banjo strong and reliable?

[emptypocketsgarage]

Hi, im building my first rat, a 40's ford truck. i am debating weather to use a banjo rearend or a 9". i have a 9' but i dont have the banjo. how much power can the banjo take? would it be good for a daily driver? im pretty sure the truck will have a mild to moderate built sbc powerplant unles i can come across a flathead. i would buy the open drive conversion from speed way. any help would be great thanks!

 

[shizzy]

call me cheap, but if you already have the 9" i would run that

 

[Gastrick]

Those Banjo rears are not known for taking much abuse with modern powertrains. Actually though, I believe that the axles are the weakest part. I think that you could use the banjo rear in a daily driver if you could refrain from "spirited" launches.

If dependability, strength, and the availability of parts were my goal, I think I would use the 9 inch. If you really like the looks of the banjo and can keep your right foot under control, you could get away with using it.

 

[24dodge]

Aren`t the banjo`s all geared in the 4.11 range also ? thats not gonna help your fuel milage

 

[joehalford01]

roll the nine if you have it already!

 

[hotrodron]

I think they are usually geared in the 4.11 range. You can buy stronger aftermarket axles and brakes though. If your gonna go for that "period correct" look, I say go with the banjo. The 9" is already there thoug....hmmm tough call. I think the 9" is probably offset which may effext your drive shaft/trans tunnelmaybe someone can correct me on that one

 

[22dodge]

Aren`t the banjo`s all geared in the 4.11 range also ? thats not gonna help your fuel milage

Mine came with 3:78 gears, I think 3.78 & 4.11 are the majority,
with some 3.54 sets out there. '22

 

[gassersgarage]

Go 9", it cost a fortune to modify a banjo to take the abuse of a sbc. It would be less in the long run. Friend of mine had a banjo with 4:11's in a 29' Roadster. He clutched it over R/R tracks. If he didn't, it would snap his ring and pinion. Granted, these were NOS parts, not after market and it was 68'.

 

[emptypocketsgarage]

wow, i didn't expect this many replies. thanks for all the info. I think I will stay with the nine inch. Im pretty sure it will be hard to drive it carefully with my heavy foot. don't want any road trip problems.