I have been looking in the archive`s for a while now to findout how hard it would really be to install an 8.8" diff into my 82 fb GS. I realise Granny Speed Shop sell`s a kit that would bolt right in: however, I was wondering how difficult it would be to install an unmodified 8.8". Does anyone have a step by step / pics. Any help would be appreciated.

 

Nope, no one who's done it has posted any info about making thier own. That may be an eventual mod for the widebody and I'm too cheap to pay Granny's price. If I ever do do it, it will be written up, but as slow as my progress has been, it may be a couple years, lol.

I've been talking to Dan to try and get some measurements from him for future reference. It doesn't look to difficult to build. Having a decent set of drawings would make the build much simpler.

 

There would be quite of work involved in order to get it to work just so. Especially since me and Gonzz both have the torque arm setup as well (would be a nightmare to try and duplicate).

You would have to shorten the axle tubes, get shorter axles, weld the brackets on for the struts and trailing arms. Than rig up a watts linkage setup (or panhard setup), also need to figure out something for the spring mounts (I am using grannies smaller diameter springs and adjusters). It would be very involved and extremely difficult to get it perfect. I dunno these are some of the main reasons I took the easy way out and went to Grant at Grannies. Also for some more money you can get fully adjustable hiem links for the trailing arms and watts linkage.

Then you still need to figure out the brakes, and wheels. The end result is badass though...







Edit:
Note that I also had mine shortened so it's the same length as a stock SE rear. Should also mention that the rear end, driveshaft, torque arm, springs, rear brakes, adjustable links all together was about $4000-4500 bucks.

 

Measurements and a mechanical drawing Dan, pretty please.

 

Hey guys.

I am doing an 8.8 conversion as we speak on my 84 GSL. I have the wheels and tires ready for the swap. I purchased a set of 255 50 R16 BFG Comp TA drag radials. I was going to go larger but they didn't have much for a 16 incher. I have installed FD wheels and boy does it really look good. I love the FD wheels on a FB. I didn't know what to think until I put the 7 back on the ground. It has flares on it. I'll post pics pretty soon. The 8.8 is from a Tbird. It is 1" longer on each side than a standard 8.8. I am on the edge about how far the wheel can come out without touching the flares. I will try and put it in Friday night and saturday of next weekend.

Bryan@BNR

 

Wow, thanks guys! Dan, your car look's better every time I see it man. Thanks for the pics; however, measurments and mechanical drawings would be a great help as trochoid said. I am also very interested in the outcome of Bryan's car. Pics and measurments would be great from you to man.

Thanks again!

 

I suppose that if you're keeping the stock watts link and 4 control arms, the measurements from the stock unit could simply be transposed to the 8.8. Visualizing them in my head side by side makes the task seem much easier. Welding the brackets on in the correct angular alignment may be the hardest part of the build.

 

What other options do I have? All I have now is a gsl diff which I don't think is going to last me much longer. Everything I can find aftermarket is for a 2nd, or 3rd gen.

 

The later models of RX-7's have a rear subframe (independant rear suspension) and it is extremely difficult (and not worth it, IMO) to swap in.

 

this fella makes nice drag rears for rx7s..
he made a few around me..they seem to hold up very well
http://www.toyota3tc.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=15659