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Welcome to FordPinto.com, The home of the PCCA => General Help- Ask the Experts... => Topic started by: Rawdawg510 on March 14, 2018, 11:28:27 PM

Title: 8.8 rear end into my pinto??
Post by: Rawdawg510 on March 14, 2018, 11:28:27 PM

I am still working on my 2.3 t swap, and everything is almost done there just a little stuff here and there.

I went to pick n pull this weekend and there was a 91 5.0 mustang fox body with an 8.8 rear end and 3.73 gears posi traction. I am really debating if I should buy it but before I do swap the axles/drums out of a couple rangers (5lug) that were there that way I only buy everything once lol

My only concern is if I decide to go that route for about $150 Will the rear be to wide or will it be close to stock length after measuring where the leaf spring perches go? haven't had time to measure the one in my car and I didn't take a tape measure to the wrecking yard.

Has anyone done this swap before?

Title: Re: 8.8 rear end into my pinto??
Post by: Wittsend on March 15, 2018, 07:55:20 PM

I had a 88 Turbo Coupe (Fox). I'm not sure of the differences (if any) between the TC and Mustang. But, I will tell you that the TC 8.8 was WAY wide for the Pinto. My recollection was about 3" too wide. Plus it lacks the spring perches you need to mount to the leaf spring. You can always weld them on but it is one more thing to do. Even if you get the 8.8 narrowed (if you even can) the cost will far exceed the price of an 8".

Regardless, here is some info that might help.  I got called away and didn't have time to read it all. Perhaps there are a few 8.8's (Explorer) that might fit???
 http://www.hotrod.com/articles/ford-rear-axle/ (http://www.hotrod.com/articles/ford-rear-axle/)


OK, had a little time to go back... . Read the link above because there are secondary factors rto consider! The '91 Mustang 8.8 rearend in 59.25 wide and later models even longer yet. The '69-'77 Maverick is 56.50", the Pinto/Mustange II is 57". The 90-92 Ranger are 56.50, and the 93-04 Explorers are 56.75 (note they are stated to have an offset that can be an issue with the driveshaft hitting the tunnel.  Here is the link to the source. http://www.carnut.com/specs/rear.html


I'd say the 8" is still the better option but if you go with a 8.8 know the aspects that are important. And, no I would not advise the '91 you are considering.

Title: Re: 8.8 rear end into my pinto??
Post by: Rawdawg510 on March 23, 2018, 04:05:15 PM

So if I get this rear it would be about 1.25 inches longer on each side?? I want to get some big wheels in the rear I think that would help me fit a bigger tire..

I'm going to pick it up and if I don't use it I'm sure someone would buy a fox rear that is 5 lug for no more than $200 haha

Thanks for the help

Title: Re: 8.8 rear end into my pinto??
Post by: Wittsend on March 24, 2018, 12:37:28 PM

Similar to cutting wood when making alterations "Measure Twice, Buy Once." And, of course "Do At Your Own Risk." You have the spring perches to deal with, any offset in the trans tunnel etc. so, think it through. That 1.25" may not seem like much but can add up quickly. Even if you fit the wheels/tires withing the wheel opening it can still have that "front wheel drive" offset look.  Most Pinto's when they go to a wider tire offaset the wheel to the outside of the car.