Traction-Lok Upgrade on 8.8

V

Vidar

New Member

Mar 7, 2001

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Portland, Oregon

Aug 19, 2004

#1

• Aug 19, 2004

• #1

Would it be worth it to upgrade my open 8.8 (the dealer replaced the TL rear end with an open before I got ahold of the car) to a traction-loc? I assume I would have to replace the axles along with the carriers?

The engine/tranny is pretty much stock and I don't have any plans to change that... I simply don't like the feel of the open rear-end.

 

S

Scorcher2005

Member

Apr 17, 2004

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South Carolina

Aug 19, 2004

#2

• Aug 19, 2004

• #2

if you dont like something, then change it to how you would like it...

 

89MustangGX

I have nothing productive to add!

Jul 3, 2001

10,262

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Mill Creek, WA

Aug 19, 2004

#3

• Aug 19, 2004

• #3

Are you sure it's not just worn out? The dealer would have a hard time coming up with a whole new rear to fit the Fox with an open diff in it, I think anyway -- or he would have to open it up and forego the $50 option of rebuilding the trac-lok and instead come up with an open diff and reset up the rear.

 

90mustangGT

I felt sorry for girls because

Founding Member

Jan 15, 2002

2,773

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89

Dallas, GA

Aug 19, 2004

#4

• Aug 19, 2004

• #4

I think GX has it, it's just worn out if it's a 8.8. Are you sure you don't have a 7.5" rear? Lets hope not. Maby whoever had it before you blew it out and got one out of an older fox or a 4 banger because you could probally pick one up for next to nothing.

 

N8Miller

I need NOS....make it 2 of the big ones

Founding Member

Jul 26, 2000

2,661

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Kingston, PA, USA

Aug 19, 2004

#5

• Aug 19, 2004

• #5

how about going with an auburn unit while your at it? those things are rated decent. if your gonna have it all apart anyway, might as well spend the extra 120ish (if you go it) on a performance part.

 

V

Vidar

New Member

Mar 7, 2001

10

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Portland, Oregon

Aug 20, 2004

#6

• Aug 20, 2004

• #6

Well, the dealer claimed it's a open 8.8 out of a T-bird. However, come to think of it, I don't think the T-bird has the quad shocks, so unless they modified the mounts on the rear-end, that wouldn't add up. I know nothing about what T-birds use, but I would guess they don't have that.

I jacked up the rear and and spun one side to see what the other would do... travels in same direction, so obviously it's not open. So, apparently it's a worn out posi.

And yes, they DID replace the entire rear end, since the original grenaded and took out the case.

I guess I'll have to tear it open and see what the deal is. Assuming there is no damage, would a stiffer s-spring breath new life into it?

 

89MustangGX

I have nothing productive to add!

Jul 3, 2001

10,262

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Mill Creek, WA

Aug 20, 2004

#7

• Aug 20, 2004

• #7

It could be a rear of out of a T-bird, I don't know the specifics, but I know they do fit.

I don't know if I buy the story about blowing up the whole rear end casing and all -- that would be tough to do.

But, might as well figure out what you have to start with at least. If the Trac-Lok is worn out, the rebuild kit is around $50 and then you can get an S-spring out of an F150 as well if you want it.