I've got a question for you technical folks.....
I'm trying to find 5 lug aftermarket axles for my 8" housing without much success. What's the difference between the 8" axle for the Pinto/MII and the small housing type early Mustang axle other than the length and the bearing retainer plate? I've taken measurements, and the axle seems to match spot on. What am I missing?
Thanks for the assist!
Hey bob55,
I am looking for the same info. I have a pair of early Mustang 65-66 on the way. There is a good post by turbopinto72 that outlines the differnces in the MII and early axles. But I still don't understand if it means that you can't use the early axles. I have read elsewhere on the web that these axles could be used with slight machining.
Usually, most people take the easier route of redrilling the MII hubs and drums. I'm still pursuing the idea of using the 66 Mustang axles. I'm going to take them to a machine shop and see what they say. Please post back if you hear anything else about it.
Kevin.
Quote from: WagonNut on April 19, 2007, 11:56:45 AM
Hey bob55,
I am looking for the same info. I have a pair of early Mustang 65-66 on the way. There is a good post by turbopinto72 that outlines the differnces in the MII and early axles. But I still don't understand if it means that you can't use the early axles. I have read elsewhere on the web that these axles could be used with slight machining.
Usually, most people take the easier route of redrilling the MII hubs and drums. I'm still pursuing the idea of using the 66 Mustang axles. I'm going to take them to a machine shop and see what they say. Please post back if you hear anything else about it.
Kevin.
Now when I read that post I understood the differance to be in the Spline Depth. I haven't looked at that specific Topic latley but I do remember there are pics, so you should be able to find that bit of info right around that post. Besides that topic is "For Info Only", you have to make the ultimate decision.
Check it out.
turbowagonman
Roger that, TWM,
I read the thread on the 8" axles, and it seems as though everything is good to go as far as axles, however..... why are all of the axle measurements needed by the various manufacturers contacted, I would have thought the axle measurments (other than length) would have been pretty standard within the 8" family? Like most home builders I don't have the most accurate measurment tools available and am also concerned about tolerances.
Currie's rep said their axles wouldn't fit the MII style rear under any conditions, so I'm a little hesitant to just take measurments and order over the phone. Maybe my best bet is to send a set the old axles direct?
Well I just looked at the "8 inch rear ends" topic in the Pinto FAQ and this is what I took from it. Keep in mind thios is just MY OPINION, the early model rear is 27 13/16" (27.8125" in decimal) Long, versus late model is 27 1/2" (27.500" in decimal). So as you can see there is a .3125" differance in overall length, early model being longer. So you can just "lop it off", right. WELL, if you just "lop it off", .3125 to make it fit in the housing you will be losing some spline length and that's where it gets tricky! You see the Early model is shorter in that department it only has 1.520" of Spline length but the late model has 1.806" of Spline Length, so if you cut that .3125 off of the SHORTER spline you will end up with 1.234" of Spline Length WAYYYY shorter that the original 1.806" of Spline Length. You will be shorter by .572" of Spline Length, that is over 9/16" (.5625" for 9/16") shorter of Spline Length. This doesn't even mention there is a Diameter Differance, early model being 1.048" Ø, to late model being 1.232" Ø. That is a differance of .184" (almost 3/16" [which is .1875"]). Will it hold up?
I know I wouldn't use them in my car but I'm putting alot of Horsepower to the ground with a 2.3 Turbo motor. When I convert over to 5 lug I'm getting some aftermarket Axel's anyway because I'm going with Methonal Injection and quite possibly a T3/T4 Hybrid Turbo probbably around (or more than) 400 HP to the Ground, but that's just me.
Remember this is "JUST MY OPINION"
Shawn
Shawn,
Thanks for the input, I agree with your thoughts on the shorter spline length. I took more measurements today, and send the preliminary info to Moser.....more to follow. Once things are in the works, and Moser concurs, I'll post my measurements.
Are there enough of us doing this that we could look into having a run of beefier retaining plates being made as a group?
Well I do plan on doing the upgrade BUT that is going to be next winter when I upgrade to Granada Rotors & GM Calipers. I just need to get the car on the road first! So next year if that option is avalible, I will jump on it.
turbowagonman
Got my 8" axles from Moser, SPOT ON!!! Everything matches, as well as the retainer plates. Seems the MII housing has the same retainer plates as the 8.8".
Moser's PN for the retainer plates is pn 9700, the other dimensions are available here, or email me at bob_10@comcast.net and I'll send the dimensions to you ready to order from Moser.
These are stout axles!!!!!