Rear End Swap-help!!
 

I HAVE AN 85 MUSTANG GT-OF COURSE WITH THE 7.5 IN REAR DIFF. IT IS SHOT! I WANT TO UPGRADE. DOES ANYONE KNOW IF THE 94-99 REAR DIFF WILL FIT PHYSICALLY-LIKE THE CONTROL ARMS AND THE WIDTH OF THE HOUSING-I KNOW THE AXLES ARE 5 LUG AND IT WOULD PROBABLY HAVE ABS-AND THAT IT WOULD HAVE DISC BRAKES. ANY OTHER SUGGESTIONS ON REPLACING THE WHOLE UNIT BESIDES USING THE STANDARD 8.8 IN OR BESIDES USING AN AFTERMARKET UNIT-I.E. MOSER.I AM TRYING TO KEEP THE COST AS LOW AS POSSIBLE-JUST A STREET CAR/TOY. THANKS FOR ANY HELP. YOU CAN EMAIL ME AT getmoreinfofromme@yahoo.com JEREMY

I believe the 94 and later rears are wider than the 93 and earlier. I have been told they are the same size as my turbo coupe rear which is like a half inch wider on each side. But, it would bolt up and you could probably get the brakes figured out. You could look for a rear end at a pull apart yard (if you have any near you) get a rear end from a mustang or capri preferably, but a cougar/t-bird/lincoln 8.8 from 83-88 will bolt up.

Option 1. Buy a used 8.8 out of a 86-93 GT its the best option and it bolts right in.

Option 2 if you use a SN95 rearend it is wider by (I beleive 1.5") it can cause offset issue with some wheels. They have disc brakes and this means you have to swap mastercylinders and booster (to do it right) and fab up the E-brake. You will also have five lug on the back then, which means you have to upgrade to five lug in the front and get all new rims.

For what you want option 1 would be the easiest and the most cost effective.

Good luck!

THANKS TO BOTH OF YOU GUYS. YEAH- I WOULD LIKE TO USE THE 94-UP REAREND AND CONVERT TO 4 WHEEL DISC-I JUST WONDER IF THE CONTROL ARMS AND MOUNTS WILL FIT MY 85--I READ THE ARTICLE ON THE FRONT PAGE ABOUT USING PARTS OFF OF A SUPER COUPE T-BIRD, BUT BEFORE I INVEST TOO MUCH, I WOULD RATHER JUST BUY A CURRIE OR STRANGE NEW ASSEMBLY THAT IS BEEFED UP AND READY TO GO--I TELL YA, MUSTANGS ARE SUCH MONEY PITS!! I GUESS THAT'S THE FUN OF IT!

Only the axles are longer, the housings are the same width (when comparing mustangs).

Mike