[luigirox]

I have been looking and seems to be all sort of info out there I have an I would like to put a explorer 8.8 into my 66 mustang was wondering if it would work and what would need to be done I believe the punkin is offset and would need to be done to make it fit. I cannot find a good answer to this
Thanks

[rodbender]

Someone here has done this look in these archives. One guy did it and another was looking for the same things as you. I believe the Ranger is offset and the "Exploder" is somewhat centered.

[luigirox]

Can't find anything conferming it or any one who has done it.

[Proarms]

I too have "heard stories" of guys that have done it but haven't really seen it work myself yet. The closest I've seen is this"

"Plain Jane Mustang":
http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2971175/7

Apparently he's done it but not driving it yet.
I actually have the explorer rearend sitting in my yard waiting for the swap. The Pinion is offset so much that the shop that installed my T-5 transmission did not want to install the explorer rearend.
From the research I've done I think that the way to do it is to shorten the long axel tube to equal the other side then get another axel from the junk yard or buy new to install in the cut side. This will even things out.

Let us know if you find something. I'm real close to starting my experiment, when I do I'll post pics.

[andrewmp6]

I wouldn't mess with it a 8 inch is stronger then a 8.8.

[luigirox]

I don't have a 8 inch
I need to replace the rear on my 66 and I have read every thing I could and I am confused on what would work I am replacing the wheels

[Proarms]

I'm pretty sure that the 8.8" is stronger than the 8". One good thing about the 8.8 explorer is the 31 spline axels, the 3.73 positraction and the disk brakes. The big problem is the work it takes cutting down the long tube and the cost of replacing the long axel with a short one. But even with this the cost will be less than all this stuff new.

I know that the 9" is a little stronger than the 8.8 but not by much.

[andrewmp6]

Most online mustang junkyards sell rear ends 8 inch and 9 inch.

[The Greek]

There's a lot of work in this project. You'll need to shorten the tubes and install the flanges for a 9" which will allow you to use the 9" axle bearings and to eliminate the failure prone "C" clips which retain the original axles. The 9" bearing's rollers don't ride on the axle shaft like an 8.8, which have a tendency to eat into the axles with time and wear.

The aftermarket sells different designs, one of which will allow you to use the original disc brakes. If the original axle's diameter is smaller than the dia. of the splined portion, they can't be shortened. You'll either need to have axles made or search for some from an 8 or 9" that are the correct length and fab the housing to meet their length. 8" 31 spline axles are a very rare find, so you'll need to search for 9" axles in that spline count.

The tubes will need to be welded to the center section to prevent rotation of the center section. This can be tricky because of the two different metals, cast iron and steel. Spring pads need to be welded in at the correct angle, the pinion yoke will need changing to fit the drive shaft.

Mustang Monthly or Modified Mustangs and Fast Fords did an install of an 8.8 into a vintage Mustang recently, if I remember right, and the article should be posted on their web site. If you can't find it check out Car Craft's site.

[luigirox]

What would be the best option swap i need to replace the rear end

[The Greek]

If you're going to have over 300 HP the 8'' is at its strength limit. The 9" will handle much more, but they're heavier weight wise. Perogie Enterprises has new and used complete axle assemblies. I wouldn't mess with an 8.8 unless you have the tools and experience to do the mods needed. Otherwise having the mods done will cost plenty. I'd go with what came with the car, an 8" or 9". There's also Currie Enterprises or Ebay.
www.perogie.com www.currieenterprises.com

There should be a yard there in Chi Town that specializes in the older Fords. Even a trip to Rockford would be worth it considering what shipping costs. I'd check this out first, if you're on a budget. 8" rears are very common if you want to use one.

[Proarms]

I'm really surprised that everytime I see someone asking about this mod (and I've seen plenty) most people recommend against it and I honestly can't understand why.

If you look at the Currie site and add up the components:
3RD MEMBER
31 Spline - Stock Gear Case & Pinion Support
Traction Lock 3.70 gear ratio

BRAKE OPTIONS
11" Explorer Disc Brake Kit
5 X 4 1/2" Wheel Bolt Pattern

This adds up to $2,500.00

I find it hard to believe that the Explorer conversion will cost anywhere close to that. I paid $250.00 for my complete assembly with disk brakes. I had a shop quote me $500.00 to do the axel tube shortening and if I buy a new pair of axels then I'm in it for another $250.00. That's $1,000.00 for the same setup as the Currie, to me it seems worth it.

[andrewmp6]

I don't trust a 8.8 i snapped one i had in a ranger with a mid 302 and a 9 inch is stronger buy it once never worry about it again.Only rear end id use besides a 9 inch is the dana 60.

[rodbender]

I firmly believe that the 8.8 is capable of some serious thrashing. For instance my nephew's 91 LX coupe. 347 10:1 compression then he put a blower on it. Yes that's right 10 to 1 compression. It had an easy 500 horse. At speed (75 mph +or-) you could down shift a gear stomp it and send it sideways. The STOCK 8.8 held up where the Probe rod bent. Also talk to the new GT500 owners. That's what's in them. If Andrew broke one in a warmed over 302 I'm curious to see what he was doing to it when that happened.

[andrewmp6]

I use to drag race the ranger few hard launches with slicks i twisted a shaft and messed the diff up good.