8 inch rear opinions

[zm830101]

ok...so i have been doing some searching through various forums and want some help making a decision. i want to go ahead and build my 8 in rear right now for cost issues. as of now i only plan on running a mildly modded 351. and the car currently has a t5 in it. now for the rear.
what i want to do is rebuild with a currie t.s.d. and stock axles. finish it off with 3.55 gears and call it a day. i don't anticipate the 351 in its current state to be pushing more than 300 hp
can i expect the 8 inch to last with the occasional pounding on the street? i don't go to the strip and it will never wear slicks so what do you guys think? i would like to at least get a few years out of the set up. or should i just go ahead and get the 9 inch now?

 

[iskwezm]

I have a Curried TSD with the billet side cover and Curries axles,3.80 gears.The only complaint I have is the clutches in the TSD seem to wear out real fast.Sometimes both tires will spin and other times its a 1 wheel wonder.Other then that its lasted about 6 years and took some abuse behind the T5.

 

[Dark Knight]

the T-5 will break before the 8in will..

 

[dennis112]

the T-5 will break before the 8in will..

This is true. The 8" is fairly stout and may last quite a while.

 

[zm830101]

differential suggestions...

does anybody have any? if the tsd is not the most reliable of units i am open to suggestions. would prefer something relatively quiet since this will be a street only car.

 

[blue66tang]

the T-5 will break before the 8in will..

I beg the differ on that. I have a t5 and blew the 8inch. I completley destroyed it. I ripped the limited slip in half (the actual limited slip housing) and i broke both ears off the 8" housing. The t5 is stronger than you think. As long as you dont powershift it should last plenty long behind the 351. I work my car hard, and i have yet to have a problem with my t5.

 

[84convertablegt]

well, i recently aquired a built 8" center section from a fellow stangneter and i love it. it is a 68 case (more ribbing) with a 3.55 gear and auburn posi. this rear has taken alot of abuse from me already behind my modified 289 and tci streetfighter and hasnt flinched. When you think about it, an 8" ford is just a smaller 9" ford basically. they are super strong and the only real reason for a 9" (agood 9" at that) would be serious horsepower combined with abuse (i.e. racing, etc.) I think youll be fine modding your 8". its a little lighter, you already have it, and you will save alot of money. dont look back!

edit: btw, i recommend the auburn posi, but they are kinda pricey. i got lucky and got a great deal on mine. i dont have much experience with anything else.

 

[Pbum5]

I have a Curried TSD with the billet side cover and Curries axles,3.80 gears.The only complaint I have is the clutches in the TSD seem to wear out real fast.Sometimes both tires will spin and other times its a 1 wheel wonder.Other then that its lasted about 6 years and took some abuse behind the T5.

Your running 11's with a T5 and an 8" rear?

 

[iskwezm]

Your running 11's with a T5 and an 8" rear?

nope, i ran 11.30's with a c-4 and 289 years back ,the new 347 and blower hasnt been track tested yet,personally,i dont trust my T5

 

[TOM B]

What blower you running Iskwezm to get that much boost out of a Paxton and a 347.
Any pics. sounds real nice

 

[iskwezm]

What blower you running Iskwezm to get that much boost out of a Paxton and a 347.
Any pics. sounds real nice

I recenlty picked up a SN2000 Paxton kit from Paradise Wheel in San Diego for $2k complete.It comes with a 5-7 psi pulley,but i wanted more and with the new forged shortblock i figured 10psi would be good..this was the "old" 289

 

[Pbum5]

nope, i ran 11.30's with a c-4 and 289 years back ,the new 347 and blower hasnt been track tested yet,personally,i dont trust my T5

Ok,
I saw the pic of yor car and your best ET and was wondering how your T5 could hold up to that.

 

[zm830101]

so does anybody have any reccomendations as to where i might find a parts broker who would have or be able to get an 8 in differential for a good price?

 

[84convertablegt]

do u want to just rebuild yours? or are you looking for a complete bolt in unit. cost wise its cheaper to rebuild yours unless you find a good deal like i did. you could post a want add on here in the classifieds. ebay is a good option also, otherwise expect to pay around 8-9 hundred dollar for a good 8 inch withe posi.

Heres some examples:
8" 3.55 open rear
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=7977005258&category=33731
8" 3.55 posi
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=4552895242&category=34208

 

[danny clemens]

I'm putting a 351 in my 66 F/B. I bought a complete 9" rearend out of a 59 Ford. Supposed to be a perfect match. I'm doing this just to be on the safe side.

 

[steel1212]

If your not going to rebuild the one you have I would suggest going to an 9 inch setup. I got a 9 inch out of a 58 ford and then a 4.11 posi for 750ish from a guy a couple hours away, found him on ebay. And you know the 9 isn't going to break with street cars.

But if you just want to drop a posi in yours then by all means look up a couple of nice centers on ebay and away you go.

If I rebuild one of my 9 inch centers I think I'm going to go with a true trac worm gear posi/locker? I hear its quiet and doesn't have clutches to wear out.

 

[zm830101]

my first post said i was rebuilding...

i really don't want to go with the nine inch. i was just seeing if the 8 in was a viable option for my plans. in my last post i was asking where i could find just the differential from aftermarket retailers. lots of people have them for the 8.8 and 9 in, but the 8 in is harder to find . that is why i was originallly wanting to go witht the currie unit. it was easy to find and came from a well known and respected aftermarket manufacturer.

 

[steel1212]

Yeah, I know I think if I was in your place as well I would get another 8 inch chunk, bolt up and go. I was just giving you food for thought. I was going to build my 8 but for about the same price I got a 9 so I got it for the strength and didn't have to worry about my 8 busting at the track....but your not going to the track so....

 

[67GTCOUPE]

Build a 9 inch if you are starting from scratch.

I have an 8" behind my 351w that has about 409hp at flywheel........it has held up to many burnouts, But it would blow to pieces if I run slicks at a track.

 

[classic boost]

slap in a late model 8.8" have someone weld in the spring perches for a few bucks and call it a day.