Monte Carlo Rearend - Got My Nine

Beyond the final installation of the axles, the four axle retention plate bolts were given a generous amount of Loctite and tightened evenly to ensure proper seating/sealing of the axle bearing.

Next, we installed the massive 5.8-inch wheel studs, which screw into the axle flange and are locked securely via the locknuts on the flange's back half. We'll install Strange stoppers in a later installment.

Now that our FAB9 is built and ready for duty, we needed to vacate the space in which it will reside. Working on your back in sub 30-degree temperatures with the flu isn't fun, but we hung in there. After removing the wheels, we removed the brake fluid line, the shocks and sway bar, cut the brake cables with a cutoff tool (as they wouldn't be needed), and dropped the driveshaft by removing the four fasteners attaching it to the pinion yoke.

Beyond removing the upper and lower control arms, our old rear would be ready for removal. We simply placed a floor jack under the rear.

After a little thought (because that's all our tiny brains can handle), we decided to pull the fuel tank, as it would have to be sumped at a later date anyway. This created a little more room to work (play).

It was now time to roll our FAB9 over and mate it to our G-body for the first time. It is advisable to perform such a job on a lift of some sort; however, if you don't mind crawling around the floor, it isn't the end of the world.

After a brief discussion with Chris Alston, we opted for Chassisworks' race-ready, adjustable-length upper...

Both feature quality 4130 spherical bearing rod ends and 4130 chrome-moly lower arms for total control of rearend housing movement, especially in high-horsepower applications, which ours will be.

Once all was in place, our FAB9 was hoisted in and mated with the upper and lower control arms that were previously installed. We set the upper and lower control arms to stock length for now, as adjustments will be eminent once we hit the track.

In an upcoming issue we will install the Chris Alston's Chassisworks integrated antiroll bar (aiding in level/sedate launches) and coilover conversion kit, which contains double-adjustable VariShocks for ultimate dampening control both on and off the track.