1966 Chevy Nova Rearend Build - Rear-Surrection, Part 2

Next, Bobby installs the caliper mount over the axle shaft and inserts the shaft into the housing. Axle shaft penetration into the differential was measured at approximately 1.25-inches with 1 inch being the minimum allowed. Bobby uses grade 8 fasteners to hold the axle retention bracket and radius caliper mount into place.

Keep in mind that all will be taken apart for painting and/or powdercoating at a later date. This is where the clocking of the housing end comes into play with the mounting position of the brakes. Most systems want the caliper to mount toward the rear of the car in a 90-degree fashion.

Our next mission is to mate the massive 13-inch slotted rotors with the hub, then get the monsters mated to the axle.

All Wilwood SRP vented rotors are built to provide high-cooling efficiency and increased leverage for the ultimate in stopping power, never mind the unmatched looks. We can't wait to perform some brake testing once Getaway is complete.

Once the rotor was in place, it was time to install the Wilwood Superlite 4R calipers and BP-10 "Smart Pads."

The four-piston SL4R caliper is forged aluminum billet and provides the highest clamping power and lowest deflection of any caliper in its class (or so states Wilwood).

The BP-10 Smart Pads deliver increased friction, higher fade resistance, and longer wear with virtually no noise or dust.

Finally the FAB9 rear is a complete product (for now). It's time to mock the completed unit in between the rear framerails of Getaway.

In order to connect the rear to the frame Chris Alston suggested we utilize his billet aluminum 4-Bar Links (upper and lower rear control arms), which provide precise control of rearend housing movement. The Links were designed through careful computer analysis that enable the removal of unnecessary weight while eliminating stress issues. The billet links also incorporate the use of TrueCenter Pivot Technology, which is a serviceable pivot socket that provides a deflection-free high load capacity and maintains constant bearing preload.

Here we have the 9-inch mocked into place. All rearend components fit together flawlessly with no persuasion, (big honkin' hammer) of any kind.

At a later date we'll install the double adjustable Varishock coilovers and integrated sway-bar system, which has provisions built into the framerails.

For final fitment, we snatched up the Intro Wheels 20X12-inch wheels with the 345/25ZR20-inch Nitto Invo rubber and stuffed it up into the rear wheel housing. Once bolted into place, there were no caliper clearance issues, nor any interference with the body. Future stories will include the 3-inch stretch of the rear wheel opening and the tinwork within the trunk and rear wheel area. Until then.