78stang

hi i have a 1978 mustangmach 1converted to a cobra II the rear is shot and i was wondering if an 8.8 would fit or if there is to much work to do so

hightower2011

Depends on what car you get it from mainly. For example, an 8.8 out of a foxbody mustang will be different than an 8.8 out of a 4wd Explorer.

78stang

would an 8.8 from a fox fit.

hightower2011

Yes it should fit, assuming it has the same spring mount perches as your '78. If it doesn't, just put your '78 perches on there.
It might bolt right in though.

78stang

Alright man thanks

Norm Peterson

I don't know about the width issue, or possible driveshaft location differences.

The Fox-body used a triangulated/converging 4-link suspension with the springs carried on the lower control arms (aka trailing arms).

The Mustang II rode on leaf springs, so you'll most likely end up either cutting off (and possibly recontouring) the leaf spring perches or buying new ones from a shop that does axles. IIRC, the spring perches also provided the lower shock pickup points, which you will need.

You WILL have to remove the Fox axle's lower control arm brackets, which are right about where the leaf spring perches need to go.

You may have to have your driveshaft adjusted for length or for a different axle end U-joint.


Norm

hightower2011

I knew I'll need a different drive shaft length. I don't plan on anything being able to bolt in cause I still haven't decided on a trans. I'll probably just pick up an explorer drive shaft and plan on cutting it.

Still wondering about the fit without cutting it...

smallblockpony

Stick with the Mustang II rear. The width is differant on all except for the Pinto. If it's the 8" rearend then you can use the third member from an early Mustang also. Might find one of the 3:55 members that came in a few of the Mustang IIs.