I have a 1st gen full wide body 5 letter car. I wanna swap my T2 motor into. But I was wondering about putting a better rear end under her. Has anyone attempted to swap the 1st gen rear to a 2nd Gen or other fully independent suspension rear end. I know this would greatly increase handling power to the ground delivery & over all better performer. Just wondering if anyone has tried a project like this?

 

This was something I considered but a well engineered IRS is much more difficult to achieve than a well engineered live axle.

As far as power to the ground, I think a gazzilion drag racers will confirm that a live axle will do it better.

Re handling, there are potential benefits to the irs ( reduced unsprung weight for a start) but the dynamic nature of the geometry can make them a challenge to get to work right. A well sorted 4 link rear with a a good lateral link (watts, panhard) can be a good thing.

The nascar rear ends are pretty trick.