What should I look for?

1984 GT · 04-13-2002, 03:48 PM

I'm going to purchase a 1988 mustang 8.8 rear-end assembly to replace the 7 1/2 rear in my 1984 tomorrow.

What should I look for to make sure it's in good shape? How can I tell if the posi is working? How do I verify what gears are in it?

Next....is the swap a job a person with limited mechanical experience should try?

Thanks.

RoadWarrior · 04-13-2002, 07:09 PM

For testing the rear end all i did was get another guy to hold one tire and then i turned the pinion and watched for what happened. If both tires want to turn i assumed it to be in fairly decent shape. If only one spun then its toast. And its not a hard job, but it does involve alot. You have to worry about brakes(lines and fittings) and the springs. the only part which might get tricky is the brakes. I know with my 82 i need custom brake lines because of where the lines are located and how they are run. And the emergency brake cable is a bit of a pain as well. But what better way to learn then by doing it.

1984 GT · 04-14-2002, 04:41 AM

Thanks for the information.

04-13-2002, 03:48 PM	#1
1984 GT Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Gainesville, Fl Posts: 59	What should I look for? I'm going to purchase a 1988 mustang 8.8 rear-end assembly to replace the 7 1/2 rear in my 1984 tomorrow. What should I look for to make sure it's in good shape? How can I tell if the posi is working? How do I verify what gears are in it? Next....is the swap a job a person with limited mechanical experience should try? Thanks.

04-13-2002, 07:09 PM	#2
RoadWarrior Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Edmonton,Alberta,Canada Posts: 317	For testing the rear end all i did was get another guy to hold one tire and then i turned the pinion and watched for what happened. If both tires want to turn i assumed it to be in fairly decent shape. If only one spun then its toast. And its not a hard job, but it does involve alot. You have to worry about brakes(lines and fittings) and the springs. the only part which might get tricky is the brakes. I know with my 82 i need custom brake lines because of where the lines are located and how they are run. And the emergency brake cable is a bit of a pain as well. But what better way to learn then by doing it. __________________ Fast Company

04-14-2002, 04:41 AM	#3
1984 GT Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Gainesville, Fl Posts: 59	Thanks for the information.