick! I most certainly had to replace the driveshaft. BTW, locally, guys wanted close to $600!! I found a guy an hour away that all the racers use. $250!! Pays to search around. Enjoy the car!

[@rickrenkiewicz4418]

@@thegarageclinic3161 I used CCI Driveline here in Michigan to build a high performance aluminum driveshaft. It was just under $400.

[@avelezusmc7929]

One heck of a job my hats off to you

[@cwmotorsports4497]

Great Job, My son and I have been Using a lot of Daves parts. We were hoping to take it to the Good guys event this weekend but it will be a little bit longer. The editing and video quality is very good.

[@thegarageclinic3161]

So you’re in the Raleigh area? Me too. I’ll be there in the autocross. Come and introduce yourself.

[@cwmotorsports4497]

My sister lives there. I went last year but we are going to the Summit Motorama this weekend. I live near Nashville TN and Dave is right down the road. I will have to check out some more of your video's when I get a chance. @@thegarageclinic3161

[@garykeenan3724]

Nice setup really like it’s appearance also

[@serpentza]

Just found your channel, good stuff! I'm working on a 78 basket case

[@thegarageclinic3161]

Thanks for watching! Good luck with the ‘78!

[@diylife9118]

Very Nice! Great Info! I'm doing the same thing with my 67 Camaro. Keep the videos coming!

[@thegarageclinic3161]

Thanks, just moved, so they will be starting again soon.

[@MichaelSmith-wb1es]

Those spring purches are totally different than what is on my 71 Camaro or my 79 Trans Am. Mine have a pocket that the spring sits in. I need to replace mine anyway so should I be looking I need to this design vs the factory design?

[@thegarageclinic3161]

Thanks for the comments. Now, those spring perches are made by Dave at ProTouring F-body. Same company that makes the suspension pieces and bracing....and most of the other stuff on my car. They are beautifully made from laser cut steel and nicely welded bits including tie down loops. My original perches were warped so this is a nice improvement. And no longer need to damage brake lines and such when tethering to a trailer.

[@TheSaxon25]

Nice video. Your previous gasket job gave me nightmares haha

[@thegarageclinic3161]

TheSaxon25 haha!!

[@user-nn6nq8kv3y]

Lmfao!!!!!

[@ronaldlewis6062]

You just made a nice car Great! Thanks for sharing your videos!

[@thegarageclinic3161]

Well you win the internet today Ronald! Nicest thing anyone has said to me all day!

[@ronaldlewis6062]

The Garage Clinic I’m working on a 69 Chevelle I just got the body back on the frame. I boxed the frame and added braces along with a cross member for long tube headers. I left the 10 bolt brackets and braces loose because I got the 9” pos track and coil over shocks on my mind along with the 4l80e transmission. I’m old school 468 with square ported heads and a hyd roller. It’s coming along and looking good so far! I’m just an ole motor head!! Thanks

[@thegarageclinic3161]

@@ronaldlewis6062 I just dropped in a 461 (stroked 400) with Kauffman aluminum heads! Right there with you!!

[@freddie90014]

What’s the name of the company your rear end is from. I need one ASAP for 81 trans am.

[@thegarageclinic3161]

I got it from ProTouring Fbody. used STRANGE axles.

[@mikepomeroy153]

Nice video. Well done

[@garykeenan3724]

Looks nice awesome T/A

[@stevelangworthy1475]

Great video. I too am gettiing ready to install a 9" in my 68 firebird. When you installed yours, did you order it with equal length axles or is your center section off-set to one side slightly?

[@thegarageclinic3161]

The 9" would require unequal length axles.

[@faisalalbayaty6729]

Nice

[@rogo2287]

I didnt hear who you said was the rearend manufacture you used? Was is Truetrac? Sounds like a great product,. I have a 69 F body. Do they make rearend for 69 f body? Thanks

[@thegarageclinic3161]

I used a Tru-Trac diff. The great part about this video is that he can basically build whatever you want. I'd be shocked if he couldn't do what you need. So far it's been great. Thanks for commenting!

[@ernestc9586]

Nice car and great video. Where did you order this rear end. Thanks,

[@thegarageclinic3161]

Thanks for the reply! Call Dave at www.pro-touringf-body.com. He's redesigned it a bit so you can the the latest and greatest!

[@Swanlord05]

Very nice..... How much touque does your inpact put out?

[@thegarageclinic3161]

I don't recall the exact number, but its extremely useful tool. I had a 1/2 inch electric impact that was "yellow" that weighed too much and sucked. Switched it for a 1/2 Milwaukee that is MUCH stronger. The one in this video is a small one.

