Bolt-in 9 inch rear assembly

S/CBlack95GT

New Member
Apr 6, 2003
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Tampa Palms, FL
The only part of my car I didn't install myself were the rear gears. Every year since I had them installed the rear has continued to get louder. It is very loud when coming to a stop at low speeds, but it hums pretty loud while cruising too. When I make a slight right turn at speed, like when entering or exiting an interstate, the rear hums even louder then it will quiet down once I straighten out. The gear mesh looks ok, but maybe a bearing is bad or simply the backlash isn't right.

Anyway, I was looking into a Strange Eng. 9 inch assembly. In the next few years I am wanting to install a 408 with either a T-trim or YS-trim in order to reach my goal of 700+rwhp. I also want to begin racing the car. I figured a beefed up 8.8 inch would just be a waste of time b/c no 8.8 will handle 850+ hp for any long period of time. Plus, a built 8.8 cost around 700 bucks anyway. Strange makes a bolt in assembly for around $2000. I have a picture of their bolt-in 9 inch units below. Have you guys had any experience with this swap? What are some of your opinions? Thanks!

<img src="http://www.strangeengineering.net/catalog/45.jpg">
 
Shaun, probably not what you want to hear, but Chris Little and a few others run a built 8.8 rear in FFW and NMRA. If you get a set up with 35 spline axles and a spool, it will handle anything. Or you could get a locker - they will handle anything, thats assuming you are going to trailor the car. All can be had for about the same price as the bolt in 9 inch rear.

Just a thought....

Joe
 
Like joe said, there are alot of guys running some pretty insane times with 8.8's. I wouldnt say its a waste to build one up.

Then again, once you crunch the #'s($$) for the different setups, it may be close. With that being said, i would do the 9". Might as well get the best.

Sorry i dont have any personal experience with it though.
 
Thanks a lot guys, thats good info. I am going to make my car really mean, but I want to drive it on the street as well, so the spool or locker is out of the question. The 9 inch looks really simple to bolt-in and I like the idea of being able to make quick gear changes. I wonder how much it weighs vs. the 8.8 assembly?
 
yellow1995Cobra said:
I would meet up with someone you know withh one, and take a ride in the car and see how it behaves.

Yea I wish I could, but I don't even know anyone with a Mustang. I was wanting to wait to install the new rear until I got my job with the FHP, but I don't know if the old rear will last much longer.