Since I am finally getting one of these later today I am trying to determine the best way to go about changing to a 5 lug pattern.
I've seen several who have mentioned redrilling or were going to be redrilling the axles. My main question about that is is there enough meat on the axle to do this safely? It is something I would have to take to a shop to have done. And I'd have them do the drums at the same time.
The other choice would seem to be aftermarket, but I haven't had any luck finding anything for the 8 inch. Maybe I am just missing it? Are there any off the shelf axles to fit these rear ends?
And the last and possibly impossible choice. Are there any other Ford axles that would fit without mods or compromises? I've seen I think it was talk about Maverick axles being a bit short (I think), as an example of something that isn't quite right I would want to avoid.
I was seriously thinking about staying with the 4 lug, but I really want the larger Granada front disk brakes, and I am not finding the style of Centerline rims I want in the size I want in the 4 lug.
Thanks,
Russ
Could get them from Moser, they'll make anything you need..
http://www.moserengineering.com/custom-axles.html (http://www.moserengineering.com/custom-axles.html)
Thanks!
I missed that. I searched there for 8inch and didn't come up with anything. I didn't think about looking for spline count.
If anyone else has redrilled these or done anything else please let me know.
Russ
I'm only going by memory here so hopefully others can confirm. My recollection was that the Maverick/Comet (V-8) eight inch was 1/2" narrower than the Pinto and came with the 5 bolt pattern. I don't know how the perches align with the Pinto springs. But, it might be easier and cheaper to get the 5 bolt pattern that way. Welding in new spring perches seems a lot cheaper than buying aftermarket axles. Again search this out or wait until others respond because this is coming from the deep, dark, cob-web infested regions of my mind.
Your memory is correct. ;D
Have to modify or replace the perches to fit in a Pinto.
It's easier for me to deal with axles rather than cutting/welding. Might not make sense, but that is just me. I can't weld, so that just seems more complicated. :-[ Bolt on stuff works best for me.
I've bought the Pinto 8inch rear, so now I am committed. Or ought to be committed. :o
I thought I've seen something about using Granada axles? Does that ring a bell with anyone?
Thanks,
Russ
The outer bearing is smaller on Pinto rears & the axle is thinner than any others at that spot so others wont fit. I'm having a set re-drilled for $170 & they should handle 350 HP
I'm probably going to have to go that route myself. At least for the near future.
Does that price include drilling the drums?
Can't afford new rims right now, so no rush.
And I doubt if I will go past that HP amount for quite awhile.
Thanks,
Russ
That price is just the axles. Ranger drums fit but drilling the stock ones can be done by hand if you work carefully
Drilling a 4 x 4.25" axle for 5 x 4.5" requires one of the stud holes to be filled because at least two will overlap at any given angle.
A 4 x 4.5" axle like those used on the six cylinder Falcon platform allows one of the stud locations to remain unchanged and the four new ones put in with a fair bit of metal between them and the old ones.
Or perhaps a set of 8in axles from a V8 '65-66 rear end would be easier?
Phoenix Craigslist under auto parts. Look up mustang parts. there is a guy selling a bunch of differential stuff.
Thanks.
I just maxed out my spending for quite a while.
Russ