8.8 in a '66 - is it possible w/out being expensive?

[stangman16]

Hello, I've got some issues with my '66 Mustang coupe V-8... the previous owner has mis-matched many parts on my car, so least to say I'm not suprised to see I have a wrong rear end (out of a '67-70 mustang - 2" wider @ 54 1/4")

Does anyone know how long the 8.8's are and if there are any that are the 52 1/4" needed for the '65-'66 mustangs? I'd like to go with the 8.8" if it's not too costly like a 9" will be... Any information about this swap for a '66?

 

[jst6]

I've researched that myself. i've found that a 9" will cost the same amount an 8.8 will. so i'm probably not going with either since i can build the 8" in my car already for less than half of the $$$ than the 8.8 or 9.

 

[68rustang]

The search button is your friend. This topic has been gone over more than a few times.

 

[cougar_68]

I think the 9" is a lot more costly to build. You can get an explorer rearend with 31 spline axles, disc brakes, and limited slip. The differential is actually offset so on axle is longer than the other. If you buy another "short" axle and have the long side shortened to the same length as the short size it is really close to stock size for a 66. I bought a "short" explorer axle on ebay for like $15 plus shipping. I know a guy that can shorten the rearend for me for less than $100. Right now I'm kinda looking around. I haven't decided if I'm going to go with the Explorer rearend or just throw a posi in the 8". Can't decide how much I really need rear disc brakes.

 

[one2gamble]

The search button is your friend. This topic has been gone over more than a few times.

though, the server crash may have erased some of those threads

 

[68rustang]

though, the server crash may have erased some of those threads

Maybe some, but I still came up with a bunch of hits when i tried it

 

[D.Hearne]

I was cleaning out the shop yesterday and ran across the 2 axles from the Explorer rear I narrowed for my Ranger. Anyone want the short one?

 

[brianj5600]

Late model wheels should fit your rear w/o spacers, but matching fronts would require spacers. There are alot of wheels out there that are available in correct sizes for f/r with your combo. If it is time for new wheels you could get them now with the $ you were going to spend on a new rear.

 

[krash kendall]

Late model wheels should fit your rear w/o spacers.

That's what I'm doing right now, as I have the same problem having a '69 nine inch in my '65. It brings all four wheels to stock configuration. I'm running steel wheels all around with '66 wheel covers untill I have the loot for new wheels and spacers.