rear shocks and control arms

[sweet03cobra]

I just bought a notch that someone already replace the rear end to a 8.8 I think. How do I tell for sure, how many bolts are on the dif for a 7.5 and how many for a 8.8. Plus the shocks are all rusted and ****, the shocks for the 4 and 8 cyl were all the same right? Plus if it does have the 8.8 then I would replace the stock upper and lower control arms with standard 5.0 8.8 **** right? thanks

 

[stang22]

What kind of car is it? What year? Is there a tag on the diff cover?

Tim

 

[sweet03cobra]

no tag, it is a 87 notchback 4 cly that has been converted to a carb 302 and c-4 trans.

 

[ram360]

I'm pretty sure if you look at the 8.8 rear the sides of the diff cover are equal so It basically forms a square. The 7.5 only has 2 similar sides. But don't hold me to that b/c I'm not totally sure. BTW there are 10 bolts holding on the cover on an 8.8.

 

[sweet03cobra]

well it looks pretty equal sided to me, kind of square/round. Mine has 10 bolts too! I hope it is a 8.8.

 

[stang22]

I thought they put 8.8's in all 87-93's, regardless of the model?

Tim

 

[sweet03cobra]

I thought the 4 clys had a 7.5 rearend?

 

[stang22]

I thought the 4 clys had a 7.5 rearend?

Hope this link will help you out. Good luck!

Tim

http://www.coolcats.net/tech/general/axleinfo.html

http://flemworld.com/Hto/IMAGES/R751.jpg

 

[sweet03cobra]

well I got screwed, I got a 7.5, now I wonder what it is going to cost me to stick a 8.8 up in there. I thought it was wierd that I didn't have quad shocks.

 

[stang22]

well I got screwed, I got a 7.5, now I wonder what it is going to cost me to stick a 8.8 up in there. I thought it was wierd that I didn't have quad shocks.

I don't think they would be very much. Call around and ask to get an idea. I have heard the Thunderbird TC 8.8 with rear disk go for about $300.00 or so, plus you get 3.55 or 3.73 gears in it. Something to think about.

Tim

 

[sweet03cobra]

Alright, I will see what I can find.

 

[sweet03cobra]

now will a 8.8 rear out of any 87-93 94 95 96-98 just bolt up in there? Also since I'm ordering new uppers and lowers and shocks, are those all the same. I thought it was wierd that this car didn't have quad shocks. Anyhow, I did a search but don't seem to find what I'm looking for.

 

[sweet03cobra]

anyone?

 

[stang22]

now will a 8.8 rear out of any 87-93 94 95 96-98 just bolt up in there? Also since I'm ordering new uppers and lowers and shocks, are those all the same. I thought it was wierd that this car didn't have quad shocks. Anyhow, I did a search but don't seem to find what I'm looking for.

I don't think the 94-98's will. I can't remember if they are shorter or longer, but I am pretty sure they won't bolt right up. Any stock 87-93 rear axle should bolt right up.

Tim

 

[sweet03cobra]

thanks, this pisses me off. I guess I have to learn sometime!

 

[ram360]

I have a 95 rear in my 83 it works but they are slightly wider.

 

[sweet03cobra]

so when you say slightly wider, if I'm just going to run 15x8 welds, will it effect me? Will all the control arms and shocks and crap work?

 

[sweet03cobra]

well it is a 7.5, I took off the differential cover and when to autozone and got a 8.8 gasket, too big. Dammit!

 

[seijirou]

You can put any 8.8 rear in there 79-04. Use control arms for an 87 5.0, they will work on any of the rears. I don't know if the later model control arms will work, but I imagine they would too.

94-98 rears are wider than earlier years, but they will fit perfectly fine. 99+ rears are even wider still. If you go with one of those you may have problems with the outside edge of the tire rubbing the outside of the quarterpanels when the rear suspension compresses. Maier racing makes some great fender and quarter flares however

 

[stang22]

I am assuming that he currently has 4-lug and doesn't want to worry about changing anything like the brake booster, wheels, etc... I guess the key words are just bolt up in there?. If he decides to use a 04 rear-end, he is going to have to make some changes.

Tim