Okay so I got my floor pans cut and my old one out just waiting for my welder so while that's on hold, I managed to find a 8.8 from a 93 mustang and it doesn't have the axles so lucky for me I can upgrade them to 31-spline axles and disk brakes for under $200, the axle is $50 so I'm happy about that, has limited slip, but my reason for this thread is who is running a 8.8 and should I go for a straight 8.8 leaf spring set up or for a independent 8.8 from a thunderbird late model for $150 complete?
I found the 8.8 but it doesn't have the axles, I'm looking on summit and found some but different lengths and I dont wanna pass maverick length and have it sticking to far in or out
so the 8.8 used in the mustangs from 86 to 2004 have the same length housings and ford just put longer axles in them and changed the brakes accordingly. the 86-93 was the narrowest one but still wider than the stock maverick housing. it was also 4 lug. while the upfront cost of the 8.8 is appealing, making it work for the maverick will get expensive fast. the 8" in the maverick is a strong diff. i would suggest putting any money it to regearing the 8" to suit your needs. you can put a limited slip in it if you want. also to upgrade the 8.8 to 31 spline takes a new carrier also. to do the 8.8 irs into the maverick will be a major reconstruction of the rear subframe of the car. also i believe the over all width is substantially wider than the maverick rear width.
i would take into account horspower / torque, what your going to do with the car, budget, and experience. the ford 8 in is great when not pushed, 9 inch can be built to insane levels, the 8.8 is a good newer axle, 8.8 independent would be best for autocross, etc. beefing up your 8 is easiest, 8.8 independent will be the hardest. if i did the 9 or 8.8 i would go 4 link and ditch the springs. sence your cutting brackets off and redoing them anyhow.
I'm starting out from a small point but I do plan on upgrading my motor soon and right now the axle is in my budget since I'm waiting a few weeks for parts, plus there's a lot of parts on Craig's really cheap around here, I want a 8.8 to suit my needs but I'm wondering if I wanna go with a 8.8 from a 93 with a 28spline or a 94 with 31 and disk, but it's an hour drive compared to down the street but I guess we'll worth it but only if I buy it
I thought about all that's required and I'm prepared, have to fix rust around the tubs anyways so I don't mind the construction, like I said it is a 4 door and at the end of the day it is only a 3000 car all day, but that's not my goal, yes save much money as possible but also reliable and up to date as possible
I have an 8 in. with Detroit locker, 3:55 gear, Strange axles and rear disc from an 8.8. (CV). I've had it behind a 250 6 cyl.,302, 306, 347 and now an LSX. ran a C-4, C-4 w/gearvender overdrive, AOD, AOD w/trans brake and now 700R4. no problems with the 8 in. so far.
Haha no I meant for a tilt column, also I don't know if I'm gonna go with the route of a new rearend because my engine set me back with new problems now
