• Mustang Forums
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech

8.8 clutch pack rebuild

  • Thread starter Thread starter 86bluecobra
  • Start date Start date Apr 7, 2007
  • 1
  • 2
Next
1 of 2 Next Last
8

86bluecobra

Advanced Member
Dec 20, 2004
4,265
12
69
B.C. Canada
Apr 7, 2007
#1
  • Apr 7, 2007
  • #1
Ok I have Ford's rebuild kit. It has all the schims and clutch's I need. Now the problem or question I have is about the clutch gauge assemble tool they tell you to use. They say for High Torque 8.8's you need a 1.3 inch assemble and for non high torque (which I think the mustangs have because they do not have the 7/8 pinion shaft they have the 3/4 inch one) is a 1.250.
1) How exactly do I mesure this without this tool? Just stack them and measure with vernier? Is there some load that has put on them to measure?

2) I have heard guys talk about installing an extra clutch in them. Is this a good idea?
 
D

Daggar

New Member
Jul 19, 2004
3,902
5
0
Apr 7, 2007
#2
  • Apr 7, 2007
  • #2
Hmmmm... you've lost me on the measuring tool (shoot me). Presoak the clutches (in friction modifier) and load them clutch, spacer, clutch, spacer, etc... all the way across. Use the best of your old clutches as your extra. Pack em all in there and replace the S-spring. Don't forget to put friction modifier in the diff.
 
8

86bluecobra

Advanced Member
Dec 20, 2004
4,265
12
69
B.C. Canada
Apr 7, 2007
#3
  • Apr 7, 2007
  • #3
Daggar said:
Presoak the clutches (in friction modifier) and load them clutch, spacer, clutch, spacer, etc... all the way across. Use the best of your old clutches as your extra. Pack em all in there and replace the S-spring. Don't forget to put friction modifier in the diff.
Click to expand...

Almost looks like the instructions say to use 2 clutchs to every 1 spacer. Does this seem right?

Daggar said:
Use the best of your old clutches as your extra.
Click to expand...

So it is a good idea to install more clutch's to tighten it up? Or just use a bigger schim on the end.
 
D

Daggar

New Member
Jul 19, 2004
3,902
5
0
Apr 7, 2007
#4
  • Apr 7, 2007
  • #4
http://www.redpulsar.us/~coldfusion/tlok.html

Should explain everything, including measuring the pack.
 
8

86bluecobra

Advanced Member
Dec 20, 2004
4,265
12
69
B.C. Canada
Apr 7, 2007
#5
  • Apr 7, 2007
  • #5
Daggar said:
http://www.redpulsar.us/~coldfusion/tlok.html

Should explain everything, including measuring the pack.
Click to expand...

thank you sir. I went and put the clutch's in the friction modifier. I think this might be a few day job because i want a fird racing rear end cover/girdle for the bearings.
 
8

86bluecobra

Advanced Member
Dec 20, 2004
4,265
12
69
B.C. Canada
Apr 7, 2007
#6
  • Apr 7, 2007
  • #6
man my fingers stink like my rear end now. I have to remember that playing with my rear end stinks.
 
D

Daggar

New Member
Jul 19, 2004
3,902
5
0
Apr 7, 2007
#7
  • Apr 7, 2007
  • #7
Yeah... lol. 90W gear oil stinks to high heaven. Don't get it on your clothes and wear latex gloves if you can. Don't get the stuff in your eyes either. I'm not an avid wearer of safety-glasses but rear end work has me wearing them every time.
 

JChalfan

Member
Nov 27, 2002
551
0
16
Bellevue, WA
Apr 7, 2007
#8
  • Apr 7, 2007
  • #8
86bluecobra said:
man my fingers stink like my rear end now. I have to remember that playing with my rear end stinks.
Click to expand...



Gross dude.

I've never been able to fit extra clutches in either a 7.5 or 8.8. I've heard it works, but I couldn't get it to work.

Jeff
 

Aryan15

Member
Sep 22, 2003
236
0
17
CA
Apr 7, 2007
#9
  • Apr 7, 2007
  • #9
I measured the factory stack with calipers, and then assembled the new pack to equal the same thickness. The clutches weren't that worn down.
 
8

86bluecobra

Advanced Member
Dec 20, 2004
4,265
12
69
B.C. Canada
Apr 7, 2007
#10
  • Apr 7, 2007
  • #10
well the clutch's are soaking in friction modifier. They will sit like that for the night.
 

RYC CUKR

Founding Member
May 19, 2002
1,437
1
38
Orlando
Apr 8, 2007
#11
  • Apr 8, 2007
  • #11
Basically when you add the extra clutch you remove one of the steels. I think the factory stacking is steel-clutch-steel-clutch-steel-clutch-steel. The alternate method is clutch-steel-clutch-steel-clutch-steel-clutch. plus whatever shims you need. I didn't use a clutch gauge assembly tool. I ended up not being able to use any shims cause I couldn't get the spider gears back in with even one of the thinnest shims in on either side. Basically getting it back together was a try to assemble it with a certain shim set up and if it wouldn't go back together move down to the next smallest shim set up until the spider gears would roll back in. Don't know if that is the approved method but it worked for me.
 
