I found both a newer mark VII and a turbocoupe with the 8.8 and discs, I was wondering if either or both would fit under a mav without mods?!
It will fit, but it depends on how much time/money you want to spend on narrowing it and converting it to leaf springs. It's easier (and stronger) to go with a 9".
I asked this question a while back and am still extremely interested. If you do this, make sure you talk with me and show me pics, as I was thinking of this. an added bonus. the 87-88 thunderbird turbocoupe did come with discs, but, the auto birds had the 3.73 gears in it stock and the stick models had the 3.55 gears. So in the end you get a gear and disc upgrade for free. I have one of the 3.73 geared bird rears already and am about to drop it into my 86 hatchback 5.0 mustang
You forgot one other reason to swap.......the possi. We used a 89 turbo t-bird 8.8 with 3.73 gears I already had the disc brakes in the rear from a lincon conti ( 11.25" disc, 5 on 4.5 pattern) on the 8". The 8" and the 8.8's have 28 splined axles so on a hunch I thought I would see if the fit each other, they do. So I pick up the 8.8 for $99 from pick-a-part. Measured and cut the 8" housing bearing ends off and welded them to the 8.8 this eliminated the C clips of the 8.8, I used the 8" axles. It all worked out great and the possi rebuild kit cost $35-$45. If I was going to do it again I would use equal length axles this would center the drive shaft better. If your wondering about axle strength, that axle was under the car when it was hit. The only thing that was damaged was the axle not the housing, bought a new one from the wrecking yard replaced the bearing and it was fixed. I must also say that I'm a cheap bastard a machinist and a certified welder so this was easy for me.
The reason I went with the t-bird was the 3.73 gears and possi, the gears in the ranger shouldn't be hard to find but, the possi might be.
you could used use the center gear section with the 3.73's and trac loc, pull the axle tubes out, and use the ones from the explorer with leaf springs, then you will have a complete setup!! I might just do that!!
Hey all, I measured the rear from a explorer and even was ready to have it cut so I could use two short side axles and it should have measured 3/4-7/8" wider than stock Mav but I found a 3.55 8" and went that route instead. It had 3.73 w/posi and newer ones have disk brakes. As for strength, it may not be as strong as 9" but will use less power. Same old arguement between Chevy & Ford guys. Ford 9"s are stronger but Chevy 12-bolts rob less power. The 8.8" is a 12-bolt made by Ford, it uses all the same bearings except one according to my parts lady.