9 inch rear end question

i just got a 88 gt and my goal is to mostly use it for the track. i am going to be building a 408ci and run around a 4:11 rear gear. might drive it to local shows to.. i have heard that the 8.8 isnt that strong of an axle and that i need to get a 9 inch. what does it take to get the 9 inch under a 88 gt? does it need to be shortend? control arm brackets added? all the info i can get is greatly appreciated.
thanks
mike
 
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You do not need a 9 inch rear, guys have run 7's on 8.8's.

You just have to build the 8.8 the right way with the right parts.
A proper diff, 33 spline axles, weld the axle tubes, c clip eliminators, TA cover.
 
so if i dump a little money into the 8.8 it will handle alot power?
33 spline axles i thought u could only get 31 as the most?

Ya, strange has them.
If you use a spool (something i do not suggest you do if you are going to do any street driving) you can put a good rear together pretty cheap.
Get all your ducks in a row though before you buy or build the rear, especially what you are going to do for brakes. Race car discs aren't always quite as simple to match up the parts as it is to just do cobra brakes.
 
A nice streetable set-up I have used to put over 1000HP through is

31 spline Moser Race Axles with 9" end
31 spline Eaton Carrier
9" bearings ends (you can get these in a few different styles depending what brakes you plan to run)
Rear Cover

**I'd suggest a 33 spline set-up but there is not a good 33 spline carrier so you would have to have a spool**

If you want a 9", Moser makes a 9" housing that will bolt into a fox, a good center section can be very pricey however.
 
Not to start an argument but, I have a 31 spline spool setup with 3.73's & drove it on the street quite a bit before the turbo install started. I don't do any corner carving with it but, normal cruising is fine. Be very careful if you ever get caught out in the rain though. I was leaving the track (on drag radials) after the rain shut things down and its like driving a forklift with rear steering. Kind of scary but a side from that, I have heard that driving a spool on the street making curves will cause the C clip eliminators to wear out faster and leak. not sure how true that is though. mine are still OK. Of course, the more you use anything, the faster it will wear out.