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Harry · 05-23-2001, 08:45 AM

Hey Glxstang,

I just did a swap in my '85 from a 7.5 to an 8.8 about a month ago. Definately, the first thing to do is remove the drive shaft. Here is a hint, Jack up your car, put the emergency brake on, then use a small bottle jack to break free the bolts. And it takes a 12MM wrench, not any specialty wrench. I bought the longest 12MM wrench I could find (Kobolt from Lowes), and couldn't budge them myself, but the bottle jack really worked.

From there, remove the emergency brake cables (this requires completely disassembling the brakes). Take the shocks and dampeners off, disconnect the brake line (should be one fitting attached to the body), then undo the control arms. I supported mine with my normal floor jack. When you have it out, take the brake lines completely off, and reinstall them on your new axle.

I am assuming that you are installing an 8.8 rear, and it will fit right back in, it is a direct replacement.

You won't have to compress the springs. Disconnect the upper control arms first, lower it a bit, and the springs fall right out. Then take the lower control arms off.

If you are replacing the control arms (a good idea while you have it apart), be ready to take the catback system off. You will need to to reach some of the bolts for the lower control arms that are behind the mufflers.

If you need anymore help, just ask here or email me. Would be happy to answer any questions you have :-)

------------------
See my 1985 Mustang GT

[This message has been edited by Harry (edited 05-23-2001).]

05-23-2001, 08:45 AM	#9
Harry Registered Member Join Date: Oct 1998 Location: Dayton, OH USA Posts: 678	Hey Glxstang, I just did a swap in my '85 from a 7.5 to an 8.8 about a month ago. Definately, the first thing to do is remove the drive shaft. Here is a hint, Jack up your car, put the emergency brake on, then use a small bottle jack to break free the bolts. And it takes a 12MM wrench, not any specialty wrench. I bought the longest 12MM wrench I could find (Kobolt from Lowes), and couldn't budge them myself, but the bottle jack really worked. From there, remove the emergency brake cables (this requires completely disassembling the brakes). Take the shocks and dampeners off, disconnect the brake line (should be one fitting attached to the body), then undo the control arms. I supported mine with my normal floor jack. When you have it out, take the brake lines completely off, and reinstall them on your new axle. I am assuming that you are installing an 8.8 rear, and it will fit right back in, it is a direct replacement. You won't have to compress the springs. Disconnect the upper control arms first, lower it a bit, and the springs fall right out. Then take the lower control arms off. If you are replacing the control arms (a good idea while you have it apart), be ready to take the catback system off. You will need to to reach some of the bolts for the lower control arms that are behind the mufflers. If you need anymore help, just ask here or email me. Would be happy to answer any questions you have :-) ------------------ See my 1985 Mustang GT [This message has been edited by Harry (edited 05-23-2001).]