More Q's from the 2.3 noob

[vristang]

What size is the stock rear? I want to say 7.5 or 8"????????? This is an 87LX.

How much power can the stock rear handle? What is the weight difference compared to the 8.8?

Is it possible to get 5 lug discs on the stock rear?
How about 4 lug discs?

 

[Jacob07]

Stock rear on that car is 7.5

Don't know about your other questions

 

[rd]

The stock four cylinder rear is the 7.5 in, on all but a few 1979's that had the Pinto 6 in unit.

The 7.5 in my 82 5.0 has held up to many dozen track passes, including 12.9's in the quarter, and 50 or so eigth mile passes with a 100 shot, all on drag radials.

 

[rd]

The 8.8 is about 30-50 lbs heavier, by my calibrated arms and back having to lift them.

 

[Red_LX]

If you want rear disc you might as well just swap in an 8.8, all the rear disc kits are made for the 8.8. You could also swap in a Turbo Coupe 8.8, which would give you 3.55 or 3.73 gears (depending on if it's from a stick or auto car, respectively), a trak-lok, and discs (albeit four lug). However this rear is 3/4" wider per side, but that shouldn't be a real big deal.

 

[vristang]

If there is just a 30lb difference between the 8.8 and the 7.5, then no way will I switch to the 8.8. I have an 8.8 already, but the weight gained would be lame.
I am using your lightest estimate rd, because I know how easily the arms and back can go "out of cert". I have used that many times!

I have seen 4.10 and 3.73 gears for the 7.5. Anyone used them? How difficult is it to swap gears in the 7.5?

The only other question is where to find disc brakes for the rear? Is there a stock 7.5 that ran discs in the back, or will this have to be custom fab'd?

Thanks again for the help.
jason

 

[Asha'man]

I put SN95 rear discs on my stock 7.5. All the bolts and mounts are identical to an 8.8.

Brian

 

[Red_LX]

OK, well keep in mind that if you want a trak-lok you'll have to go buy one and install it, unless you can get by with the peg leg rear.

 

[vristang]

I put SN95 rear discs on my stock 7.5. All the bolts and mounts are identical to an 8.8.

Brian

Did you use a 5 lug axle when doing this? Can the same 5 lug Ranger axles be used in the 7.5?
This is very exciting for me to hear. SN-95 swaps are easy!!!

 

[93-331-29psi]

Yes, the SN95 swaps work on the 7.5 rears. As do SN95 balljoints in the fox body control arms.

 

[Asha'man]

Did you use a 5 lug axle when doing this? Can the same 5 lug Ranger axles be used in the 7.5?
This is very exciting for me to hear. SN-95 swaps are easy!!!

They can, but not with SN95 swaps. You'd have to use North Racecar caliper brackets for Ranger axles.

Brian

 

[RustBucket]

Trac-loc center sections for 7.5's show up on e-bay quite frequently and fairly reasonable for the most part. Some Rangers, Bronco II's and Aerostar vans had them from the factory.

BTW, I just got my axles,drums, bearings, etc. to do the 5-lug swap on my car last week from Mustang Depot. The axles are made by Yukon and they look to be well made. The axles were only $60.00 ea. and the drums were cheaper than I could get them here. I'd been waiting since May for the FRPP set but they've been on backorder for ages and they keep pushing the date back. I'm getting the tires mounted on my rims this week and might even get the entire swap done before the weekend.