More rearend widths - but different this time (maybe)

[71vert-pga]

We’ve all seen these figures before on the 8 and 9 inch mustang rear ends.

- 1965-1966 Mustang 8 & 9-inch housing width 52.25” or 57.25” drum to drum.
- 1967-1970 Mustang 8 & 9-inch housing width 54.25” or 59.25” drum to drum.
- 1971-1973 Mustang 8 & 9-inch housing width 56.00” or 61.25” drum to drum.

Those numbers are from a combination of sources.

But does anyone have comparable widths on 8.8 inch rear ends. There seems to be about a gazillion of these in salvage yards everywhere. Fox Mustangs are everywhere with 2.73, 3.08, 3.27, 3.55, and a few 3.73s. Most can be found with trac-loc (don’t know why anyone would order a 2.73 with trac-loc). Explorers and Aerostars can be found with 8.8s in common ratios of 3.55, 3.73, and 4.10, a few ever higher.

What are the widths of these things? What other vehicles can be used? What modifications need to be made other spring mounts? And last but not least, how much lighter are they than 9 inch rear ends?

I’m doin’ the AOD thing soon and don’t want to idle around town with my current 3.00 gears.

 

[RajunCajun]

I was under the assumption that they were "offset" and not the same length on both sides of the center section.. just seems to be a more complicating expensive route. not saying it woudlnt work just fine there are a few guys on the site ive seen mention having that setup

just my 2cents

 

[71vert-pga]

Buras, Louisiana!!!

Holy cow, you're even further south than I am. I guess you have about the same trouble finding good salvage yards too.

 

[63_Fairlane]

Griggs uses latemodel 8.8s in some of their cars. The 94-98 cars would be a good place to start. The 99s and up are wider. You will probably have to use latemodel offset wheels. I don't see any reason to go after the truck parts at all. They have the wrong offset. The perched are in the wrong locations. Either way, you have to cut bracketry off and weld new stuff on so I would go with the Mustang stuff as it is centered and will fit with the right offset wheels.

Good Luck

 

[SandSprite]

IIRC, the 4 lug fox 8.8 (87-93) are 59.xx" drum to drum. The 94-98 cars are a tad wider (1.5") and the 99" cars are even wider than that (another 1.5"). I have not verified any of that. It does seem to be very hard info to find though.
As for the pinion offset, I think it's the truck applications that are the problem. The cars use the same length axles on both sides, but the vans/trucks/suvs use 2 different lengths. But even some 9" rears are like this (like that one I bought... D'oh!).
I think the 8.8 would be great, but I would spend way too much making one work in a 65.

 

[71vert-pga]

I know I would have to modify any 8.8 housing to accept the Mustang's leaf spring brackets. That's no biggie!

The only major issue I can see (so far) is that there are no swaybars designed to match this rear on a classic 'stang.

 

[D.Hearne]

One thing that makes the Explorer 8.8's more attractive is the fact that many of them came with trac-loc and 31 spline axles. I bought the one under my 89 Ranger for $100, but like a Stang , ended up spending about $700 altogether after narrowing it, installing 9" bearing ends, and new Strange axles.

 

[bgs66]

I have a rearend out of a 99 GT that I plan on putting in my 66 fastback. Last weekend I put it under the car to see how it would fit and it looked like a good fit. I measured it from the backing plate or dust shield and it measured 57 1/4 inches. The new leaf spring perches need to be 43" center to center. Everything looks like it will fit ok. All that needs to be done is to cut off the control arm attaching points and weld on the new perches. I will also put in a new ring and pinion as the one in there is too loud. I don't know why more people are not doing this swap. The 8.8 is everywhere and parts are easily obtained. Good luck.

 

[71vert-pga]

bgs66,

I'd like to see a good post on your swap when completed. Pics included. However, 57.25" between the backing plates may seem awfully wide for a 66.