and I ran across this... http://www.theturboforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=104354.0 Looks like a Mustang 8.8 rear is a basic bolt on with the right kit.
For some reason, I'm not getting the pics to come up for me. Probably because I'm not registered. o No: But my question is where does the T/A diff. girdle come into play if this is a Ford rear? Sounds like a neat swap! It could probably be done for cheaper, and it sounds like a good compromise between the 8.5s and a 9" Ford. Davey, how much did you spend for your 9" swap in the 455 car?
Looks like a $1300 bill. I think you could do a 9" just as cheap. You can still find complete rears and center sections at a fair price around here. I think I saw one company on E-Bay selling 9" rears minus center for around $1000.
how is the width comparison between the mustand 8.8" and the 8.5" I own both so I guess I could measure them this spring after I get them unblocked out of the corner of the garage. If you were looking to do this I would research the 8.8" out of an explorer. They have higher axle spline count than the mustang rear, big axle shafts, bigger tubes, and bolt on factory rear disk setup with a parking break. Basicly it is stronger has disk brakes, and you can get it out of the boneyard in good ratios like 3.55, 3.73 and even 4.10. The mustang dif you can get at the best 3.23. With all that said I still see 8.5" difs out of GN's for sale for $500 so I don't think it is worth the time hassel dealing with the 8.8" Plus you will need custom axle shafts because the wheel bolt pattern is different between.
That is actually my thread. I went with the 8.8 for the rear discs and the price. Keep in mind also that price tag yields a fully adjustable rod ended suspension system capable of ten second passes if necessary. If you look at the price breakdown youll see the rear only cost $180 the upgrades were where the money came in. Hope this clears up some ?????'s
Btw the explorer diff wont work. No ears on the center section. Most guys use the carriers from the exploders for the higher spline # Widths 8.5 58.5 fox 8.8 59.5 sn95 60.5 I used the sn95 so I could have the discs and use a 5.5bs without a notch and have room to stretch the wheels later when I need more rubber in the rear.
