Rear end question

Discussion in 'Technical' started by klynam, Mar 22, 2012.

  1. klynam

    klynam Member

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    I know, I know, I have enough problems without this - but my son and I were talking about our old Maverick (which had a mini-spool) and his sister's Mustang which is a posi (trac-loc) so just humor me for a bit... :)

    Our 1975 Maverick has a stock (8"?) rear end. Definitely not a posi. Seems like it can be made into a posi for about $300-$350 parts/labor.

    However, our Mav has aftermarket wheels with negative (?) offset, and wheel spacers that are about 1.25" thick. (Meaning these aren't deep dish wheels but more like modern Mustang wheels.)

    I've read here on the forum that we can't "bolt-in" another rear end due to the narrow width of the stock Mav rear (and perhaps other issues like the location of the spring pads, but mainly the width.)

    But in our case, since we have wheel spacers anyway, doesn't that mean I could install a rear end that is (up to) 2.5" wider than stock and just remove the spacers?

    And if that IS true, is there something out there that would be a relatively easy and affordable upgrade? Like an Explorer posi unit with taller gears and stronger axles?

    Or would we be better off just installing a trac-loc in this rear end?

    Again, just dreamin right now, we have plenty of other real issues to deal with...
     
  2. Craig Selvey

    Craig Selvey Indiana State Rep - MCCI

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    I was just going to say that. :D

    One thing did hit me that you said, in regards to your clanking problem. Maybe it is the wheel spacers?
     
  3. maverick75

    maverick75 Gotta Love Mavs!

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    It will cost more than your figure to convert the 8", unless you go with used parts and assemble it yourself.

    I'm going the same route for the same reason, you can pick up an explorer 8.8" with trac lok, 31 spline axles, 3.03-4.10 gears* and disc brakes for around $150 at a junkyard.

    http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/Explorer8_8.html

    And since you're going with late model wheels there shouldn't be a need to shorten it, I did the math once and on paper it seemed like an explorer rear end would fit perfectly with +45mm 9" wheels.

    The explorer is 3" wider, similar to having 1.5" spacers on a stock rear end.

    I still haven't been able to find a complete rear end to test it out, but when I do I will!
     
    Last edited: Mar 22, 2012
  4. Bryant

    Bryant forgot more than learned

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    no its just not that simple. there are many different options for swaping to different rear ends in your car. the cheapest way to get a limited slip is to find a good used limited slip carrier. that is extremely rare. you can get a new limited slip for around $475.00 then just need to have it installed.
     
  5. blugene

    blugene Senior member Supporting Member

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    Are you saying that a used one is hard to find but a new one can be had and found for around $475? :hmmm:
     
  6. rwbrooks50

    rwbrooks50 Member

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    I have not seen anyway to get limited slip for less than $700 to $800 unless you can do the set up your self. On ebay you can get rebuilt 8" pumpkins with your choice of gears for $750-$800 plus shipping. It is an easy install. Any other rears will need fabrication. IMHO.

    Remember I am just a parts changer.

    Rick
     
    Last edited: Mar 22, 2012
  7. daydreamer

    daydreamer Mavmenace

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    Well I have 2-- 8in centre sections. 1 has 380s and a posi(traction-loc), the other is 462s. i won't sell either as used are hard to find as any1 who has them don't want to part with them. Yes new can be bought at Ford swaps,especially Columbus Oh.They sell new with gears, traction-loc (politically correct),new bearings and all parts except the pinion that holds the u-joints. About $700.I bought my 380s outta Columbus and have been beating on them for 4yrs with no problems.jmo:D Ps you can find used 1s, but they are stock gears and no posi
     
  8. baddad457

    baddad457 Member

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    No matter what you figure it's going to cost, double that figure and you'll come up much closer to what it actually is in the end. I bought a used 81 Bronco 9 (3.50's, trac-loc, 31 spline axles)for $150 then found another 9 housing already narrowed on ebay with forged bearing housings for $150. I bought new Strange Super Street axles to fit the narrowed housing and a pair of new spring pads ($400 + $15) Then I bought a new pinion yoke ($100?) and replaced the pinion bearings($50) so all total, the 9 cost me $865. An Explorer 8.8 would be a low cost alternative, only issue I see with em is the pinion location, it's offset about 2-3 inches toward the passenger side. Narrowing the long side would fix this, but new axles will put you back another $400 (minimum) Also there, the spring pad locations come into question, not sure if it's possible, but it might be. I'd rather do a 9 than try to spend that much on an 8 and hope it doesn't fail.
     
  9. wardf

    wardf Ward Frahler

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    Maybe Frank will chine in, because he has one of these, I think those trac-loc (I searched and I can't find the brand) are about 300 or 350 and it says you can do them with simple tools in your driveway. Of course this does nothing about the gearing but it does give you posi.
     
  10. maverick75

    maverick75 Gotta Love Mavs!

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    explorer 8.8 rear end bracket welding install pictures

    Mustang guys can get away without narrowing the rear end(when running late model wheels like the OP wants to)

    And they don't have the offset pinion problem except for low cars.

    Let's hope it's that easy in our cars (y)
     
    Last edited: Mar 22, 2012
  11. silver70

    silver70 Eric

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    Try e-bay. Stock type, new (not rebuilt) Ford 8" trac-lok for $320. Link:

    http://www.ebay.com/itm/8-Ford-28-S...Parts_Accessories&hash=item3372ea6a1c&vxp=mtr

    I'd been searching for a cheaper one for months. Just found an Auburn unit (prefessionally rebuilt) on Craig's List for $250. Summit gear set for $150. Rebuild kit for $90. Lucked out there. Stock axles are good for around 400-450 HP. No slicks, just street tires. Different people have different opinions on this number. This is mine. :)

    Also, Explorer spring perches are 39-1/4"(center to center) and a Maverick's are 42-7/8". I have both and just went outside to measure them ('95 4-door Explorer/'73 Maverick housing). Might have some fabbin' to do there.

    Eric
     
  12. injectedmav

    injectedmav Member

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    The Explorer axle I believe has been done in a Maverick but I can't find it at the moment. You would have to move the perches and then the offset pinion may not clear exhaust or possibly the tunnel in the rear depending on ride height. You would also need to change either the yoke or the drivehaft, make sure pinion angle is correct and possibly overhaul the axle. I was presented with the same option and I found it less expensive to build the stock 8". I did it myself and it still cost around $800 for a new ring and pinion, Detroit tru-trac locking diff, and all new bearings. If you use most any other than Ford LS differential, I found that most require the use of a 3.25:1 or higher ratio(numerical) for pinion head clearance.

    To do again I'd still put the 8" in it for the money
     
  13. baddad457

    baddad457 Member

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    You spent what I did, but still have the 8 inch.
     
  14. Bryant

    Bryant forgot more than learned

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    yes that is what im saying. my shop sells the auburn limited slips for that price. we can also get a factory clutch style for that same price. i prefer the auburn over the stock track loc.
     
  15. blugene

    blugene Senior member Supporting Member

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    Which ones are the ones that sound like a ratchet? I like the noise lol
     

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