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8.8 rear in a 65

  • Thread starter Thread starter Wicked65
  • Start date Start date Mar 24, 2009

Wicked65

Member
Aug 10, 2003
490
3
19
NORCAL
Mar 24, 2009
#1
  • Mar 24, 2009
  • #1
HAVE You done this... I was told that a Fox drive line with fit correctly. Is this true? or do i need to have one cut down?
 

wicked93gs

15 Year Member
Sep 30, 2006
1,198
228
93
Nashville TN
Mar 24, 2009
#2
  • Mar 24, 2009
  • #2
I have an 84 lincoln rear end(8.8, rear disc)...but a wheel with 4.5" backspacing sticks out 1/4" past the top of the fender, I'll simply use late model wheels to bring this back in so for me its not an issue...as for a fox 8.8, i believe they are too wide(don't quote me on that though, I never attempted it so I haven't done any real research on it)
 
6

66Runt

Member
Jun 11, 2005
680
2
18
Mar 24, 2009
#3
  • Mar 24, 2009
  • #3
Yes I have.
The drive shaft from the fox would need to be lengthened. IIRC the Fox is about 46", and depending on transmission/pinion yoke, the Mustang will be about 50". So you take it to a shop with the measurements, and they weld in a new tube. Cheap and easy.
There is a write up on one of the 8.8" installs I've done on the website in the signature below.
Pretty easy, and has been done so many times, that there is enough information to fill up a Wiki site.
Do some searching, and you'll find some really cool installs from different guys here, and on other Mustang web forums. There are also other 8.8" options you should look at as well, like the Explorer swap.

Good luck,
 

CarFreakGT

20+ Year Stangneter
May 26, 2003
395
11
29
Louisville, KY
Mar 24, 2009
#4
  • Mar 24, 2009
  • #4
Runt--Isn't the Explorer a good option to consider if looking for rear discs?
 
6

66Runt

Member
Jun 11, 2005
680
2
18
Mar 24, 2009
#5
  • Mar 24, 2009
  • #5
It's a better option for the 31 spline trac-lok, and 3" axle tubes. The Fox has 28 spline Trac-lok and 2-7/8" axle tubes. So the Explorer *should* be able to handle even more power.

Now the next part seems very hotly debated. So I will only offer my personal opinion (and we all know what *opinions* are worth ).
ABS and track cars work well with 4 wheel discs. Street/strip cars work great with rear drums.
So if I'm putting discs on the back, by default I also want the least amount of unsprung weight as I can get. That eliminates the Explorer rear end completely. Everything about this rear is heavy.
That's why I like the Fox with Cobra discs, 31 spline axles, and a Tru-trac. It's wicked light, and takes some serious abuse.
Again, just my personal opinion.
 

latamud

Founding Member
Oct 22, 2002
791
2
19
Tampa, FL
Mar 25, 2009
#6
  • Mar 25, 2009
  • #6
I just finished up installing a 2003 8.8 in my 66. The tires stick out about 1.25" per side but I'm using deep backspacing wheels. 66runt has some very good information. I agree on the driveshaft length for the fox. I am at this stage with my project. I'm going t use my existing driveshaft and a mate a fox driveshaft-flange.

Another option is to swap out the pinion yoke
Dennys Driveshafts > Ford 8.8 Pinion Yoke 1330 Series 30 Spline

Found this in a related search
http://forums.stangnet.com/647314-8-8-fitment-66-a-2.html
 

Wicked65

Member
Aug 10, 2003
490
3
19
NORCAL
Mar 25, 2009
#7
  • Mar 25, 2009
  • #7
I have already used a 8.8 that i had built out of my 95 GT. Shortend with custom axles, so the drive line and brakes are the last of the puzzle.
 
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