theres a local speed shop affiliated with the ford club im in(club member discounts ). they do alot of 8.8 builds (since most of the club is "modern" fords, fox body and later) anyway, i decided to ask if sometime down the road if they'd be able to rebuild my 8'' center with new gears and probably a trac-loc set up. he told me he's done alot of 9''s over the years and since the 8'' is set up just about the same way he could definatly do it. but he told me since no one really does 8's the parts are alot more expensive anyway i was checking out jegs and the richmond 8'' ring and pinion sets are just about the same price as the 9'' sets (just under $200) and their instilation kit was just under $100. (it only list the gear and instilation kits up to '72 tho??) i didnt look into the trac-loc setups yet tho. is that the part that'll be alot more expensive? i wasnt looking to do this "tomorrow" but its definatly in my sights. i dont think i have the HP ambitions where a 9'' will ever be necessary either. im just trying to make a fun weekend cruiser with maybe a few strip trips over the summer months. im also thinking is there a good gear ratio that will get my 250 going a little quicker but also be a good ratio when/if a mild 302 makes its way under my hood? i dont really take it on the highway much and im not aiming for any record breaking mpg's. i'd say off the line quickness and lower 0-60 times would be my main goal im looking foward to your guys input on the matter thanks
A quick look on Ebay and you will see some 8" traction-loc set up...pretty expensive. The unit alone is anywhere from $279-$400...been looking for one myself. I have a extra 3rd memeber to build up once I get the parts. Good luck in the hunt.
You can get a Power-Trax or an Auburn unit and put it in there. I have an Auburn unit, which is good for the street, but not so good for racing (durability). The Power-Trax is tough and the cost is fair. Check them out at Jegs or Summit.
Let's just say that it is easier to build a 9" on the cheap because scrounging used parts is much easier. Any good 8" stuff used is pretty tough to come by. If you can find manual tranny Pinto/Bobcat wagons, they sometimes have a 3:55 posi. Same for some stick Mustang IIs.
Captain Comet hit the nail on the head. 9" stuff is a lot more common than 8", hence the price difference. That said I have an 8" ring and pinion set (3.40) that I'll let you have for way less than the ones you've seen in the catalogs. For what it's worth, I think you're smart for choosing to upgrade your 8" rather than swapping in a 9". The 8" is plenty strong and nearly identical to the 9", but lighter and a lot less clunky. Although the 9" fits, I think it is overkill for our cars. I have a 9" in my car and wish I had stayed with the 8.
yea that what i was thinking. its cool to tell people you have a 9'' but im not trying to make a 500 hp drag car out of it. if i thought i could get a 9'', have it shortened, and then have its center built for less then the coast fo having my current 8'' done, i'd do it. but i think, atleast in my pirticular case, the 8'' is the way to go
Sams 3.40 gear should be just right for you,and you really don't need a posi rear anyway.You do know how to feather out of the hole to keep that monster 250 from going up in smoke don't you?Also,if you go v8 later the 3.40 is a great all around gear for it too.
