8.8 rear ends

Topic: 8.8 rear ends (Read 4800 times) previous topic - next topic

Reply #15 – March 12, 2013, 09:49:08 PM

Locate a 94-98 V6/GT Mustang rear end and it is the width you want for the T-Bird. The 99+ cars are wider and the rim selection goes south real quick. Figuring out what gears the car has is pretty easy by using this method if the rear end is still in the car or on the ground:

With a standard open (non posi traction) differential raise one wheel off of the ground, mark the tire at the 6:00 position, mark the drive shaft. Turn the tire exactly 2 full turns. Count the number of times that the drive shaft turns. 2-3/4 turns of the drive shaft = 2.73, just past 3 turns = 3.08, 3-1/3 = 3.23 or 3.31, almost 3-1/2 = 3.42, just past 3-1/2 = 3.55, 3-3/4 = 3.73, just past 4 = 4.10 or 4.11. With a good solid limited slip differential (posi) raise both wheels off of the ground and turn both wheels exactly 1 full turn. Everything else is the same as above. You can also do this with a standard differential as long as both wheels turn exactly 1 full turn.

Darren

8.8 rear ends

Reply #16 – March 13, 2013, 12:14:37 PM

We have MULTIPLE threads concerning this subject on the forum. One of which, found HERE at the top of this very section, has a chart detailing dimensions, etc of the 79-04 rear ends.

8.8 rear ends

Reply #17 – March 13, 2013, 12:45:35 PM

Quote from: Aerocoupe;411094

Locate a 94-98 V6/GT Mustang rear end and it is the width you want for the T-Bird. The 99+ cars are wider and the rim selection goes south real quick. Figuring out what gears the car has is pretty easy by using this method if the rear end is still in the car or on the ground:

With a standard open (non posi traction) differential raise one wheel off of the ground, mark the tire at the 6:00 position, mark the drive shaft. Turn the tire exactly 2 full turns. Count the number of times that the drive shaft turns. 2-3/4 turns of the drive shaft = 2.73, just past 3 turns = 3.08, 3-1/3 = 3.23 or 3.31, almost 3-1/2 = 3.42, just past 3-1/2 = 3.55, 3-3/4 = 3.73, just past 4 = 4.10 or 4.11. With a good solid limited slip differential (posi) raise both wheels off of the ground and turn both wheels exactly 1 full turn. Everything else is the same as above. You can also do this with a standard differential as long as both wheels turn exactly 1 full turn.

Darren

For some reason this does not sound right. Are you saying an open rear multiplys by 2. I will have to check that before commenting. You might be right. Just does not sound right for some reason. Need to research this!!! That would mean the spider gears are a ratio of exactly 2-1. Is that correct. I personally do not know???

8.8 rear ends

Reply #18 – March 13, 2013, 08:32:58 PM

Tom,

I got the best explanation for this here:

http://www.jedi.com/obiwan/jeep/misc/gearratio.html

I have never had an open differential so this is something I am not 100% about. I read this (worded differently) on several different what I consider reputable sites so I did not hesitate posting it. Maybe I should have eluded to that in my previous post. I would be curious to hear your take on it and if its BS I will edit my previous post.

Darren

8.8 rear ends

Reply #19 – March 30, 2013, 04:10:17 PM

If the rear end being shorter is a concern, ill just say that when i put in a fox rear, i like the fact it pulled the tires in. Im running 9.5 rears so it gave it a more streamline appearance instead of having them stick out. But you can always buy spacers if you want.

8.8 rear ends

Reply #20 – March 30, 2013, 05:06:33 PM

SPACERS!!!!!! Just me but i never use them.

8.8 rear ends

Reply #21 – March 30, 2013, 11:07:20 PM

http://www.maximummotorsports.com

They sell 1/8", 1/4", 3/8", and 1/2" spacers and they also sell thicker ones that bolt to the existing studs and have a set of studs to bolt the wheels to. These are obviously hubcentric.

Darren

8.8 rear ends

Reply #22 – March 30, 2013, 11:36:58 PM

I run a thick bolted on spacer on my truck they seem a lot safer