[@scottjohnson9102]

Whose leafs are you using? Any reasons you didn’t go 4 link?

[@thegarageclinic3161]

At the time of this video I was using ProTouring Fbody GT leaf springs. I've since changed to their competition springs with the solid bearing at the front. The reason why..........I'm just stubborn I suppose. I can tell you it does very well for what I need.

[@daveaman2569]

@@thegarageclinic3161 Interested in selling your old PTFB GT springs? I'm building an 81 and could certainly put them to use..

[@thegarageclinic3161]

@@daveaman2569 I'm pretty sure I've already sold them. Ill double check and let you know if I still have them.

[@hansanderson6607]

So, who actually made the housing (not the diff)??

[@thegarageclinic3161]

I don't have permission to give their name but it was the same supplier to a major rear end/axle mfr. Not sure if they are still using the same supplier, for that you'd have to call Pro Touring Fbody.

[@junkyardigans6197]

Wgat was the driveshaft length you needed? I’m doing the same swap currebtly

[@thegarageclinic3161]

Thanks for the question, but I honestly don't remember. Even if I had it, I would still recommend finding a driveshaft shop, and measure it how they want. I spoke to a couple of local soundtrack racers. They turned me on to a place an hour away, that saved me $300!!

[@davebarron5939]

Looks good. Curious, did you change the ratio? my wifes 77 is a 2:73 super tall. Sweet that your car came with the factory disc brakes.

[@thegarageclinic3161]

I had intentions of building a street 455 so I chose a 3.25 ratio. With the shorter wheel/tire combo, it was the equivalent of a 3.42. I actually ended up building a stroked 400 to a 461. If you still have non-overdrive transmission, I like the 3.23 to 3.42.

[@davebarron5939]

@@thegarageclinic3161 Very nice, hope to see it running and driving. Sounds like your on your way to resto-mod.

[@dduplechian]

What size/bs rims are tires you got there? Looks good!

[@thegarageclinic3161]

Thanks. These are the Year One snowflakes 17"X9". I think their bs is 0. The competition wheels I use (not pictured) are 18"x9.5" with 0 backspace.

[@sucapizda]

Can you talk about the axle bearings. I did not see you press them in. Looks like they were on the axles and you just kind of slid them in to the races. Shouldn't the axle bearings fit tighter than that and require to be pressed in?? Thanks.

[@thegarageclinic3161]

Thanks for the comment. The axle bearings were already pressed on to the axles where I purchased them. They are the large, Ford style bearings. It is a very tight fit into the axle housing, but it was not necessary to press them in. Tightening the collar secures them. I did have to remove them a couple of times when working with the brakes, and had to 'pop' the axles out, but no pressing.

[@benniemusgrove8271]

Longer driveshaft?

[@thegarageclinic3161]

It will need to be measured either way, but I did need a longer driveshaft.

[@fasterdrive221]

sorry I dont get it where did u buy ford 9" for a chevy?

[@thegarageclinic3161]

Thanks for asking, but I must first say, it was a BOP rear end, maybe the same as a Chevy, but I'll never call it that! haha! The new rear end came from Pro Touring Fbody which is a business not just a pro-touring segment. Dave knows his Fbodies.

[@fasterdrive221]

@@thegarageclinic3161 but its not listed on the webpage, where is it and whats the price? thanks

[@thegarageclinic3161]

@@fasterdrive221 you would have to call about pricing. He doesn't do a large volume of them so he doesn't post them on the site. I had a lot of his other stuff and was surprised myself to find out he did them. Mine was nearly 2 years ago so I'm sure prices are different now.

[@fasterdrive221]

@@thegarageclinic3161 that's what i thought thanks i emailed them, do you you where i can buy a decent project or already built 74-81 camaro/firebird? thanks

[@thegarageclinic3161]

@@fasterdrive221 I do not at the moment. Kind of depends where you are.

[@davebarron5939]

Looking good, have you done some engine upgrades then? Your white 80 is nearly the same as my wifes 77, but hers is the red and charcoal color combination. And completely original, I can't change anything. I bought a 83 camaro T top car (10 bolt) for ME to play LS swap with. Enjoy your vids.

