would the rearend off of a later model mustang fit on my 71 maverick? and what about the disk brakes?
wow i really didnt get a response about this, im now getting around to possibly getting a new rear, any idea what years and models would have rear ends that would bolt right up to the maverick and not be too old and rusty to use? also what cars had lower gear ratios
Try one of the 8.8 rear ends out of the late 90's explorers ,they have disk brakes and they come with ratio's like 3.73 from the factory. They are a little wider than the stock rear end but with the right offset tire it could be bolt in. Look it up on the forums there have been several discussions about these axles.
If you have an 8" rear, then all you need is the discs off a Crown Vic 8.8" rear. Most of the 8.8" rears have offset diffs, as well as being too wide... Therefore cutting, welding, and fabbing will probably be needed. They will not be a bolt in affair. The discs though, nearly are a bolt in. You would end up with a stronger and lighter rear, while spending the same time and money, by fabbing up a 9" rear.
My reason for changing rear is for the rear end ratio. i have the stock 2.79 and i need something lower for the 302 and aod i plan to put in
Stronger? Yes. Same time and money? Not necessarily. I just bought a complete 8.8 rear with disc brakes out of a '96 Explorer for $100 (you can get them at the you pull it lots around for no more $150). It has limited slip, 31-spline axles, and 3.73 gears. I will cut down the left axle to be the same the length as the right axle and buy another right side axle for $90. The only other parts expenditure will spring perches, spring perches, gasket, bearings, and rear end dope. I will have a 3.73 limited rear with newly rebuilt disc brakes, new axle bearings, c-clip eliminators, etc., and about the same length as a Maverick 8 inch for less than $450. While you may cut a 9 inch to fit and buy another axle for the same price as I will for my 8.8, the chances of getting the gear you want, posi, and rear disc brakes for the same price is almost non-existent. Unless you're going with more than 450HP, running slicks, and leaving the line hard, the 8.8 rear will serve you very well. IMO. Oh, you want one out a '96 and later Explorer and Mountaineer with the 302. Be sure and look at the tag.
I'd like to get something that doesn't need much fab at all. i'm thinking about getting something like the front and rear parts to swap from a galaxie or monarch. any idea what that would cost? and what gears did they have
It may be cheaper and easier for you to change the gear in current rear end and then add disc brakes. Mavman has a thread on here how to add S-10 brakes to a Ford rear end and 71gold did a write up on putting the brakes off of late model Ford Explorers, Crown Vics, etc. on your current rear end. The only rear ends that are a bolt in are the ones of Granadas, Monarchs, and Versailles. Most of those were high gears like the one you have now. If you want a different gear, there is no value in swapping in one of those rear ends unless it is a 9 inch, and then you would still need to change gear. Do a search on e-bay for 8 in center sections that have the gears you want and posi unit already added. You may get lucky.
Could someone explain limited slip. would i still be able to burn out? and what all parts are in a center section of the rear?
Time to go to school, John. Click on the link and read all the chapters. Chapter 5 explains limited slip. I advise you to read them in order. http://auto.howstuffworks.com/differential.htm
thanks that was good info, and a pretty neat site. is a differential rearend size specific,and would it be something that wouldnt be any good after setting up in a junk yard too long?
Yes, rear ends are size specific. The wider the car, the longer the housing and the axles. A F150 rear end is going to be too wide for a Maverick. This site gives some of the measurements: http://dfwmotorsport.com/Fairlane/9inchrearends.htm The ring and pinion of an 8" rear end will not work in an 8.8 inch or 9 inch rear end and vice-versa.
On ebay i saw a 3.55 ring and pinion for an 8 in. thats the 2 gears right? will i need anything else to swap over the gears? did they ever put limited slip in the 8 in. does it do anything else besides help When on ice or stuck. not alot of ice in mississippi
