Are all 8.8 rears the same?

351 82GT · Aug 19, 2004

I just bought an 8.8 rearend but when the guy dropped it off for me, I noticed it didn't have mounts for quad shocks.
It can't be from a 5.0.
Will other 8.8 units work? I'm hoping I don't have a rear I can't use.
It does have the 8.8 bolt pattern just like my '88GT but no quadshock mounts.

87'GTstang · Aug 19, 2004

The differential is about the only thing in common with the 8.8 solid axle. There are many different variations that come with different spring perch locations, track width, leaf springs if that's what was used, disc brakes as opposed to drums, additional mounts such as the quad shock or stabilizer bar additions, and so on. So yeah, there are many variations out there. Your best bet is to measure the width of the axle, there's still a chance it could have come from an lx mustang, but all 5.0 stangs had 2 things in common: all had locking differential and a quad shock design to prevent windup problems.

351 82GT · Aug 19, 2004

Since it doesn't have quad shock mounts, then it's not a trac-loc rear...right?
I hope I can get my money back...I hope...I hope

tjm73 · Aug 19, 2004

87'GTstang said:
.......but all 5.0 stangs had 2 things in common: all had locking differential........

Not true. Ford made open diff 8.8 mustang rear axles. Traction-lok was an option. Most cars got it, but some did not. I drove one at a dealership once that didn't have it and it was not listed onthe spec sheet on the side window.

351 82GT · Aug 19, 2004

Is there a way I can tell if it has trac-loc or not?

tjm73 · Aug 19, 2004

351 82GT said:
Since it doesn't have quad shock mounts, then it's not a trac-loc rear...right?
I hope I can get my money back...I hope...I hope

If it's an 8.8 and doesn't have the mounts for the quad shocks, it's not out of a Mustang.

Traction-lok was an option on many different vehicles. If you turn one brake drum and the other turns in the same direction it's traction-lok. If the other drum turns in the opposite direction it's an open diff.

8.8's in trucks and 4x4 4.0V6 rangers got 31 spline axles and coresponding traction-lok (if optioned). Cars got 28 spline axles. Crown Vic's probably have 31 spline axles too (especially cop cars I'm sure).

351 82GT · Aug 19, 2004

I can't even get the brake drums to come off so that I can even turn the exles!!

tjm73 · Aug 19, 2004

The emergency brakes might be stuck on or the drums may be locked up from corrosion.

87'GTstang · Aug 19, 2004

tjm73 said:
Not true. Ford made open diff 8.8 mustang rear axles. Traction-lok was an option. Most cars got it, but some did not. I drove one at a dealership once that didn't have it and it was not listed onthe spec sheet on the side window.

Are you certain? I was strongly under the impression that after the 85' model year not only was the 8.8 offered, but trac-lok was standard because it's a necesary saftey device for that kind of power - correct me if i'm wrong someone.....

On another note, only the fx4 ranger has the 31 spline axles, all others came with the 28 spline (including all 4.0-based 4x4's) as well as many other vehicles.

Also, you don't need to take the drum off to rotate the assembly, the drum is mounted to the axle, therefore it turns with the axle and the wheels as well. It should spin freely.

tjm73 · Aug 19, 2004

87'GTstang said:
Are you certain? I was strongly under the impression that after the 85' model year not only was the 8.8 offered, but trac-lok was standard because it's a necesary saftey device for that kind of power - correct me if i'm wrong someone.....

On another note, only the fx4 ranger has the 31 spline axles, all others came with the 28 spline (including all 4.0-based 4x4's) as well as many other vehicles.

Also, you don't need to take the drum off to rotate the assembly, the drum is mounted to the axle, therefore it turns with the axle and the wheels as well. It should spin freely.

I know for a fact that 1995 GTS Mustangs could be bought with open diff. I drove one and it definitly had open diff (one wheel peel).

N8Miller · Aug 19, 2004

my car has an 8.8 and i can only get 1 wheel to spin.

i saw the 5.0 that my step dad pulled it from. it was an 89 or 90 (had mass air) and was white with blue interior. i think thats the one he pulled it from. It IS an 8.8 ford rear. whats inside it, i dont know.... you will when you open it. i even included the stock control arms/sway bar/ brake cables....and lug nuts

89MustangGX · Aug 19, 2004

ALL (every single one) V8 Mustangs that have an 8.8 have a Trac-Lok. It is not an option, nor was it. It is standard. That's the way they all come (came).

