I just bought myself a 8.8 axle/diff/discbrake unit from someone, off of an explorer. It's in really good condition and i'd love to put it on the mav. But for the swap I hear there needs to be alot of fab work? Including cutting it to size and swapping around the shock mounts. Do the cuts really need to be done to size it down? Is there anyway of avoiding that? It doesn't seem like too much of a difference, considering that the axle off the mav is 56.50" & the 8.8 is 59.50". Which is only 1.50" of difference on each side. Is the main concern clearance issues for buying tire sizes? or is it workable to just keep the 8.8 the regular size? All info would be greatly appreciated!!!
there are guys here that have put in that rear end as is but someone said besides the shock mounts they had to run spacers on there wheels. Im guessing to put on a highly offset wheel on. Im going to go with that same rear end but its going to be shortened to fit a mini tub
Here's a good link: http://www.stangfix.com/testforum2/index.php?topic=11946.0 Another: http://www.fordmuscleforums.com/rear-end-articles/495110-31-spline-explorer-axle-swap.html
Im.not sure the of the.difference in width from an explorer 8.8 to a mustang 8.8....but.i have a an mustang rear end.under my mav without shortening...just moved the sprinng perches...im running stock mustang offset wheels and they fit perfect
It can be done using different offset wheels, but the correct way to do it is to shorten the long side, this will also help to center the pinion under the car.
