The 9 1/4 inch rearend

The 9 1/4 inch axle on these trucks, and used in many other applications in the Chrysler family over 50 years, has always been forgotten by the performance community. It is moderately tough, and parts are readily available. I happen to think the trac-loc is junk, because the clutch plates overheat and fracture, leaving particles all over the inside of the case. The pinion bearings are rather weak as well, and allow for deflection and pinion and ring gear wear, as well as noise. Here is a good article about the rearend from Hemmings Motorsports.

www.hemmings.com/mus/stories/2005/12/01/hmn_feature25.html