1979 Chrysler Charger 140hp lower leg help/ideas...

Natalie P

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Oct 12, 2010
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10
I believe its the forward gear and pinion gear that are done ... anyhoo its difficult and expensive to find parts and even more so if your in Canada ... so trying to find replacement leg rather than repair ... anyone any ideas and can anyone tell me if i can use another chrysler leg of different year or size ... any help would be appreciated thanks:confused:
 

Frank Acampora

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Jan 19, 2007
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12,004
Re: 1979 Chrysler Charger 140hp lower leg help/ideas...

You can use any leg that has the same drive shaft length as yours (Chrysler DID make a 25 inch X long shaft and Force made more of them). Determine if your engine is long shaft (20 inch) or X long shaft (25 inch). Count the bolts on the bottom kingpin cap. 4 means 20 inch and 8 means extended shaft 25 inch.

You can use any lower unit from any three cylinder or Four cylinder Chrysler from 1979 on. You can use any lower unit from any Force three or four cylinder engine EXCEPT 70 and 75 HP up to 1994. You can use single exhaust or dual exhaust models. IF you us a later lower unit with the 1.92 to 1 ratio gears or an earlier 2 to 1 ratio lower unit from an 85 or 90, then you probably will need to go up 2 pitches on prop--ie. 17 pitch to 19 pitch. If you use a dual exhaust model, you will need to buy a through hub exhaust prop.

If you buy a newer lower unit with a two piece drive shaft (dual exhaust, for example) be certain the the shaft and coupler comes with it. They are difficult to find and very expensive. Again, if you buy a newer unit, be certain the water pump comes with it. Same thing, very expensive.
 

Natalie P

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Re: 1979 Chrysler Charger 140hp lower leg help/ideas...

ok thanks ...sounds good ... so someone is selling a lower unit from a chrysler 130hp gear ratio 2 to 1 for $150 bucks ... what do i have to do to make it work? ...lol ... i have a 19inch prop and long shaft.
 

Frank Acampora

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Jan 19, 2007
Messages
12,004
Re: 1979 Chrysler Charger 140hp lower leg help/ideas...

Will fit as long as it is 1979 or later. Chrysler changed from a 2 piece lower to a one piece lower in 78/79. Earlier lower units are completely different and will not bolt up.

If it's right and in good condition, 150 is a good price. Jump on it.

As a matter of course, check it for leaks before using it and change the water pump impeller.
 

Natalie P

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Joined
Oct 12, 2010
Messages
10
Re: 1979 Chrysler Charger 140hp lower leg help/ideas...

:facepalm: waaaa ... too good to be true ...it was a two piece ... and the search continues ...lol
 
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