putting together the spring goodies list April 05, 2008, 11:14:43 PM Hey guys, Its almost time for me to get swamped with landscaping. So that means t-bird funding will be available. :)Im bouncing back and fourth to how I want to restore this thing, but thats an issue for another post. In the meantime, I have two things in my sights that highly aggrivate me on that car.The five-slow is in dire need of getting the h.o treatment, but when that happens it will lead to the full restoration, which cant happen till summer.So the next most expensive componet I absolutely hate in that car is the open 7.5 rear end. I want to convert it to the 8.8 with discs, but after reading through existing posts, I dont know what to get still.First I know to pick up an 8.8, duh. Do I go with the shorter mustang 8.8, or the longer turbobird 8.8? Is there much of a noticeable difference? I understand it will be 3/4 off on each side, but will it look like ?When I buy the axle, what kind of gears should i look for? Right now i have 2.73 according to coolcats. What would be a good choice that wont hurt the motor as it sits, but will work great with it after its turned into an h.o? 3.55,3.73?Next, the turbo tbirds came with LSD's. Is this what I want for everyday driving?I cant pull into traffic on a rainy day without doing an everlasting one-wheel-peeler. Also, with an LSD, will it roast both rear tires, or is that the job of a locking differential?Now, I think I understand the brakes. My 88 tbird falls under that "does not need crown vic master cylender" catagory. And I understand the ebrake cable thing... kind of.I dont really use it but i want it there just incase. Im sure I can figure it out. And then there is quad shocks, I take it i dont have those already? What brand should i look for? size?Another question, lowering springs. yay or nay?Personally I like it the way it sits, but i dont know if I cram a 17 inch rim down there if it will look like an SUV or not.Before I can actually do the swap, I need to buy some wheels and rubber... I think thats the most expensive part. what size can I cram under this thing without any rubbing?Will a 17x8 fit fine? my current tire measures 8 inches on the tape and has tons of room to spare. Will they clear the font too?The front swap seems easy enough for a caveman, and I know how to go about that one.Basically, I need help making a list based off those questions. I can probably go to JEGS and get all the parts they say I need and hurt my wallet.Or if you tell me what to look for I can pick stuff up for good prices on evilbay, craigslist, swap meets, etc.Let me know what you guys have on your chickens and kittys. Sorry for the long and very ADD post, But thats just how I roll. lol Thanks. Quote Selected
putting together the spring goodies list Reply #1 – April 06, 2008, 10:32:14 AM From your signature, it looks like you have an '88 Sport, are you sure it's an LX? Do you have a column shifter or floor shifter? Either way, a rear axle from a '94-'98 Mustang GT, and get rear discs, a Trac-Loc, 3.27 gears, and the back half of your 5 lug conversion. The best thing is that it will be the exact same width hub to hub as the 7.5 that is under your car now. You can fit the 17X 8s under the front and rear as long as the backspacing is correct. I am using '96 Stang wheels with no problems. The LSD is great for everyday driving with no problems. Quote Selected
putting together the spring goodies list Reply #2 – April 06, 2008, 12:32:35 PM its definately an LX. The title and trunklid say so , and Its a column shifter. I know the MN12 stangs had 8.8 differentials but arent they independent suspension?Thats something I dont want to deal with right there lol.QuoteThe best thing is that it will be the exact same width hub to hub as the 7.5 that is under your car nowso pretty much I dont want to rig an axle and shorter than the one I have, which means turbobird 8.8?What kind of backspacing are you using? Quote Selected
putting together the spring goodies list Reply #3 – April 06, 2008, 12:33:46 PM its definately an LX. The title and trunklid say so, and Its a column shifter. I know the MN12 stangs had 8.8 differentials but arent they independent suspension?Thats something I dont want to deal with right there lol.QuoteThe best thing is that it will be the exact same width hub to hub as the 7.5 that is under your car nowso pretty much I dont want to rig an axle and shorter than the one I have, which means turbobird 8.8?What kind of width rims/ backspacing are you using? Do you rub when doing a hard turn? Quote Selected
putting together the spring goodies list Reply #4 – April 06, 2008, 10:37:24 PM go to cool cats at coolcats.net they show all the supplies you need.that to swap a turbo coupe rearend in. Quote Selected
putting together the spring goodies list Reply #5 – April 07, 2008, 12:00:40 PM Quote from: blain_gatterdam;212823 I know the MN12 stangs had 8.8 differentials but arent they independent suspension?Huh?MN-12 Tbirds/Cougars (89-97) = IRSSN-95 Mustangs (94-98) = Live axleNon-Cobra New Edge Mustangs (99-04) = Live axle, but wider than the SN-95 Mustangs and Fox Tbirds/Cougars Quote Selected
putting together the spring goodies list Reply #6 – April 07, 2008, 09:54:51 PM I would not go with a shorter axle than what you already have. A shorter axle will make your wheels tuck in even more. I am not sure what the backspacing on my wheel is, they are just stock '96 Mustang GT rims. They dont rub on turns, they get real close, but don't rub. Quote Selected
putting together the spring goodies list Reply #7 – April 07, 2008, 10:08:38 PM I can get you some pictures of a set of turbines on a cougar with a mustang rear end if you want. I personally wouldnt do it unless you plan on putting some wider wheels on the back. Quote Selected
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