8.8" in a 66?

[5.0ina66]

What's the real deal? Is there really one that's the right length for a 66? I've heard yes and no, and yes, but with offset pininons, and all kinds of crap. I know quite a few here have done it, whereas on other boards it's noway nohow. What's the deal? I've got a Mk7 disc 8.8" with a posi 3.08 chunk that I wouldn't mind using (or at least most of it). What's the skinny?

 

[LMan]

http://forums.stangnet.com/showthread.php?t=537452

 

[5.0ina66]

Anybody else? I'd really like to hear from somebody that's done it.

 

[cradicg]

I have an 8.8 in one of my 66s

I myself did not put it in (I bought it that way). I am not sure about the width difference though. I have 15X10 Weld Racing Draglites on the rear, and the stock wheel flares. They stick out about two inches. I really don't care for the drag strip look and will be replacing these with probably 17X8 rims soon. So, yes, it is possible.

 

[D.Hearne]

That Lincoln 8.8 is about the right width, but it's a 4 link rear, you'd need to remove all the 4 link hardware and weld on leaf spring pads.

 

[5.0ina66]

That Lincoln 8.8 is about the right width, but it's a 4 link rear, you'd need to remove all the 4 link hardware and weld on leaf spring pads.

Bingo! Just ran out and did a quick and dirty measurement (outside of flange to outside of flange) and it came in right at 53.5". Mustang 8" is supposed to be ~52.25" inside to inside (just found that out), so I'm thinking this will be a great match. Now to be a little more careful with the measurements. Thanks D.Hearne!
--Kyle

 

[66Runt]

Check your axle tube diameter.

Mine is out of an '89 Mustang, and the tubes are slightly under 2-7/8" diameter. Which makes it a PITA to find the right spring perches. I ended up with a set of 3" perches. I'll just have to do some serious welding. Also I am hoping that the Ranger U bolts will work. Haven't picked them up yet.

If you've got a plasma cutter or a good torch set, I'd suggest using it to cut the brackets off, then grind down the welds.

Still finishing the front end on mine. Once that is done I can spin the car around and work on the rear end.

Scott

 

[96 DOHC Cobra]

Bingo! Just ran out and did a quick and dirty measurement (outside of flange to outside of flange) and it came in right at 53.5". Mustang 8" is supposed to be ~52.25" inside to inside (just found that out), so I'm thinking this will be a great match. Now to be a little more careful with the measurements. Thanks D.Hearne!
--Kyle

Though the Lincoln housing is close to the 65-66 housing measurement, because of their disc brake setup and unique axles, the overall length (wheel flange-to-wheel flange) of the Lincoln rear will come out to about 61 inches compared to 57 1/4" overall for the Mustang. Even a standard width Fox Mustang rear will still be a little long for a 65-66, but it can work okay.

 

[Tubo(2-bo)]

Here's a link w/photos, to an on going conversion, by Dave Robins 4V on the MustangSteve FYI Forum. 8.8 into a 65 Mustang. Shorten the carrier, on one side & use another short axle.
http://members.boardhost.com/MustangSteve/msg/1132648153.html
http://members.boardhost.com/MustangSteve/msg/1132817550.html
http://members.boardhost.com/MustangSteve/msg/1133069973.html
http://members.boardhost.com/MustangSteve/msg/1133162632.html

 

[5.0ina66]

Annnd...you're right. I measured with the axles included and it was right around 61". Crap! Hello 31-spline N-case 9" (and very thin wallet)

 

[steel1212]

email this guy [email protected] He found me my 9 inch out of a 57 ford. I'm going to try to come up with the funds this spring to rebuild it and change it over to 31 spline.

 

[96 DOHC Cobra]

I've done a couple of these, but I took a slightly different route. Instead of just shortening one end, I also extended the other side by 1/4" and converted the housing to use 9" ends. I got a couple of axles from a 81 F100 (31 spline, "Torino" type large bearing, and 5 X 4.5" bolt circle) and had them shortened to 28" overall. It lookslike they'll work nicely, but I still need to finish cleaning them up and reassembling them.

 

[5.0ina66]

Thanks for all the tips and advice. I found a guy around here that's selling complete truck 31-spline 9" posi rears CHEAP, so I'm going to put my money towards getting one of those shortened, and a new pair of axles, ect, ect. I figure I might as well do it once and do it right.
--kyle