This weekend I went to the scrapyard to scrounge up a rear end for my project. I found an 8.8 rear end from a lincoln town car that had a 5.0 in it. I understand the splines are different from different models. has anyone actually took one from a town car? does it even make a difference? I was also thinking of putting it into the stock location but then pondered on a ladder bar set -up could anyone give me any feed back on what they think. I just was curious as the length an the splines are different and if there are pros and cons to the set up before i send it out to get shortend and worked on. thanks-Erik

 

1st gen rear is 57" and 8.8 is 59".... u could put the 8.8 in the rx7 without cutting it but u'll need new offset wheels because the stock offset will stick out 1-2" out the fenders....i think u'll be better off just cutting the 8.8 down and buying new 8.8 end caps from mark williams with a set of 31 spline axles from moser & a auburn pro diff...i helped build the above setup for a buddy of mine , i'lll try to get some pics for u...BTW u'll have to cut off the "ears" off the top of the 8.8 diff, cuz i know we used a mustang rear & it had the "ears" for the upper 4 link arms....its not a hard conversion but if u plan on cutting the rear then u might aswell get the 31spline axles

 

If you go the route of an 8.8 you might as well get one from a Ford Explorer. It's 31 spline from the factory and comes with disc brakes. All you need to do is get it cut down to what ever length you need. Here's some good info on 8.8 rears http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/Axles.html

 

I know I have to buy the ends but I was just curious as to the 28 or 31 spline axles. but now being the differential is cut down in size the axles would also have to be cut or can you order them to the length needed? thanks for the 411 fellas.-Erik

 

cut the tubes to ur desired length then call up strange or moser and the'll tell u how to measure the housing for the correct axles...forget the 28 splines and go with the 31 splines but if u use the 31 on any housing other than the explorer, then u'll need to buy a spool or a LSD that will work with the new 31 spline axles..got it?
BTW please do not use a disc brake,LSD mazda rearend as ur doner for the factory brackets, sell it and get a old drum brake rear to hack up because the lsd's are getting harder to find :-( plus u could make a few bucks by selling the old lsd..

 

Thanks rotary boys....I had a feeling that I would have to order them. I wqasnt going to cut the mazda lsd.lol!!!! It is for sale on the 1 gen parts, and from the looks of the drum brakes that are on it I wont be haveing a problem stopping n e ways.as I disconnecte dthe e brake and the brake lines from the hose before it goes to the rear end.
-Erik
BTW: when we gonna get a vid of the 1 gen?

 

Great info, someone should make a write as to what rear end conversions can be done on a 1st Gen. Please include all of them ( Ford 9", Chevy 12 bolt, 8.8 etc) I know plenty of people in this forum would be very interested in that info including myself.

 

and i

 

my 1st gen was put on hold for 06 because of family/house reasons...in the mean while im finishing up my small projects like my accord & the 73 4door rx2...im not in a rush to drive the 20b and i dont expect it to finish till 07-08...i have a **** load of parts just sitting there but no time to work on it....the car has been sitting in the garage under a cover, i try not to look at it cuz i get depress...i'll start back working on the car in january, so i'll keep u posted

 

lol.. better late then never. also its worth more to take your time... the rear end is gonna sit on my porch til I get money to actually get it started, and Im just gonna do all my research I can before I begin cutting and weldiing... good luck!
-Erik

 

Good info. I think I have a drum rear axle tube if you need it Erik.

 

What is it an 8.8 already shortened? If so lemme know and maybe we can work something out.

Around town theywant 2-300$ just to cut and weld. Not including new end flanges. for that I was thinking of taking it to my job and having our machinist make a jig for it and cut the ends square and our fab guy weld it. I think Im gonna go w/ a ladder bar set up. I would love to keep it stock but its just too much $ and time to get right. I would either have to cut off the old brackets etc, machine new ones, and just think about how much time ,patience and knowledge to weld them and make it all square and true.. A ladder bar set up is much easier, cheaper, and its performance is tried and true... But thats just my reasoning for right now. Im still researching and getting quotes . But from what it looks like Ill be doing a lot of the work myself or from help from the fellas in my shop. Any opinions or 411 is appreciated. thanks guys.
-Erik

 

breaking news ** i just read that the 1970's lincoln cars came with a 9" rear that measured 57" so that means that we dont need to cut anything....the only thing we have to do is put the mazda brackets on the 9"....can someone confirm this, because there are 2 rears on ebay for under $400 and its complete with disk brakes...with the 9" we have more ratio & parts options

 

Doesn't sound bad. I talked to a few shops and they swore by the 8.8 rear end. Also all of them told me that the H.P. to move a 9 to an 8.8 is significantly more. and with all the aftermarket support they both have I think either will be good. The 9 " are also harder to get ahold of in the scrapyards and they want top doller out there. The scrap yards know what time it is. But a confirmation would be good on that ^^^.