8.8 rear

Is there anyone running the 8.8 rear from a explorer? I got a set of rims from a 2004 Mustang. I really did not want to run a spacer on the rear, so I thought that if I swaped in a 8.8 with 373's already in it. It would sovle all my rear problems, but I would like to know how much of PITA it will be to do.

 

It's not to hard. The hardest part is welding on new spring perches. When you weld to one side of an axle tube it bends the tube toward the weld. We streighten all the diffs that we weld at work befor we install them. The explorer diff has the pinion offset towards the passenger side. This can cause a problem with dual exhast and the drive shaft.

 

That is good to know about the offset. I guess I will try and talk my buddy out of his 9" under his 73 Mustang then. That rear should just bolt in right?

 

Why don't you try the 94-98 mustang's? the v8s got the 3.73 and i think is easier to install then the explorer.

 

That might work to.

 

incorrect.... 94-98 GT Mustangs only came with a 2.73 or 3.08 gears from the factory. ive owned three of them over the past few yrs. ive heard talk of a 3.27 gear option in the 4.6 cars but cant confirm it since all of mine have been 5.0 cars

 

auto cars had 3.27 gears

use a fox rear 1986-1993 5.0 cars had them i have one in mine


brad

 

ok, my 95 cobra had 3.73 I thought it was stock

 

I for one would like to know more about these rear swap options. I thought of putting the 8.8 in mine at one point. It fell through but I still want higher gears. What would be the easiest swap with around the gears you're talking about (3.5-3.75 there abouts)?

 

you can get for example 3.55 - 4.11 gears for the maverick's 8 inch that's what i will do to mine.

 

the 8.8's arent any stronger, mustang 8.8's still have sucky gears, the disc brake will work on your factory 8"..........

so why not just do a disc brake swap, and install the gearset of your choice and be done with it?

 

I know the 8.8 is not any stronger iam just tryin to keep the rear wheels centered in the wheel well without having to add spacers.I figured with a 8.8 i would just get one with 373's so i would not have to do a gear change later.So any one runnning later model mustang rims please let me know what you are doing to keep them centered. The rims i am running are 17x8 torque thrust II's with 275 rear tire with stock back spacing for a 2004 mustang.

 

i have a fox rear in mine with 5 lug axles 4:10 gears 31 spline posi 98 cobra rims 275/35/17 tires no spacers needed

brad

 

Nice Fit!

 

my only real problem about puting a 8.8 into the maverick is that it requires welding and streightening the housing. this is not something that you can pull off in your back yard unless you are already experienced at doing this. i feel that the 8.8 is stronger than the 8". after all the 8.8 was fords replacement for the 9". it is put in the shelby mustangs that have 500 hp. i have several customers running them behind 800 - 1000 hp motors. the axles are the weakest link in the 8.8. they are upgradeable to 33 spline alxes, and that usually takes care of any brakage.

the easyest and cheapest way to fit the mentioned tires is wheel spacers. the diff under the 73 mustang maybe wide enough and should just bolt right in. a 8" is a more efficent diff than a 9" and may get you a little bit more gas milage.