T-Bird vs. Mustang rear end November 21, 2006, 12:42:13 AM I read on Coolcats that TBirds, Cougars, and Mustangs all used the same rear end until mid-85. I've got an 84 T-Bird with a 7.5", and I picked up a rear end out of an early 85 Mustang (also 7.5"). The date code on the Mustang rear is 5D27, which I believe translates to April 85. We got the rear end out this weekend and got to measuring, and realized that the T-Bird rear is 0.75" wider on each end axle to axle. Does anyone know what gives? I thought they were supposed to be identical, so I'm kind of bummed. I'm still going to put it in because I want the locker, but now I have to use wheel spacers or something. :( Quote Selected
T-Bird vs. Mustang rear end Reply #1 – November 21, 2006, 12:57:41 AM T birds used longer axles. the housing should be identicle Quote Selected
T-Bird vs. Mustang rear end Reply #2 – November 21, 2006, 01:05:18 AM Aah. So the mid-85 switch was just to lengthen the housing so they didn't need the offset brake drums any longer?Bah. Besides spacers do I have any options? Quote Selected
T-Bird vs. Mustang rear end Reply #3 – November 21, 2006, 07:07:00 AM Take the axles and brakes off the Tbird rear end and put them into the Mustang one....simple enough... Quote Selected
T-Bird vs. Mustang rear end Reply #4 – November 21, 2006, 07:07:18 AM Swap your brakes/axles over. Problem solved. Dangit Chuck! Had I not been eating I would have beat cha!!! Quote Selected
T-Bird vs. Mustang rear end Reply #5 – November 22, 2006, 09:37:33 PM Aah - I got it. I went out today and pulled the axles out and it does look like they'll swap fine. You guys mentioned swapping the brakes, and obviously the drums are different, but do I have to swap the backing plates too? I notice the lip of the plates on the Bird plates are a little thicker but it seems like the rest of it is similar enough to stay. What do you guys think?Thanks!-Bill Quote Selected
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