Need Advice about Rear-End swap

[rockytopmark]

I have a 1970 GT with, I assume, its original rear-end. I purchased a rebuilt 73 rear-end this fall with the intent of "updating" my GT, to the more preferred "later years GT" rear-end. I don't believe there is anything wrong with the 70 Rear-end and there-in lies my question... Should I swap for updating's sake? ...or just leave the original rear-end in, since it seems to be in satisfactory working order?

Notes about the car... The Engine is a modified 1.9L with performance cam and other performance mods. Has a ported and torquered intake, Weber 32/36 and Sprint exhaust, so it will be higher HP and torque than stock set up.

Thanks and any opinion is very much appreciated.

[GTJIM]

Rule No. 1: "Don't fix it if it ain't broke!"

Just be aware that the retainer clips on the early axle hold them in and can break - pays to jack up the rear end from time to time and pull in-and-out on the wheels to ensure that the clips are still on there and doing their job.

THe later rear axle is a far better piece of kit - and you have it right there for replacement when necessary. If your GT is off the road for Winter and you need a project though, it may be a good one to do. Check the condition of the rear brakes - if they look a bit manque' then a diff change would sort them out at the same time.

Of course a "good" set of early wheel bearings and axles will be quite attractive to someone else with the early diff who does not want to go through the who 'replace-it-with-a-late-model-one trip!
You could recoup most of the cost of the replacement diff ........