[@thegarageclinic3161]

The engine has heads from a '71 GTO, internals balanced, ARP rod bolts, Ram Air exhaust manifolds, Edelbrock aluminum intake, recurved distributor, modded quadrajet. Nothing crazy, wanted to keep Poncho power. Art Carr (Huntington Beach!) 2004r Transmission from a Grand National. So it has overdrive. 9" rear. C5 brakes. PTFB GT suspension front and rear with adjustable sway bars, double adjustable shocks. 17x9 Year One wheels and Continental tires. If your Camaro is an automatic, there's a good chance the 10 bolt would survive the swap, depending on the power. If its a manual and you're gonna push it, might want to consider options. Good to hear from you Dave!

[@davebarron5939]

@@thegarageclinic3161 Wow! that is a lot, I especially like how "particular" you were in specific engine upgrades more outside the normal scope, you did some homework, and the OD trans, thats gotta be a hoot! Maybe I missed it, but what gear ratio did you go with? My wifes has the 2:73 TALL ass gears. My Camaro is a 700R4 auto, and will bolt right up to my LS3 V8. The rear end is actually a 10 bolt with posi, and 3:08 gears out of a 1997 Firebird, with the disc brakes already. Unfortunately, I am in N. MI. and we are freezing our butts off and shoveling mountains of Global warming right now.

[@thegarageclinic3161]

Gear ratio is a 3.25. I had a 3.73 and 1st gear was un-usable. Just roasted the tires. Installed the 9 inch getting ready for the next engine which will either be a significantly hotter 400+, or a 455. Either way, my 10 bolt was roaring so I decided not to spend $ on that.

[@davebarron5939]

@@thegarageclinic3161 Rusty, appreciate the info, I was "looking" at the 3:73 gears for the Camaro but maybe I should look again. I don't drive fast, but I LOVE LAUNCH! Figured larger overall tire diameter to compensate. Been using this to estimate changes. speedmaster79.com/tools/speed/

[@thegarageclinic3161]

Those tools are good for estimating your speed, engine speed, and gears. I was running a 25.4 inch tall tire so a 3.73 was more like a 3.90 or over 4.xx. It all depends on what you want to use the car for.@@davebarron5939

[@maldo72]

great info subbed to your channel ...

[@thegarageclinic3161]

THanks!

[@paceta80]

What's the specs on your Snowflake wheels?

[@thegarageclinic3161]

17x9 Year one's. Zero offset I believe. I decided to use longer ARP studs to secure them properly. Also used open lugs.

[@paceta80]

@@thegarageclinic3161 how much did the rear end cost? I want one for my '80 Trans Am as well. Also, what gear ratios are available?

[@thegarageclinic3161]

@@paceta80 I paid for the housing/axles/bearings separate from the pumpkin but honestly don't remember. But it sure has worked well since I did it!

[@toomuchstuff8252]

Hello, Nicely put together video, filming, editing the whole thing. It's interesting you and I have come to the same conclusion in regard to our research, a 9" for the 2nd generation FBody is the best option. Currie, Strange and even Speedway Motors make their own versions of the beefy 9". These days it's like you say, virtually a plug and play proposition. Things have certainly changed from 30 years ago huh?

[@thegarageclinic3161]

Thanks for the comments. Not everyone needs to replace the 10 bolt, but if yours needs significant work, run the numbers on which one makes sense and is the best $ spent.

[@thegarageclinic3161]

Thanks a bunch for the kind words. Creating the videos has been fun, and I hope to get back to it at some point. The rear end coupled with the PTFB competition rear springs has been bullet proof and rock solid!

[@scottjohnson9102]

Same driveshaft?

[@thegarageclinic3161]

No. The length of the diff is different. You'll have to measure it once it is installed and have a shaft made for it.

[@desperadolighfoot8534]

Tks: the link to the diff manufacturer?

[@thegarageclinic3161]

I got that locally from East Coast Gear. eastcoastgearsupply.com

[@yourcarsucks3259]

Watching this again. I don't know how, but when you crack that diff open, I smell 90 weight in real life.

[@walterbentley745]

@@yourcarsucks3259 haha!!!

[@armandoreyes6645]

what was the price if I may ask?

[@thegarageclinic3161]

If I remember correctly I was in under 3k but can't really remember. (Its a defense mechanism) There are so many options, the prices vary a bunch.

[@ricardoooo1969]

What’s a 70-1/2?

[@toomuchstuff8252]

Hi Ricky, The 1970 Firebirds and Camaros didn't start their production run until much later than expected. Usually a 1970 car would begin production in the late summer of 1969, but the 70 Fbody didn't start it's production run until well into 1970. So, it picked up the 70 1/2 name. So, the long and short of it is that the 1970 FBody is a late bloomer.