Fox T-Bird/Cougar Forums

Technical => Drivetrain Tech => Topic started by: Chooglin on November 03, 2009, 06:36:33 PM

Title: 86 mustang GT 8.8 rearend
Post by: Chooglin on November 03, 2009, 06:36:33 PM
I found a 8.8 rearend from a 86 Musteng GT and would like to know from you guys,will this bolt up to my 83 T-Bird, without any problems?
Title: 86 mustang GT 8.8 rearend
Post by: 1BadBird on November 03, 2009, 07:55:27 PM
It'll bolt in but it's like 3/4" naorrower on each end.
Title: 86 mustang GT 8.8 rearend
Post by: Dougy_Fresh on November 03, 2009, 08:27:21 PM
i didnt think 8.8's were used till 87 in stangs
Title: 86 mustang GT 8.8 rearend
Post by: Chooglin on November 03, 2009, 09:13:14 PM
Thank you.
Title: 86 mustang GT 8.8 rearend
Post by: the_intimidator03 on November 04, 2009, 05:11:05 AM
dougy just FYI 86 was first year for SEFI, roller blocks and 8.8" rear in the 5.0 stang if i recall correctly
Title: 86 mustang GT 8.8 rearend
Post by: Dougy_Fresh on November 04, 2009, 10:38:33 AM
i knew it was for SEFI and roller, but was unsure on the 8.8

should have known though, i have a friend with an 86 and it has an 8.8
Title: 86 mustang GT 8.8 rearend
Post by: Chuck W on November 04, 2009, 11:01:17 AM
Take the brakes/axles off your '83 Tbird rear end, and use them on the Mustang housing.
Title: 86 mustang GT 8.8 rearend
Post by: thunderjet302 on November 04, 2009, 02:27:58 PM
Quote from: Chuck W;297561
Take the brakes/axles off your '83 Tbird rear end, and use them on the Mustang housing.


+1

Will work like a charm:D
Title: 86 mustang GT 8.8 rearend
Post by: CatCarMan2012 on November 04, 2009, 03:18:32 PM
So if I go get an 8.8 from the yard (lots of rustangs) I can swap my 4 lug axles from my 7.5 into the 8.8?  That sounds too easy.  I just got a 7.5" posi carrier from the yard too, dang it.
Title: 86 mustang GT 8.8 rearend
Post by: Chuck W on November 04, 2009, 03:55:08 PM
Quote from: danzajax;297600
So if I go get an 8.8 from the yard (lots of rustangs) I can swap my 4 lug axles from my 7.5 into the 8.8?  That sounds too easy.  I just got a 7.5" posi carrier from the yard too, dang it.


No.

86-88 7.5 Tbird housing are different.

Been discussed, numerous times.

Chooglin's car is an '83.
Title: 86 mustang GT 8.8 rearend
Post by: Chooglin on November 04, 2009, 04:09:16 PM
Quote from: Chuck W;297561
Take the brakes/axles off your '83 Tbird rear end, and use them on the Mustang housing.


Thanks for the tip Chuck...........that will save me some Money.

I have just one ? ,without going threw all of the 7.5 to 8.8 swap info again (I read that thread already)
will this 8.8 be the same width as my 7.5?
Title: 86 mustang GT 8.8 rearend
Post by: CatCarMan2012 on November 04, 2009, 04:20:04 PM
Ah.  I've read through the rear end threads but got confused.  I would like to go to an 8.8 locker but save the 4 lug. I will just suff the locker in there for now. Thanks for the heads up.
Title: 86 mustang GT 8.8 rearend
Post by: Chuck W on November 04, 2009, 11:12:18 PM
Quote from: Chooglin;297604

will this 8.8 be the same width as my 7.5?


Yes.  Thus my suggestion to use your axles/brakes from your existing rear end on the new one.
Title: 86 mustang GT 8.8 rearend
Post by: Chooglin on November 07, 2009, 04:21:13 PM
I picked up the rear end and all looks good,but I need to know what the two brackets on the ends of the axle tubes are for.(maybe a stabilizer bar?)
Title: 86 mustang GT 8.8 rearend
Post by: TurboCoupe50 on November 07, 2009, 04:48:45 PM
That's the mount for the horizontal(quad) shocks...
Title: 86 mustang GT 8.8 rearend
Post by: Chooglin on November 07, 2009, 05:44:05 PM
thank you Turbo.
Title: 86 mustang GT 8.8 rearend
Post by: thunderjet302 on November 08, 2009, 10:03:45 PM
Quote from: TurboCoupe50;297943
That's the mount for the horizontal(quad) shocks...


You should be able to use the quad shocks on your car with the brackets that bolt to the rear frame rails.
Title: 86 mustang GT 8.8 rearend
Post by: Chooglin on November 08, 2009, 10:19:31 PM
Quote from: thunderjet302;298131
You should be able to use the quad shocks on your car with the brackets that bolt to the rear frame rails.


trying to decide if I want to do that, or just cut them off.