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TC rear in a mustang?

  • Thread starter Thread starter 01PonyGT
  • Start date Start date Apr 4, 2004

01PonyGT

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Jul 27, 2003
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Willow Grove, PA
Apr 4, 2004
#1
  • Apr 4, 2004
  • #1
I bought an '88 TC for the 2.3T swap into my '92 Notch. I know that the TC's rear is an 8.8" rear with discs and 3.73:1 gears (since it was from an automatic car), but is this a simple bolt on? I think I read that the quad shocks won't bolt up and that the TC rear is about 1.5" wider so it sticks out 3/4" wider on each side. Is that a problem with rubbing in the fenderwells? I was thinking of going with the 16" x 7" Pony wheels or even the 17" x 8" PonyR wheels by MavroMont.com (reproduction pony wheels). Would there be any issues with the wider rear axle? I think the 93 Cobra used the same axles. What size wheels were on the 93 Cobra? Also, would the wider TC axle make it difficult to do a 5 lug conversion; I may want to use the 17x8 OEM 5 lug wheels from my 2001 GT.

Looking forward to starting my swap when I get the time.
Thanks,
WES
 
P

Pro-Hawk

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West Texas
Apr 4, 2004
#2
  • Apr 4, 2004
  • #2
I would log on to Stingers web site, I think his tells you everything needed to install the TC rear end. They will bolt in but you will need to use the gear from the mustang rear end like the control arms since the TC's are longer. ( there is a trick way to use them but I never looked it up). I want to say its on stingers site but there is a site that names off every Brake master cyl you can use and which is easier but you will need one made for a All Disc car like a 93' Cobra. On top of a M/C you will need a adaptor kit which seemed real easy to intall and I think Stinger has a link for the place that sales them. I can't remember anything on what is done for the extra axle lenght but I'm sure it works good on the mustang. I want to say guys with SVOs used axles off a Ranger to help have more room to install the newer SN95 brakes and wheels but I can't remember which forum at this time. Its on a thread running on SVOCA or Corral about lower ball joints and the subject was brought up. (The reason I mention that is because they are 5 lug and you mentioned you may want 5 lugs)

As for the pony wheels etc you will probly need limiters for your rack and pinion that they used on the on the 91-93 GT to keep the tires from rubbing. I've been to busy to install them on my 2.3L LX with ponys and have learn how fair I can or can't turn so the car can is able to be driven without them. The limiters are some what easy to put on and cost like 5.00 bux at the Ford dealer. Now when I whent to buy them here my Ford guys didn't know what I was talking about at ALL Its under something called handling package and was in very small print on there print out of the rack and pinion also located at the very bottom of it.

Well I hope that helps answer some of that and good luck
 

Red_LX

I’m not much help unless you’re looking for ****!
Founding Member
Nov 29, 1999
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129
Morgantown, WV...where couches meet their doom
Apr 4, 2004
#3
  • Apr 4, 2004
  • #3
FYI, you can put the quad shocks on the Mustang. The holes for the quad shock brackets are already drilled in the Mustang's frame....all ya gotta do is unbolt the brackets from the TC frame and bolt them onto the mustang. However I can't say whether or not the quad shocks are even worth swapping...and if you're gonna run Cobra R's you might be better off leaving them off (they could rub).
 
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Pro-Hawk

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West Texas
Apr 4, 2004
#4
  • Apr 4, 2004
  • #4
Hey cool I knew there was a way to use that TC stuff

Well on a on/off but same area subject I can't remember but if you use a rear swap bar and if your car didn't come with it you may have to drill a few holes I'm not sure its been a while. Its nothing hard and I think the mustang has bosses where the holes needs to go.
 

Asha'man

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Feb 5, 2002
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Denver
Apr 5, 2004
#5
  • Apr 5, 2004
  • #5
The brake upgrade site is http://svo73mm.cjb.net - Matt's site. He sells the 3-2 port adaptor, and tells you anything else you need to know about brakes.

Ash
 

89Stang

Founding Member
Jul 7, 1999
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Savannah GA
Apr 5, 2004
#6
  • Apr 5, 2004
  • #6
have seen people use the TC 8.8 rears without changing axles or anything and it just looks a bit meaner!
 

Red_LX

I’m not much help unless you’re looking for ****!
Founding Member
Nov 29, 1999
5,896
73
129
Morgantown, WV...where couches meet their doom
Apr 5, 2004
#7
  • Apr 5, 2004
  • #7
Rear swaybars are all the same and all lower control arms have the holes drilled. Just gotta make sure you have the speed nuts on the swaybar.
 

01PonyGT

Member
Jul 27, 2003
304
0
16
Willow Grove, PA
Apr 5, 2004
#8
  • Apr 5, 2004
  • #8
89Stang said:
have seen people use the TC 8.8 rears without changing axles or anything and it just looks a bit meaner!
Click to expand...

Any rubbing? what wheel/tire combo are they running??

Thanks for all the replies, but I have another question: Is it the axles themselves that are 3/4" longer (total of 1.5") or is it the houseing as well? Assuming that the housings are the same width, couldb't I just use the TC 8.8 axle housing with mustang axles to keep the same track width?

Thanks again,
WES
 
G

G-90

New Member
Feb 20, 2004
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0
Apr 5, 2004
#9
  • Apr 5, 2004
  • #9
01PonyGT said:
Any rubbing? what wheel/tire combo are they running??

Thanks for all the replies, but I have another question: Is it the axles themselves that are 3/4" longer (total of 1.5") or is it the houseing as well? Assuming that the housings are the same width, couldb't I just use the TC 8.8 axle housing with mustang axles to keep the same track width?

Thanks again,
WES
Click to expand...

It is the axles 3/4" longer for the ABS ring.
If you want to use the shorter axles you have to cut the TC disc brake bracket off and buy the offset brackets.
 

BlackBird

Founding Member
Sep 16, 2001
156
0
0
London, Ont
Apr 6, 2004
#10
  • Apr 6, 2004
  • #10
If you want to go 5-bolt with the TC rear you should be able to swap in axles from a SN95 Mustang 8.8" rear. I'm almost positive they're the same length.
 
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