Ford 8.8 swap
10-20-16, 09:30 PM
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Ford 8.8 swap
I'm interested in doing a ford 8.8 rear end swap. Does anything special need to be done to the car to have the bigger rear end fit? (Driveshaft changed, better suspension, etc)
11-19-16, 03:20 PM
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Don't use the Explorer version, even though it is the cheapest way to get to 31-spline shafts. The extra mass isn't worth it. The best way to go is either an '96-'93 Mustang version, or a 4.0L Ranger version. Both are 28-spline, both use smaller tubes in a less-beefy centersection, and both are drum-brake, but both are close to the correct width, can be fitted with 31-spline shafts, or even 33s or 35s, both are far lighter than the Explorer version, and both can take as much power as the Explorer version, once you upgrade them to 31-spline. Either way, you should do a C-clip eliminator kit.
The Mustang version will require you to grind off the ears for the Mustang's upper trailing arms, the Ranger version won't. Mustang versions generally have gearing of 2.73:1, 3.08:1, or 3.27:1, while Ranger versions tend to be 3.55:1, 3.73:1, or 4.10:1. Ranger versions are not in demand, so price and availability is better. You'll likely do a rear disc conversion either way, I suggest not trying Explorer or Mustang discs, better to use the rear calipers for an '82-'86 Trans Am, then some 11.3" x 1" rotors in the Ford 5x114.3 lug pattern, then fab your own mounting brackets. This is a better e-brake setup, easier to adapt the cables, and I showed the whole thing in my build thread. If you want even more rear brakes, some '76 Eldorado rear calipers and some late '70's Corvette rotors will give you an 11.75" x 1.25" package that fits inside 15" wheels.
If you want to stay with a Watt's Link instead of a Panhard bar, the later Crown Vic came with a better design than the FB, and you just need to fab up some double-Heim horizontal links. But that housing uses heavy 3" tubes that are too long. Explorer tubes are 3.25", Mustang / Ranger tubes are around 2.7", I forget the exact number.
If you go that route, use some new "big-bearing" 9-inch Ford housing ends for shortening the tubes, then do your 31-spline upgrade at the same time, since you'll have to order shafts anyway. This was my second choice, but I didn't go this route. Yet.
The Mustang version will require you to grind off the ears for the Mustang's upper trailing arms, the Ranger version won't. Mustang versions generally have gearing of 2.73:1, 3.08:1, or 3.27:1, while Ranger versions tend to be 3.55:1, 3.73:1, or 4.10:1. Ranger versions are not in demand, so price and availability is better. You'll likely do a rear disc conversion either way, I suggest not trying Explorer or Mustang discs, better to use the rear calipers for an '82-'86 Trans Am, then some 11.3" x 1" rotors in the Ford 5x114.3 lug pattern, then fab your own mounting brackets. This is a better e-brake setup, easier to adapt the cables, and I showed the whole thing in my build thread. If you want even more rear brakes, some '76 Eldorado rear calipers and some late '70's Corvette rotors will give you an 11.75" x 1.25" package that fits inside 15" wheels.
If you want to stay with a Watt's Link instead of a Panhard bar, the later Crown Vic came with a better design than the FB, and you just need to fab up some double-Heim horizontal links. But that housing uses heavy 3" tubes that are too long. Explorer tubes are 3.25", Mustang / Ranger tubes are around 2.7", I forget the exact number.
If you go that route, use some new "big-bearing" 9-inch Ford housing ends for shortening the tubes, then do your 31-spline upgrade at the same time, since you'll have to order shafts anyway. This was my second choice, but I didn't go this route. Yet.