Buying an 8.8" rear
 

Does it really matter if I buy one new or used? I want to use an 8.8" rear with bearing cup housing ends from a 9", 31 spline axles, 3.27 gears, and a Torsen differential but I'm wondering if I should order one new from Ford or buy a used one and build from that and save some $$$. Or do places like Currie and Strange sell built STREETABLE modifed rears like this? Does anyone know if new or used makes any difference?

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1984 1/2 GT350 (#842 Hatchback w/ T-tops), 302HO, Comp cams Xtreme Energy cam, Carter 625cfm carb, Weiand Stealth intake, MSD distributor, MSD coil, FMS 9mm wires, 1 5/8" MAC unequal shorties, 2 1/2" MAC Prochamber H-pipe, Flowmaster 2 chambers, KYBs, 16"x8" 4 lug Cobra Rs, Falken 245/45ZR16s

I think new would be better, just because it's new, but many people use used parts. If your going to have the 9" ends put on so the seals dont leak you may want to look at the Superior axles supposedly they will not leak with the c-clip elims, and you should have the tubes straigtened and welded whilt is all apart. Currie does sell complete rears but it will cost you $2500 minimum. I getting ready to do my rear as well, but I am getting the Drivetrain DirectPackage that includes-31 spline Superiors, and a Eaton Posi $579, then re-using my stock housing which I will have welded and straightened if need be. All the new bearing run about $80 from D&D or Drivetrain Direct. www.drivetraindirect.com

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Check Out My Site 91GT,Holley SysteMAX II Kit-Heads 2.02" x 1.60" port matched to a 1262,Anderson N-61,24#,76mm C&L,Full MAC exhaust 1-5/8" Long tubes,2-1/2" O.R H-Pipe,2 1/2" cat back, No A/C or PS or emissions, 12" K&N Filter,RNH PERFORMANCE Ram Air,Ron Davis Radiator,Full Suspension,S&W 8pt "X" brace,JAZ seats,3:73's,Welds..etc,4:30's and 31 splines coming very soon! FIRST TIME OUT 12.16@111 WHEELS-UP

considering you dont plan on keeping any of the internals it would be a wast to buy the rear new only to throw the internals out. a used housing is nothing. there is no wear on the housing or tubes so save the money.

I believe the NEW Ford rears do not have the axles and other internals, they run $800 according to Brothers Performance Web site. Look at the packages Dave has @ JD's PERFORMANCE he has some really good deals, you can get a 33 splines full kit, with a spool, c-clip elim, axles for $549 www.jdsperformance.com

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Check Out My Site 91GT,Holley SysteMAX II Kit-Heads 2.02" x 1.60" port matched to a 1262,Anderson N-61,24#,76mm C&L,Full MAC exhaust 1-5/8" Long tubes,2-1/2" O.R H-Pipe,2 1/2" cat back, No A/C or PS or emissions, 12" K&N Filter,RNH PERFORMANCE Ram Air,Ron Davis Radiator,Full Suspension,S&W 8pt "X" brace,JAZ seats,3:73's,Welds..etc,4:30's and 31 splines coming very soon! FIRST TIME OUT 12.16@111 WHEELS-UP

But again, this has to be a STREETABLE rear end. I can't use a spool on the street and, while I could probably use C-clip eliminators for a little while, they'd eventually leak. Here's what the guy from Currie told me. Does this sound like a good deal? :


I assume you are looking for a housing with the later model 78-93 brackets mounted on it? For one of our housings complete with the 8.8 center, all of the mustang brackets installed, 3" tubes, and 9" housing ends would run 499.95. Add 159.95 for the LPW aluminum cover with the carrier cap stabilizers. 600 h.p. is going to be pushing the outer limits of what an 8.8 can handle though. I carry all the rest of the parts to do a complete build up on this rear also.


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1984 1/2 GT350 (#842 Hatchback w/ T-tops), 302HO, Comp cams Xtreme Energy cam, Carter 625cfm carb, Weiand Stealth intake, MSD distributor, MSD coil, FMS 9mm wires, 1 5/8" MAC unequal shorties, 2 1/2" MAC Prochamber H-pipe, Flowmaster 2 chambers, KYBs, 16"x8" 4 lug Cobra Rs, Falken 245/45ZR16s

how much power are you planning on having? A 8.8" with a cap girdle, and hardened axles should handle quite a bit of power. just an idea, it sounds like you have quite a bit of power in mind though, and you'll definately want c-clip eliminators if you're running lots of power with slicks.

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'84 Mustang 5.0 LX
My car

[This message has been edited by 84stangLX (edited 06-21-2001).]

I'm hoping for about 600hp or so. Slicks aren't an issue...I'll be using some sticky road racing tires. I'll also be running 3.27 gears to eliminate some of the axle stress.

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1984 1/2 GT350 (#842 Hatchback w/ T-tops), 302HO, Comp cams Xtreme Energy cam, Carter 625cfm carb, Weiand Stealth intake, MSD distributor, MSD coil, FMS 9mm wires, 1 5/8" MAC unequal shorties, 2 1/2" MAC Prochamber H-pipe, Flowmaster 2 chambers, KYBs, 16"x8" 4 lug Cobra Rs, Falken 245/45ZR16s