2+2GT

Can I use my I6 driveshaft for the 8" rear end and just get a different u-joint or can I just use the driveshaft with no changes?
The larger diameter C4 shaft may work for you, but you'll have to check the length.

Can I use my 7.5" u-bolts and shock holder on the 8" or are the axle tubes larger?
The axle mounting U bolts are the same 6 or 8.

Can I use my u-bolts that hold the u-joints in on the 8" rear?
No, the 6 uses 1/4", the V8 uses 5/16".


EDIT: This is about brakes.

Are the brake lines and connections different between the 5 lug drums and 4 lug drums?

If you are planning to use dual exhaust, you need to change the axle lines, hose, hose mounting bolt, underbody hose bracket, and extend or replace the long brake line. All this stuff is available, and will keep you from having a brake failure due to chafing.

1slow67

I won't be going duals, yet.

Joe67

Have you seen the headers for sale in the classified section? I know you wanted them at one point.

1slow67

I was going to get them, but then I decided to go 5 lug and all funds went to this. I'll get some headers hopefully over the summer.


I'm borrowing a set of cragars until I get my pony rims sold. I have a set of rims I want, just need the money to buy them.

Gun Jam

why are you going 5 lug? Is this step 1 of the v8 conversion process?
If so how long before you get to the engine? If its going to be more than 2 months after installing the rearend parts. I would gather up all the parts you need first and then once you have an engine and everything to swap it over then install everything at once.

-Gun

1slow67

Nope, it is not. I will get a better selection of rims, will get bigger brakes, and allow me to get better gear ratios.

Don't really ever plan on going V8. If anything it will be a 300 I6.

kalli

you can very easy measure the axis of u-joint that is currently bolted to the yoke. if the length of it is near 3.25" then chances are very good you can reuse it. If it's around 2.5" then there will be no way to re-use that shaft

Gun Jam

Do you guys think that running the larger gears and bigger v8 components would actually be smart with the i6 setup? I know he now has the choice of more gear selections but with the increase drag from the larger components will he come out ahead?

I have never heard of this being done before..is there a good reason why?

-Gun

JMD

Everything should pretty much just bolt right up.

MOST 8" rears should use a 1310 U-joint just the same as the I-6.

The service brakes will connect very near the center of the axle and should not be a problem.

All of this assuming that the 8" came from a Mustang or similar leaf spring car.

Spring pad placement is important, and may require removing anr rewelding the spring pads in the right place if they are not right.

ASSUMING the 8" is drum brakes, the e-brakes SHOULD hook up same as stock.

1slow67

Yes, the 8" is drum setup. Can't wait to start this. I'm picking up my temporary rims tomorrow morning and then when I get back the swap will begin. I am already working on getting the new brakes off the old front spindles to put on to my spindles.