gotta replace the axle...

[Sonik1]

So this guy goes through an intersection and clips my rear end on my 99 GT. Takes out the driver side rear wheel and rear quarter panel. The car has been in the shop getting fixed but according to the insurance company the left rear axle housing and left rear axle shaft need to be replaced because they're bent.

The insurance company is giving me $1300+ to get it fixed. Does this sound reasonable? I'm guessing they'll have to replace the whole axle and the housing. What do you guys recommend so I can get the best set up? Stronger axle or not? From what source? Think I could get some gears put in for within that price? Bottom line is, I want to come out ahead, whether it be better parts or have money left over for other mods. BTW I don't ever plan on supercharging or plan on having much more over 300 RWHP after I make mods in the future.

 

[Cobra Jay]

They only gave you 1,300? The body work alone will more than likely eat up half of that, if not more. Did you get an estimate from a body shop, or did you just see a claims adjuster from the insurance company? BTW who do you have insurance with, and what kind of coverage do you have?

If it's the rear end is bent, it's toast. A new axle is going to cost you a minimum of $800. You're going to have to get one form FRPP because the 05's are different. The good thing is you can get a new one with 3.55's or 3.73's. Unless you get one from a junkyard, and I wouldn't let that happen if I were you.

 

[Sonik1]

No no no... Sorry, I already got the settlement that covers all the body work. It came to over $2600 which included a new quarter panel and bumper. The $1300+ is to replace the axle and housing. It was through the other guys insurance company... NJ Manufacturers. I've got All-State... didn't even have to go through them for this.

So FRPP is the best source? I want quality at a good price.... doesn't everyone? And I'm lost with the gear issue. Stay stock, 3.55, or 3.73? The most I want to do in the near term is a cat-back, short shifter and suspension mods. Long term, headers, x-pipe, intake and tb, etc..... What rear end sounds like the best match?

 

[Cobra Jay]

4.10's , but I'm not sure if you can get a complete axle from FRPP with 4.10's.
I'd go 3.73's at a minimum. 3.55's aren't much of a jump from 3.27's.

With 1,300 you'll have money left over. Get an aluminum driveshaft installed while you at it.

 

[Sonik1]

Excuse my ignorance but what type of gains will I get from an aluminum driveshaft? Would it help with reaching the powerband quicker and a little more hp because of less rotating weight?

 

[Cobra Jay]

Excuse my ignorance but what type of gains will I get from an aluminum driveshaft? Would it help with reaching the powerband quicker and a little more hp because of less rotating weight?

It's lighter, but you won't notice it much. The main benefit from one is it's a lot stronger than the stock steel one. Yes I said aluminum is stronger than steel. Doesn't make a whole lot of sence, but it's true. The FRPP driveshafts are almost identical to the ones Ford puts in the Crown Vic police cruisers. They are 3x a thick as the steel ones, but weigh about 8 pounds less.

 

[Sonik1]

Gotcha, where's the best place to purchase FRPP parts? I always have problems with their website.... Plus the axle assembly I saw on there said nothing about it being for 99 GTs

 

[Sonik1]

Looking for a source to purchase new axle assembly for a 99GT... any suggestions?

 

[Cobra Jay]

I looked in my 2004 ford Racing catalog today and I saw 3 different axle assemblys

There were 2 for 1979-1998 Mustangs. 1 with 3.55's and 1 with 3.73's $799.00 each

The other one is for 1999-2004 unfortunately they only come with 3.27's $750.00

I forgot the part # but I try to get it later

 

[Sonik1]

Wow... I called up Ford Racing yesterday and they said they know longer have any axles for 99+ GTs. They told me I have to go to a Ford dealership and they would order the parts separately for an axle. There isn't such a thing as a complete assembly for 99+ Gts Sounds fishy to me. They priced me at $111 for a half shaft and a $745 for an empty axle housing. Any suggestions? I'm lost....

 

[Cobra Jay]

Go to your local Ford Dealer and get yourself a 2004 ford racing catalog. There are a bunch of dealers listed in there. Also you could try Summit,Jegs,or Ramchargers. If you can't find one there, try finding one with low mileage from a salvage yard, then rebuild it .

 

[trublustang]

I know it's a little over your budget but see with DTS www.drivetrainspecialists.com (877) 874-7327. They are known to do top notch work

COMPLETE NEW HOUSING W/ THE FOLLOWING
TRAC LOC POSI (28 SPLINE)
NEW BEARINGS AND SEALS
28 SPLINE STOCK AXLES
NEW FLANGE
NEW GEARS (pick your choice)
STEEL COVER
TUBES ARE STRAIGHTENED, AND WELDED TO THE HOUSING

$1450.00 + SHIPPING

It can go up to $1800.00 if you go Eaton Posi / 31 splines strange axles

For a GT NA or FI, 3.73 is the best gear imo

 

[Sonik1]

I like the setup but the price didn't include install did it? How much does it cost to install? I'm lost guys.. any other sources out there? Would I be ok going used?