8.8 rear end in a 65 mustang

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jesseboy

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Aug 16, 2010

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Aug 16, 2010

#1

• Aug 16, 2010

• #1

im thinking of puting a 8.8 out of like a 98 explorer what i thibm i have to do is just cut one side that is longer and move the spring perchis im takeing it to a shop to have it done then i will do the install i have late modle wheels on the car so im just wonering what other mods i have to do ?

 

9

96 DOHC Cobra

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Oct 14, 2001

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Cerritos, CA

Aug 16, 2010

#2

• Aug 16, 2010

• #2

When you narrow it this way, the rear ends up about 1/2" shorter than a stock 65-66 Mustang rear. Using late model wheels might be a problem unless you intall spacers.

 

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Helmantel

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Aug 9, 2006

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Aug 17, 2010

#3

• Aug 17, 2010

• #3

IIRC, when narrowing the long side of an Explorer axle (so that the pinion becomes centered), it will end up being around 59" wide (proper width for 67-68) or two inch two wide on a 65-66, which off course can be compensated with large offset late model wheels. I'm going from memory here, so I'm not sure about the dimensions.

 

P

pyroman

Founding Member

Jul 28, 2002

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Ennis, Texas

Aug 17, 2010

#4

• Aug 17, 2010

• #4

I believe you have to flip the axles too, no?

 

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jesseboy

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Aug 16, 2010

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Aug 18, 2010

#5

• Aug 18, 2010

• #5

i have 03 mustang bullit wheels so they will not work with a explorer rear end? and whats the best way to go with the driveshaft?

 

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brh66cobra

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Feb 19, 2009

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Aug 18, 2010

#6

• Aug 18, 2010

• #6

I have one that I narrowed the left side short enough to use a right side axle in the left side (centered up pinion). Ill measure it this evening and post length.

 

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brh66cobra

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Feb 19, 2009

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Aug 19, 2010

#7

• Aug 19, 2010

• #7

Flange to flange with rotors installed 56 5/8

 

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pyroman

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Jul 28, 2002

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Ennis, Texas

Aug 19, 2010

#8

• Aug 19, 2010

• #8

I think the Explorer drive shaft can be used as well. It will have to be shortened however.

 

9

96 DOHC Cobra

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Oct 14, 2001

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Cerritos, CA

Aug 20, 2010

#9

• Aug 20, 2010

• #9

jesseboy said:

whats the best way to go with the driveshaft?

Click to expand...

I don't think anything will bolt right in, but there are a few options for mating the driveshaft to the rear.
1. You can use the stock Explorer flange (same as truck, van and full-size cars) but it has the largest diameter and allows the least tunnel clearance
2. You can swap to a smaller diameter flange like the one used on most Mustang 8.8s. It allows a little more clearance.
3. If you don't like the flanges, you can swap on a conventional rearend yoke from a early 80s truck.