85 Mustang Rear End Help

[85 mustang project]

i have a 85 mustang with a 7.5 rear end in it and Im doing the v8 swap I was just wundering what year of 8.8 rear ends will bolt right in and if I can get them out of a pickup or other car or doesn't it matter as long as its a 8.8 thanks for the help

 

[Shawneebear93]

Any 8.8" rearend out of a Fox Mustang will "bolt in." That being said, I don't think Fox Mustangs had 8.8" rears until '85 or '86. IIRC, the brake lines are routed differently so you'll need to work that out as well. Additionally, 8.8" rears out of Fox Thunderbirds or SN-95's should bolt in but have a slightly wider track.
There should be some threads covering this on the site, probably in the 5.0 section as most people who do the V8 swap end up there.

 

[85 mustang project]

thanks for the reply after all I decided not to do the swap im just going to get a 2.3 turbo instead will my 7.5 rear end hold up if I get a 2.3 with bunch of mods

 

[fess40]

I would think the 7.5 would hold up fine with normal driving. The 2.3t can put up good numbers, but they're not known for their gear shredding torque.

 

[Shawneebear93]

7.5 will be fine but most eventually upgrade to an 8.8 just for the sake of getting traction control and rear discs.

 

[85 mustang project]

i think im going to do it right and just start off with a 8.8 what vehicle can I get a 8.8 out of theres not many mustangs around where im from will one work out of a ford pickup n what years

 

[Shawneebear93]

I'm not sure. Google should get you some answers. Also search through this website, there's bound to be some threads covering this.

 

[85 mustang project]

i found a 96 ford ranger rear end will that fit

 

[fess40]

I used a turbo coupe rear for the discs.

 

[Mustang5L5]

i think im going to do it right and just start off with a 8.8 what vehicle can I get a 8.8 out of theres not many mustangs around where im from will one work out of a ford pickup n what years

86-93 Mustang 5.0 with drum brakes
86-90 Thunderbird/Cougar with drum brakes
94-98 Mustang GT/Cobra for 5-lug rear disks (keep in mind will require additional mods for e-brake and front brake and MC modifications as well)
87-88 Thunderbird Turbo Coupe with 4-lug disk brakes (will require MC swap as well)