I'm planning on using a 8.8 T/C rear end on my 72 hatchback. the question is...will this fit without interferance with the underbody by the gas tank mount? looks pretty close. Has anyone done this swap? thanks Bill
I put an 8.8 rear end under my 72 wagon . I cut ALL of the coil spring stuff off and I threw the original gas tank away. I put a 12 gal. fuel cell in the old spare tire well and hope that I never have a flat in a remote area. Needless to say I have plenty of room under the car in the area of the rear end BIG BILL
I'm going to do the same Oleguy. The 8.8 that i have is about 1/2 inch longer than the ole 6 inch rear end (on both sides) but i think if i put wheels on there with the right back spacing ill be ok. I've cut off all the spring stuff too and was even thinking about cutting off those big eyelets on the top of the housing to give me more clearance. I bought the spring perches thru Speedway for $15.00. Got em the next day. Ill keep watching the posts in here too. Kenny
I have 16 inch chrome pony wheels from a Mustang on my car and still have room. I also cut the trailing arm mounts off along with all the other coil spring stuff. If you are careful and do some good clean up and grinding it will look pretty neat. BIG BILL
Nice Bill. I was wondering about those eyelets. (trailing arms holes). Did you keep that flange on the jug, or did you go back to the regular u joint end? Kenny
I kept the flange. In fact, I used the pinto driveshaft. My car has a 306 roller engine, a T-5 transmission, and an 8.8 rear end from an 88 T-Bird turbo coupe. I moved the engine back a little farther than most folks do( I had to make a new bellhousing recess in the firewall) so I had to have the driveshaft shortened a little. I used the Mustang front and rear yokes by using the U-joint that is big on one crossshaft (longer) and short on the other. It sounds complicated but it is relally simple. If I can figure out how to do it I will post some photos. BIG BILL
I'm (STILL) trying to V8 my '79... I'd love to see anyone's pics on the 8.8 install!
Should be getting my JunkYard 8.8 this week. I'll be posting picture of the narrowing and install...
im running a 8.8 and didnt need to narrow anything.... just used mustang axles and drums to shorten it 1.5 inches.... got 15x8s on the back inside the wheel well......
Quote from: Pinturbo75 on March 21, 2011, 05:18:28 PM
im running a 8.8 and didnt need to narrow anything.... just used mustang axles and drums to shorten it 1.5 inches.... got 15x8s on the back inside the wheel well......
So...what axle did you start with? then added 28 spline 4 lug mustang axles with drum brakes?
i used a mkvii rear end and since it was a disc rear and 1.5 inches wider i swapped in 89 mustang axles and drum brakes to narrow it the extra 1.5 inches... cleaned all the control arm mounts off and hacked the upper eyelets off the housing. measured it up for spring perches and welded im on..... thats pretty much it.
Reserecting this thread....
Quote from: Pinturbo75 on March 22, 2011, 05:41:58 PM
i used a mkvii rear end and since it was a disc rear and 1.5 inches wider i swapped in 89 mustang axles and drum brakes to narrow it the extra 1.5 inches... cleaned all the control arm mounts off and hacked the upper eyelets off the housing. measured it up for spring perches and welded im on..... thats pretty much it.
on the 89 mustang Axles does it matter v8 or 4cyl ?
could you skip the mustang axles and just increase the backspace ?
I run a 8.8 out of 98 Mustang Cobra. I cut off all the brackets and welded on some spring perches. I've never had any clearence issues with the stock gas tank. I did not shorthen the axles on mine, but I run late model 17" Cobra wheels. And they dont stick out past the fenders.
very good, yeah, you can play with back space a little to get the fitment you need.