Project Thundersnake back underway

[Power Surge]

I'm happy to say that I've gotten back onto working on the Thundersnake. I moved it to the back burner in the beginning of the year, to get our new dyno facility open, and I also had lots of work to do on the Lightning. Now that the Lightning is almost finished up (makes over 700 rwhp ), I can get back to work on the 78. I've already started cranking on it, and have made lots of progress in the past few days. I got the new 5 lug axles in, with Ranger drums (perfect fit). I installed the tubular upper control arms, and new Pro Shocks. I have the new 4 piston Wilwood/Granda rotor brakes setup. I just finished mounting the new remote trans cooler with fan, just have to wire it up. I mounted the PCM box underhood, and finished up some misc wiring. There's still lots to do, but at least I've got motivation to work on it again, and hope to have it driveable for some use this year. I'll most likely get back to work on the 10 pt cage next, I've only got two bars left to make on that. I'll try to post some new pics in a few days, I've had some PC issues that are currently getting fixed, then I can upload some pics.

 

[dmoody]

CobraIILover, did you buy the 5-lug axles or salvage them from a junkyard/other car? Also what year were the Ranger drums and are the drums the only thing you needed to change? Since I just finished putting the Wilwood setup on I'm curious did you wire wrap all the bolts? I went through the trouble even though I thought it was overkill. Thanks so much, sounds like you're gonna have one fast ride.

d

 

[Power Surge]

I used aftermarket axles from Moser, because they are required by NHRA for 10.99 and quicker. The drums are 9" Ranger, they list the same drum from 83-92. I don't know what you mean by wiring the bolts, there were no bolts that I saw that needed that. Remember I am not using the 100% Wilwood kit, I am using the Heights kit that uses Granada rotors and Wilwood Dynalite calipers.

 

[dmoody]

Thanks for the info. I think I might go that route for a 5 lug rear. The front Wilwood kit has holes through the bolts that allow you to run wire through them preventing the bolts from ever backing out.

d

 

[Dano78]

Sal, what would be the equivilent application to the Moser axles you installed? You just swapping the Mustang II's bearing retainer plate to the Moser Axle? (was my understanding that they were different bolt circle than the other 8" bearing retianer plates) Were the drums off a 7.5 or 8.8 Ranger axle?

 

[Power Surge]

Dano, I ordered the axles with new bearings already installed by moser. The supplied bearing plates definitely won't work. You'll need to make up some new ones from some 1/4" flat stock, it's pretty easy.

 

[dmoody]

What information would I need to order the correct axles from Moser? Forgive my ignorance but never having taken a differential apart what is a bearing plate?

d

 

[Power Surge]

What information would I need to order the correct axles from Moser? Forgive my ignorance but never having taken a differential apart what is a bearing plate?

d

I can dig up my invoice if you want, you can just give them the invoice number and tell them you want the same thing.

There is a bearing thats pressed onto the axle. Before that bearing goes on, there is a plate with 4 bolt holes. This plate is what bolts the axle back to the housing. The OEM plate has to go on before the bearing, but for aftermarket axles they leave one side of the plate open so you can just slide it on with the bearing there.

 

[dmoody]

I can dig up my invoice if you want, you can just give them the invoice number and tell them you want the same thing.

That would be great. It would save me a lot of trouble and possibly buying the wrong parts.

There is a bearing thats pressed onto the axle. Before that bearing goes on, there is a plate with 4 bolt holes. This plate is what bolts the axle back to the housing. The OEM plate has to go on before the bearing, but for aftermarket axles they leave one side of the plate open so you can just slide it on with the bearing there.

Any pics of this? Moser doesn't sell a bearing retainer to fit the II rearend? Is the II retainer plate bolt circle different from all other 8" rearends? What tools did you have to use to make the new bearing plate... I have an air compressor, welder and drill press but nothing fancy beyond that. Thanks again.

d

 

[Power Surge]

It's easy to do. Just get some 1/4" steel. Actually 1/4" is a bit thick, 1/8" or 3/16" would be better. You can just cut the old retainer off your stock axle and then just trace it onto the new metal. Just leave one side open, so you can slide it over the axle. No biggie. I got a set from a member here on this forum who had his axles done before me, but they didn't fit too good so I just made new ones.

 

[Dano78]

Yeah Moser would be too easy. I want to do the wrecking yard crawl and find something that'll swap in that won't cost me over $200.

Yeah as far as the plates, probably could just remove the bearing on the MII axle and slide the plate off as long as it will slide onto the new axle. I'll have to start keeping track of all the 8" rears I see and log the lengths I guess. Thanks Sal!

 

[dmoody]

Thanks again Sal. Have you been able to come up with the part #s for your Moser axles?

d

 

[dmoody]

Bump... CobraIILover, were you able to find the part #s for the Moser axles? ..that would save me a lot of trouble.

Thanks,
d