• Mustang Forums
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech

REAR END HELP, PLEASE HELP

  • Thread starter Thread starter Black1987Stang
  • Start date Start date Oct 19, 2008

Black1987Stang

Active Member
Aug 22, 2004
1,422
0
37
Jersey Shore
Oct 19, 2008
#1
  • Oct 19, 2008
  • #1
My rear end is shot, its a stock 8.8 with 373's, it has alot of backlash but what I'm worried about is I have Alot of axle end play in and out, like at least 1/4 an inch or more. When I'm driving straight and turn left and right quick the rear end feels like it's floating back and forth, best I can describe it. I just want to fix this problem until springtime when I will swap it with a whole nother rear end with 355's and 31 spline everything. What will I need to replace, the c-clips?
 

90 lx convert

Stanger
Founding Member
Aug 13, 1999
926
1
18
Falling Waters Wv.
Oct 19, 2008
#2
  • Oct 19, 2008
  • #2
Well, the floating rear thing is more related to the control arms. If the arms are stock then they're probably wore out. If they're aftermarket arms with poly bushings then I'd check the torque boxes. Mounting holes and spot welds are two areas to check. The 1/4 in play is a little exessive but not horrible. As for replacing the C clips that's a pretty easy job. Just a bit messy. The clips slide onto the end of the axle so that slot on the axle may be wore too.
 

Black1987Stang

Active Member
Aug 22, 2004
1,422
0
37
Jersey Shore
Oct 19, 2008
#3
  • Oct 19, 2008
  • #3
90 lx convert. said:
Well, the floating rear thing is more related to the control arms. If the arms are stock then they're probably wore out. If they're aftermarket arms with poly bushings then I'd check the torque boxes. Mounting holes and spot welds are two areas to check. The 1/4 in play is a little exessive but not horrible. As for replacing the C clips that's a pretty easy job. Just a bit messy. The clips slide onto the end of the axle so that slot on the axle may be wore too.
Click to expand...

Well I never really noticed the huge amount of axle endplay till not to long ago when I did the back brakes, I'm sure the control arm bushings arent in the best shape but I just noticed it driving like this and I would bet the rear is more of the problem. If I shake my car side to side when it's parked you hear CLUNK CLUNK CLUNK.....I have new c-clips, pin and bolt straight from Ford so I can swap them in when I got time.
 

67coupe

Founding Member
Apr 5, 2002
658
402
93
Huntsville, AL
Oct 21, 2008
#4
  • Oct 21, 2008
  • #4
Axle end play is caused by worn out clutch disks (assuming the rear end is stock). If the disks are worn or rebuilt incorrectly, the axle has room to move in btw the cross pin and where the c-clip hits the spider gear.

Before I installed the 3.73's, the axles had some end play. During the install, I installed new clutch's. I had it shimmed so tight, I almost wasn't able to install the cross pin. Now the axles have zero end play.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

D
Drivetrain Where to place jackstands when servicing rear diff
  • dqureshi06
  • Oct 16, 2025
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
Replies
10
Views
384
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech Nov 2, 2025
limp
J
2004 Mustang 3.8L V6 vibrations above 65 MPH and differential leaks
  • joeybuddy96
  • Mar 16, 2026
  • SN95 V6 Mustang Tech
Replies
13
Views
395
SN95 V6 Mustang Tech Jun 8, 2026
joeybuddy96
J
Tuners come on inside
  • squeak93
  • Feb 13, 2026
  • SVT Tech Forum
Replies
1
Views
220
SVT Tech Forum Feb 20, 2026
squeak93
R
Rear end
  • RileyDymond
  • Feb 22, 2025
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
Replies
13
Views
775
1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk- Mar 13, 2025
revhead347
Rear ends? And I don't mean the pretty kind.
  • WORTH
  • Jun 27, 2025
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
Replies
16
Views
828
1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk- Aug 14, 2025
limp
Share:
Bluesky Email Share Link
  • Mustang Forums
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
Menu
Log in

Register

  • Forums
  • What's new
  • Media
  • Resources
  • Contact
  • Sponsor
X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?

X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?