2000GT4.6

Are you sure the 4 lug pattern will acutally fit your cars rims? Not all of them are the same.

If you want a 4 lug setup, just don't buy a SN95+ style rear end. Buy a rear end out of a foxbody mustang. They already come with a 4 lug setup.

The 8.8 is by far the strongest rear available though, but it may be the strongest you can fit into your car. Depending on your car's weight I would not be trying to do any launches with slicks on a 4 lug stock 8.8 though.

The other problem is that I don't know of anybody that makes an upgraded 4 lug 8.8 axle etc. You will have to stick with the stock stuff more than likely (from a fox) or get a very espensive custom setup.

RiveraAnt

The diff will be transplanted into a 1900 lb Toyota Corolla, with t3 turbo (15 lbs), 4AGE Twincam 16 valve engine.

DrBob

I had a 1994 Thunderbird SC, and I am not 100% certain, but I am pretty sure the rear disc swap would be more trouble than it is worth. The rear calipers and disc are nothing close to a mustang, and it is 5 lug.

DrBob

Also, T-birds have an independent rear end, not a live axle.

SOHCtimes2

I say keep it 5lug and get some real ITR 5lug rims.

RiveraAnt

2000GT4.6, are you telling me that the 31 spline 4 lugs are not available? And if they are, then they are not upgrade? I beg to differ, Moser has 28 and 31 splines for 8.8 in 4 and 5 lug, they even have special 35 splines I believe for the 9 inch.

2000GT4.6

I have not seen the 28 and 31 splines offerd in 4 lug for the 8.8 rearend. I have definatly not seen every performance part offered out there though.

One thing I don't get is why you would want to start off with a 4 lug 8.8 if your going to swap rearends anyway (assuming you don't already have one). There are stronger peices out there (Like the 9 inch) that would be a better choice.

04BlueGT

The question earlier is still valid. Have you verified that your current 4 lug wheel is compatible with the 8.8 lug spacing (or are you planning on using an old ford wheel)? Besides brake issues, you need to do some serious homework on back spacing on whatever wheel you plan on using and clearances, not just for wheels/tires, but also for the rear diff housing. You can shorten the tubes and axles, but the diff is as small as it's going to get. If you can find an older 8.8, you may luck into one that was set up for leaf springs. I don't remember clearly, but I think my '79 had leafs. Opps, no, it didn't. Try 1978!!!

Brother this is a major project that makes a 2V to 4V swap look easy by comparison. I wish you luck with it.

RiveraAnt

OK, lemme splain again Lucy.

It doesn't matter why I am doing the opposite of what you would do. But I will splain for juw...LOL

I have a 1900 lb Toyota Corolla with T3 turbo (15 lbs) project I plan to take to strip, but also drive on street. I have been recommended Ford rears for convenience. OK, I would like to keep the 4 lug pattern for street to match the rest of the rims. would this set up work and allow me to keep rear disc brakes by shortening the rear end, which I plan on doing anyway, getting the 4 lug axles (shortened), use T-Bird discs on the 4 lug axles, mount my 4 lug rims and ride off happiliy into the sunset?

04BlueGT

Provided the rims a) match lug patterns and b) clear the calipers, then it is doable. Unforunately, I doubt if any of us know about T-bird brakes on an old 4 lug 8.8. You may have better luck in the 5.0 section or the special stangs. They may make brake upgrades for the 4 lug patterned 8.8, but I don't know.


LOOK, HERE IT IS! http://www.steeda.com/products/4lug_..._brake_kit.php