-----

If that 8.8 does not have quad shock mounts -- it is probably not from a fox body, and you will probably want to get your money back. There's no telling what it is.

dastang2 · Aug 19, 2004

that 95 must have needed a rebuild, 9 inch years come with open and posi rears but 8.8's have traction loc. is there an id tag on the gear case.

351 82GT · Aug 19, 2004

87'GTstang said:
Also, you don't need to take the drum off to rotate the assembly, the drum is mounted to the axle, therefore it turns with the axle and the wheels as well. It should spin freely.

Not if the E-brake is stuck fast or the drums stuck to the pads.
How can the axles turn if the brakes are on???

351 82GT · Aug 19, 2004

dastang2 said:
that 95 must have needed a rebuild, 9 inch years come with open and posi rears but 8.8's have traction loc. is there an id tag on the gear case.

Nope...I looked for one.
All I know is that this rear has no quad shock mounts and has the smaller .69 swaybar as opposed to the later .79 swaybar
The lower control arms have a large oval shaped bushing as opposed to the round style.

No disrespect N8miller , but that's not a 5.0 rear...it can't be.
It's an 8.8 rear but I don't know what it's out of.
You said you "thought" your step-dad got it from an '89-90 5.0.
Ask him and see what he says

N8Miller · Aug 19, 2004

351 82GT said:
No disrespect N8miller , but that's not a 5.0 rear...it can't be.

when you emailed me looking for parts you listed:
Do you know anyone that has any of the following they want to get rid of:

8.8 rearend
LX or GT rims( I need two)
drag slicks (26x9x15)

Brian

thats straight from your email. you wanted a 8.8 rear....i delivered. it doesnt say, 'hey, i want a trac-lok posi' or 'it has to have 31 spline axles'..... you simply put you wanted a 8.8 rear.....and you got one.
im not trying to start anything, but you asked for it, i delivered..... end of story.

351 82GT · Aug 20, 2004

N8Miller said:
when you emailed me looking for parts you listed:
Do you know anyone that has any of the following they want to get rid of:

8.8 rearend
LX or GT rims( I need two)
drag slicks (26x9x15)

Brian

thats straight from your email. you wanted a 8.8 rear....i delivered. it doesnt say, 'hey, i want a trac-lok posi' or 'it has to have 31 spline axles'..... you simply put you wanted a 8.8 rear.....and you got one.
im not trying to start anything, but you asked for it, i delivered..... end of story.

Again..no disrespect but most people would assume someone would want an 8.8 trac-loc rear...especially if they knew it was going under a worked 351 powered mustang...I could be wrong though.
Anyway....it's my fault.. I should have checked to make sure it's what I wanted before any money exchanged hands.

tjm73 · Aug 20, 2004

89MustangGX said:
ALL (every single one) V8 Mustangs that have an 8.8 have a Trac-Lok. It is not an option, nor was it. It is standard. That's the way they all come (came).

Claim what you want, but I saw it on the window sticker and I drove it and it was not a traction-lok. I remember quite clearly because I was shocked it was not a traction-lok car. It was a 2.73 open diff car. It was brand new on the dealers sales lot. I know what I saw and I know what I drove.

tjm73 · Aug 20, 2004

N8Miller said:
when you emailed me looking for parts you listed:
Do you know anyone that has any of the following they want to get rid of:

8.8 rearend
LX or GT rims( I need two)
drag slicks (26x9x15)

Brian

thats straight from your email. you wanted a 8.8 rear....i delivered. it doesnt say, 'hey, i want a trac-lok posi' or 'it has to have 31 spline axles'..... you simply put you wanted a 8.8 rear.....and you got one.
im not trying to start anything, but you asked for it, i delivered..... end of story.

That's bull-crap dude. Certainly looks like he was asking for Mustang parts. Not to self...don't do business with N8Miller.

Post the entire email and let's see everything.

351 82GT · Aug 20, 2004

I don't remember what exactly I asked in the email but that's pretty much what I asked for. I just thought that since he knew I had an '82GT mustang with a worked 351w that he would assume I would want a trac-loc rear.
I don't know.....I got the drums off just now and it is an open differential.
What size are the rear brakes on the '87-93 mustangs because this thing has 9" drums.
I'm not sure if I am going to keep it or not yet. I might have to eat $150 I spent on this. I know where there is another 8.8 rear thatIS a trac-loc rear from a mustang. I have to think about this now.

Are all 8.8 rears the same?

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