rear end question

[catman4115]

so I have an 88 4cyl that has been converted to a 5.0 and I was wondering If I should stick with the 7.5 rearend or I have an opportunity to buy an 8.8 for $150 that is out of an 86 with stock gears and everything. If I stick with the 7.5 what should I do to it because it doesnt have posi. and If I should get the 8.8, what should I do to that before I put it in the car? Thanks

 

[bill302]

7.5 rearend is junk, get the 8.8 upgrade gears to 3.73s replace all bearings and seals rebuild traction lok, install axle seals&bearings, optional:weld axle tubes. this is what i would do. it's easier to do all of this while axle is out also check out these links.
http://www.corral.net/tech/drivetrain/gears.html

http://www.louisvilleoffroad.com/Ring-and-Pinion-Installation-sp-9.html

http://www.superstallions.com/tech/drive/gears/gears.html

 

[Jaswir]

i agree^^^^

 

[TrophyHead]

I would look for a 87-88 Turbo-coupe rear-end.

8.8 T-lok
Automatic TC's had 3.73's
Manual TC's had 3.55's
4 lug rear disc

You can proably get a better deal than 150 bucks for a TC rear. If not dame close.

 

[86bluecobra]

go find a 8.8 that 7.5 wont last long. if you have to rebuild the 8.8 i would recommend getting a 31 spline carrier and some strange axles or moser ones. its a good upgrade specially if you car is going to see track duty with slicks.

 

[Matts89LX5.0]

too bad i just sold an 8.8 with stock gears for $50

buy one with gears already in it from the classifieds, throw that bad boy in and go to town

 

[SmockDoiley]

The 7.5 is not junk. Nobody who is saying this has even used one. The 85 GTs and older were using them and they still use them in modern V6's that make the same power as older V8s. In fact, those guys putting blowers on their V6's arent changing the rearend out. Its not as strong, but it doesnt mean they are going to explode. Why do you think they make Lockers and stuff for them?? I even ran that 7.5 with my blower and stroker. I didnt take it to the track with slicks, but street driving for a few months, it was fine. In fact, I did use to take it to the track with slicks when it was NA and the rearend held up fine. If you plan on getting axles and gears and stuff, yeah, get an 8.8, but for now your fine. In fact, I have the guts for a 7.5 posi if you want them. Let me look around my garage and pm me.

 

[SmockDoiley]

If you get an 8.8, dont do anything to it except maybe some gears, and maybe rebuild the posi while its out. Axles and stuff are fine up to around 400-450 horses. If you plan on doing a 5-lug, do it now. Otherwise, the rearends swap right out.