8.8 questions

[89StangChris]

I have an 8.8 housing that I will be installing in my 1989 coupe. I am considering mini tubs for larger wheels. However, I have read about taking an inch or so off of the axle tubes and installing appropriate axles. What I want to know, is, what is the maximum I can narrow my rear end WITHOUT installing mini tubs or cutting up the wheel wells, and what size drag radials can I then install? Also, an S Box from Wild Rides Race Cars will be in place on the car. IF AT ALL POSSIBLE, I do not want to do any cutting on the body. The rim size will be 15 inch, c clip eliminators, and preferably, disk brakes. This will be a 10 to 9 secibd car, so daily driveability is not a problem.

Any advice on this matter is greatly appreciated. THANKS!

 

[MatthewP]

With a standard fox3 width rear end in my 90 coupe, Steeda weight jacker (adjustable spring perch) lower control arms, and 28x10.5 ET Drags on 15x9 drag lights, I had to do some minor fender lip rolling AND a small amount of relief with a hammer on the inner fender sheet metal to make it all work. I have also run 28x12.5 ET Streets, which are virtually the same as the ET Drags, but have a slightly wider section width.

Based on the fact that I needed the hammer on both the inboard and outboard portions of the fenders with a standard width housing, I would say that the maximum you can narrow the rear end without installing mini tubs or cutting anything is zero.

Good luck.

-Matthew

 

[89StangChris]

Thanks for the information. I guess there goes the back seat and trunk hinges... Here comes the heart attack when I contact the local chassis shop.