[66 restomod]

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I debated with going 8.8 or a new pumpkin for my 8. i could never find a detailed "How To" and step by step write up to make me feel comfortable in doing it.

The idea of limited slip, 3.8 gears AND disk brakes is incredible when you think it can be had for $300. The feeling of blazing a trail and learn as you go was not something I felt was worth it to me.

I would have gone with an 8.8 if I had a "guide" to go by. I have read a few write ups but the are so general and I know how critical the pinion angle is.

If you decide to do an 8.8 conversion, PLEASE, for the Mustang community, document your work with pictures, links, lessons learned, references to web links you used, oarts used and the results. I know it is a pain in the a$$ (sorry) but it will benefit others for years to come.

I would also suggest it be made a Sticky here on AFM for a guide reference.

OK off my soap box...

Good Luck and BE Safe
Ron

My website documentation: Christophers 66 Mustang Restoration and Modification

 

[66 restomod]

I installed the 8.8 in my car without the perches welded on, only set in place. I then set my pinion angle, tacked the perches on and removed the 8.8. I then welded the perches entirely to the axle tube. Be carefull not to weld in one place too much, for fear of warping the axle tube. Lay a short bead, do one side of the other perch and alternate untill both sides of both perches are fully welded. Take breaks between bead runs to let the metal cool. I needed to have custom u-bolts made and shipped to my local Carquest. The 31 spline 8.8 axle tube is much larger in diameter than the stock 8". Seems like 4" I.D. is the magic number, but that might be inaccurate. I could measure my 8.8 if you need. If you have any questions, please ask away. I would be glad to help.

Where did you get the replacement perches you welded back on?
Was the width close to your 8inch orginal?
Did you have to change rims and offset to make them fit?
What conversion Ujoint did you use?
Did you consider removing the C clips or was it not worth converting them?
I have read a 66 can fit an 8.8 but the long tube axle side needs to be cut to match the otherside. You then use a short axle, so you run 2 short axles. I believe it will make the axle 1 inch narrower in total width over a stock 8 inch from a 66. You can run spacers or change rim offset to make up the difference.
Thanks for the info 67!

 

[66 restomod]

Excellent info for the conversion. Thank you for taking the time and answering!

 

[66 restomod]

On a 65-66 a stock 8.8 will be too wide. The 3rd member because it is offset will hit the tunnel if the car is lowered or if the rear is compressed hard. The explorer rear is preferred over the Mustang 8.8 because of the bigger axles.

Not all rears are set up with limited slip. Check the tag for an L in it. A 3.73 with limited slip will have a tag 3L73 = 3.73 LS

 

[66 restomod]

You will need to remove the Explorer perches and weld on the Mustang perches. 67Moneypit gave a good link for an ebay dealer.

Antiwrap Leaf Spring Perches for Ford 8.8 Inch | eBay


You need to be careful in setting the pinion angle so you dont have vibrations. Basically the driveshaft angle at the tansmission has to equal the driveshft angle at the 3rd member so they cancel out. Tack the perch after the angle is set with WEIGHT ON ALL 4 WHEELS
Good article explaining pinion angle : Pinion Angle Explained

When you cut the long tube it is recommended to put a section of tubing inside the cut tube to support the joint from flexing. I dont recall the od of the tube. I have also read that your cuts need to be straight and accurate and it is best to weld it back in a jig so the heat does not warp the tube.

I was really close to doing this mod but decided to keep my 8inch. My disclaimer is I never have done it but did lots of research...
Good info:
http://www.carcraft.com/techarticles/116_ford_8_8_rear_end/viewall.html
http://mmb.maverick.to/showthread.php?t=77673&highlight=jeremy
http://mustangforums.com/forum/classic-mustangs/559698-i-am-picking-up-a-8-8-exploder-rear-end.html


Good Luck and BE Safe
Ron

 

[66 restomod]

Currie
Currie Enterprises Racing Rear End Categories

Call them to be sure you order the correct ones

 

[66 restomod]

If you go with rear discs, it is recommended that you go to a power booster for the disc/disc to work correctly. Mustang Steve is a good source for parts and good information.
BRAKES