8

86bluecobra

Advanced Member
Dec 20, 2004
4,265
12
69
B.C. Canada
Apr 8, 2007
#12
  • Apr 8, 2007
  • #12
RYC CUKR said:
Basically when you add the extra clutch you remove one of the steels. I think the factory stacking is steel-clutch-steel-clutch-steel-clutch-steel. The alternate method is clutch-steel-clutch-steel-clutch-steel-clutch. plus whatever shims you need.
Click to expand...


The factory set up is Shim, Friction, Steel, Steel, Friction, Steel, Steel, Friction, Side Gear

The modded is Shim, Friction, Steel, Friction, Steel, Friction, Steel, Friction, Side Gear.

Or atleast this is what I have read. Since the modded has one less thing to put in I would guess that I am going to have to use a larger shim.
 

RYC CUKR

Founding Member
May 19, 2002
1,437
1
38
Orlando
Apr 8, 2007
#13
  • Apr 8, 2007
  • #13
Thats the right set up that you have there. Its been awhile since I messed with mine.

Actually you will end up using a smaller shim, in my case no shim, since you are replacing on of the steels with a thicker friction disc. When I did mine even with the smallest shim in I couldn't roll the spider gears and side gears back in. It was just too tight. With no shims it went together and I haven't had any probs with it.
 
8

86bluecobra

Advanced Member
Dec 20, 2004
4,265
12
69
B.C. Canada
Apr 8, 2007
#14
  • Apr 8, 2007
  • #14
RYC CUKR said:
Thats the right set up that you have there. Its been awhile since I messed with mine.

Actually you will end up using a smaller shim, in my case no shim, since you are replacing on of the steels with a thicker friction disc. When I did mine even with the smallest shim in I couldn't roll the spider gears and side gears back in. It was just too tight. With no shims it went together and I haven't had any probs with it.
Click to expand...

I guess I'm going to have to roll both spider gears back in at the same time.
 
8

86bluecobra

Advanced Member
Dec 20, 2004
4,265
12
69
B.C. Canada
Apr 9, 2007
#15
  • Apr 9, 2007
  • #15
Ok so I have both spider gears in but there seems to be a little bit of movement between the spider gears. Is this normal or should I get them to fit really tightly. I could schim one side. That being said It looks like it will be near impossible at this point to get the s spring in. it is very tight for it right now.
 
8

86bluecobra

Advanced Member
Dec 20, 2004
4,265
12
69
B.C. Canada
Apr 9, 2007
#16
  • Apr 9, 2007
  • #16
Well I got it all together I tell you that S Spring is a major pain to get into the middle of the 2 gears.
 

RYC CUKR

Founding Member
May 19, 2002
1,437
1
38
Orlando
Apr 10, 2007
#17
  • Apr 10, 2007
  • #17
86bluecobra said:
Well I got it all together I tell you that S Spring is a major pain to get into the middle of the 2 gears.
Click to expand...


BFH and a block of wood is how I got mine back in.
 
8

86bluecobra

Advanced Member
Dec 20, 2004
4,265
12
69
B.C. Canada
Apr 10, 2007
#18
  • Apr 10, 2007
  • #18
RYC CUKR said:
BFH and a block of wood is how I got mine back in.
Click to expand...

I used a set of water pump pliers. I squeezed the back side of the spring as much as i couls which in turn squeezed the front of the spring anbout half as much and I was able to just wiggle it in the tap it with a hammer.
 

Modular2v

Founding Member
Jun 30, 2002
3,222
23
99
oklahoma
Apr 10, 2007
#19
  • Apr 10, 2007
  • #19
just buy an eaton!LOL i loved mine in my 03
 
8

86bluecobra

Advanced Member
Dec 20, 2004
4,265
12
69
B.C. Canada
Apr 10, 2007
#20
  • Apr 10, 2007
  • #20
Modular2v said:
just buy an eaton!LOL i loved mine in my 03
Click to expand...

well oneday when my rearend finally gives up I will. But it will have to be catistrophic failure before I do that.
 
  • 1
  • 2
Next
1 of 2 Next Last
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

4
Drivetrain Wilwood Clutch and Brake Pedal Combo Installation - Help
  • 427stang
  • Jul 8, 2026
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
Replies
0
Views
35
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech Jul 8, 2026
427stang
4
S
Cobra 8.8 differential rebuild shop question
  • Sestemybe
  • Aug 5, 2025
  • 1996 - 2004 SN95 Mustang -General/Talk-
Replies
4
Views
341
1996 - 2004 SN95 Mustang -General/Talk- Nov 15, 2025
baileygruwell
B
P
2002 T5 transmission vibration issue
  • puffoo
  • Feb 22, 2026
  • SN95 V6 Mustang Tech
Replies
0
Views
173
SN95 V6 Mustang Tech Feb 22, 2026
puffoo
P
J
2004 Mustang 3.8L V6 vibrations above 65 MPH and differential leaks
  • joeybuddy96
  • Mar 16, 2026
  • SN95 V6 Mustang Tech
Replies
16
Views
540
SN95 V6 Mustang Tech Tuesday at 2:38 PM
joeybuddy96
J
S
Drivetrain 8.8 Pinion and 302 rear main seal leaks after replacing. 93 5.0 with t-5
  • Steigy4827
  • Jun 23, 2025
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
Replies
10
Views
657
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech Apr 1, 2026
Steigy4827
S
Share:
Bluesky Email Share Link
  • Mustang Forums
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
Menu
Log in

Register

  • Forums
  • What's new
  • Media
  • Resources
  • Contact
  • Sponsor
X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?

X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?