Alright i have a 1980 with the 2.3 and i want to put a 302 out of a late 80 model t bird i was wondering if the rearend in that would be a 8 inch and if so could i use it and i noticed last time i saw the car that it was 4 lug would it be the same bolt pattern so i could use my wheels... Any help would be appreciated.
thx
The t-birds in the late 80's did not have the 8" rears. Even it it did, it would be a pain to swap. There are rears from older pinto/bobcats and mustangII's that are a direct bolt-in 8", and yes, those wheels will fit. I have an 8" rear from a 68 stang in mine, but it took some work.
Bill
I just found out that it is a 83 not late 80s would that make a difference
Hello  shockerlover,
The rear for the T-Bird is an 8.8 it also has coil springs.
Would it fit? "YES" BUT it will require more work. The lug pattern is the 4 0n 4 1/4 stock Pinto bolt pattern NOT sure if Pinto wheels will fit... But I bet your planning on using the bird wheels anyhow.
From Pintony
No i am going to use my pinto pacers off my pinto but that will work.... Thx man ill let u all know what happens
Wait would it be possible to use my leaf springs on it or would i have to use the coil... You have to forgive me i dont know much about this stuff
You would either have to cut the mounts off yor Pinto axel or buy new ones and use the stock Pinto leaf springs.
I installed a 83 Bird axel in my Rallye.Had to cut and grind the birds mounting points,then bought spring perchs from Jegs.I centered the axel on the springs then welded the perchs on. The birds axel is about one and a half inch wider on both sides.
My (well, all really) 68 8" is about 3" wider overall. Remember when you weld on the perches, you need to set the pinion angle correct or you will be changing u-joints often. (P-man, I know you knew this, wanted him to know)
So much easier to use the bolt-in 8", and they are out there to be found.
Where are you, maybe there is one of us out there near you that can give you a hand with your project.
Bill
I am in elizabethton, TN (east tennessee) but heres the thing money is a big issue for me man and this bird is just setting around... believe me i would rather have the bolt on deal but if i cant find a bolt on for a really dirt cheap price then im going to have to go with the bird stuff....But w/e i do i gotta do it fast caus emy 2.3 is burning oil faster then i can put in it and it has vacuum issues and i really have learned to hate it so if there is anything else u all can help me with on installing this rearend then please do....
Thx a really pathetic newbie (lol)
Save yourself alot of trouble/time and find an 8" out of a Must. 2 or a pinto. They do bolt right in without any modifications as I just did my '78 pinto. Maybe you'll get lucky and find a Mustang 2 with a factory sway bar that is also a bolt-in with the exception of drilling 4 holes. Both my 78 v-6 and 78 2300 cars have them and they really do help with the typical Pinto body roll while cornering hard. Trust me, it is easier to spend the money and get one of these bolt-ins, than to spend a whole lot of time just to have a cobbled up mess when you are done.
Quote from: fast34 on January 24, 2006, 12:00:05 AM
Save yourself alot of trouble/time and find an 8" out of a Must. 2 or a pinto. They do bolt right in without any modifications as I just did my '78 pinto. Maybe you'll get lucky and find a Mustang 2 with a factory sway bar that is also a bolt-in with the exception of drilling 4 holes. Both my 78 v-6 and 78 2300 cars have them and they really do help with the typical Pinto body roll while cornering hard. Trust me, it is easier to spend the money and get one of these bolt-ins, than to spend a whole lot of time just to have a cobbled up mess when you are done.
Well Put!!!
From Pintony
I understand the money issue, been there, trust me.
You can find those rears we mentioned for around 100 bucks (give or take, from what I have seen) or one from a 67/68 stang v8 (not too much to do to install, but will be 5 lug), but keep in mind that your stock rear will last a while if you drive VERY easy. That might help you get going, and you can change it out later. You are also looking at a bunch of other parts to make or buy (driveshaft, engine mounts, exhaust, radiator + hoses, front springs.....), I reccamend doing an estimate on those parts as well, and see how it all works in you budget. If you NEED the car it will do you no good to have it half done and be out of money.
It might be cheaper to find a newer running daily driver than installing a v8 in a pinto; Just some old junker that runs and drives that you don't care about (I have had a few of these over the years when needed). Keep the project, but another car can give you the time to get the money you need, and be able to take your time to search for cheaper parts, or make them yourself.
BTW: Is it leaking the oil or burning? (I have done a few rear main seals on them that were like a garden hose)
Bill
dude it is bruning the oil like a locomotive train burns coal
Out here, at the self-service yards, complete rearends are $50-$75. Have you tried any local yards to see what they may have to offer?
Yea i checked them all the cheapest one was 600 and i figured that to be a bit much... Anybody live near east tennessee that wants to sell one i would be more then happy to buy it for a decent price...
thx
IMO
the 8.8 has very weak axles you can find them in any fullsize car 79-91 and i think f150 have them (they will have leaf spring pads) but if i was putting a new rearend in anything that i had to fabricate i would go with a 9 inch
no go with 89 lx mustang auto trans 3:73 gears
Maybe you haven't heard, THEY DO NOT FIT!!!!! WITHOUT MAJOR MODIFICATIONS!!!!!
As far as width I have not measured my 90 8.8 rear ends width yet.
But, as far as installing it in a pinto it is not real hard. First, remove mounting tabs from 8.8 with torch, etc. Next, weld perches onto tubes while rearend is sitting in position. Clamp down with u Bolts. Attach brake lines. I plan on putting some anti-roll control arms that will be attached to my sub frame connectors to reduce wheel hop.
Like I said about width of mustang 8.8. But installing not to difficult, just need a torch and a decent welder...
Quote from: pintopierce on April 03, 2006, 12:42:21 PM
As far as width I have not measured my 90 8.8 rear ends width yet.
But, as far as installing it in a pinto it is not real hard. First, remove mounting tabs from 8.8 with torch, etc. Next, weld perches onto tubes while rearend is sitting in position. Clamp down with u Bolts. Attach brake lines. I plan on putting some anti-roll control arms that will be attached to my sub frame connectors to reduce wheel hop.
Like I said about width of mustang 8.8. But installing not to difficult, just need a torch and a decent welder...
What happens when the rear axel grease catches fire?