Rear end setup
Thread Starter
3rd Gear Member
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 614
From: Richmond, VA
Rear end setup
Hey guys, I'm looking to upgrade my entire rear end in the next couple weeks. I've been working with Grn n Gry 5.0 to come up with an exhaustive list of parts to replace (that way I can do everything at once without going back in later), and here is what we have thus far. All parts are in my possession except for the differential & the axles, but they have been ordered.
- Aluminum driveshaft
- 3.73 gears
- Gear installation kit
- Speedo Gear
- Auburn 31-spline posi
- Moser rear axles (31 spline)
- Friction modifier
- 8.8 Axle Bearing & Seal Kit
If anyone can think of something that we've missed, please let me know
I just wanted to get a 2nd opinion. Thanks!
I ♥ Acer
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,130
From:
RE: Rear end setup
Thats about it. One part thats good to have onhand is a extra crush sleeve for the pinion, just incase you over torque the pinion nut. That is, if the 8.8's have a crush sleeve, I don't remember at the moment.
Thread Starter
3rd Gear Member
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 614
From: Richmond, VA
RE: Rear end setup
ORIGINAL: Grimace5.0
Thats about it. One part thats good to have onhand is a extra crush sleeve for the pinion, just incase you over torque the pinion nut. That is, if the 8.8's have a crush sleeve, I don't remember at the moment.
Thats about it. One part thats good to have onhand is a extra crush sleeve for the pinion, just incase you over torque the pinion nut. That is, if the 8.8's have a crush sleeve, I don't remember at the moment.
i didnt see a diff cover on that list
I ♥ Acer
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,130
From:
RE: Rear end setup
Here ya go:
http://www.badshoeproductions.com/rear.html#8
8.8-Inch Rear Axle
1. With a few exceptions the 8.8†rear ends generally have 31 spline axles with unequal lengths on full size trucks and vans (short axle on right side). Car models normally use 28 spline axles with equal lengths.
2. Axle end play should not be over .030â€. Excessive end play may indicate worn Traction-Lok clutches.
3. Replace pinion bearing races in the axle housing only if damaged, but always replace the bearings if new races are installed.
4. The independent rear suspension version used on 89 plus model year Thunderbirds are rebuilt the same way as standard axles. The IRS rear housings have needle bearings and modified side gears to accept the half shaft CV joints (no C clips are used in IRS rears).
5. Aluminum 8.8†IRS rear’s used in the Mark VIII and late Cobra’s require a case spreader and is serviced differently than the iron housing 8.8†rear.
6. If the rear end uses a speed sensor ring behind the ring gear, check it for cracks and damaged teeth. Replace if there is any question about its integrity.
7. Never back off the pinion nut during preload adjustment. If preload becomes to tight, remove the crush sleeve, install a new one and start preload adjustment again.
8. It’s a good idea to put a little silicon sealant on the pinion splines before installing the companion flange to prevent a fluid leak past the pinion nut.
9. 86 to 95 5.0L Mustangs are factory equipped with 28 spline 8.8†rear ends. They can replace originally equipped “Fox†vehicles (Fairmont, 79+ Mustangs, 81+ Granadas, 83-85 LTD and 80-88 T-Birds) with 7.5â€rear ends, however some T-Bird models have wider axle housings. Most 7.5†and 8.8†rears’ from “Fox†cars have axle shafts that are interchangeable.
10. A few tips for the weekend drag racer. Take the 8.8†out and install a 9†axle assembly. Seriously though, the 8.8†has been reliable in stock street driven Mustangs. Be sure to have a good full tooth pattern on the drive side if not just a little deep. Set Traction-Lok clutch pack to the tight side. If it’s a stick car, the backlash should be set toward the minimum spec. Seriously consider using aftermarket 31 spline axles.
11. The drive shaft and companion flange should be marked before unbolting from the rear end. If the shaft isn’t reinstalled in the same position, a vibration may develop.
12. Backlash measurements should always be checked in three places around the ring gear.
Crush sleeve:
http://www.badshoeproductions.com/rear.html#8
8.8-Inch Rear Axle
1. With a few exceptions the 8.8†rear ends generally have 31 spline axles with unequal lengths on full size trucks and vans (short axle on right side). Car models normally use 28 spline axles with equal lengths.
2. Axle end play should not be over .030â€. Excessive end play may indicate worn Traction-Lok clutches.
3. Replace pinion bearing races in the axle housing only if damaged, but always replace the bearings if new races are installed.
4. The independent rear suspension version used on 89 plus model year Thunderbirds are rebuilt the same way as standard axles. The IRS rear housings have needle bearings and modified side gears to accept the half shaft CV joints (no C clips are used in IRS rears).
5. Aluminum 8.8†IRS rear’s used in the Mark VIII and late Cobra’s require a case spreader and is serviced differently than the iron housing 8.8†rear.
6. If the rear end uses a speed sensor ring behind the ring gear, check it for cracks and damaged teeth. Replace if there is any question about its integrity.
7. Never back off the pinion nut during preload adjustment. If preload becomes to tight, remove the crush sleeve, install a new one and start preload adjustment again.
8. It’s a good idea to put a little silicon sealant on the pinion splines before installing the companion flange to prevent a fluid leak past the pinion nut.
9. 86 to 95 5.0L Mustangs are factory equipped with 28 spline 8.8†rear ends. They can replace originally equipped “Fox†vehicles (Fairmont, 79+ Mustangs, 81+ Granadas, 83-85 LTD and 80-88 T-Birds) with 7.5â€rear ends, however some T-Bird models have wider axle housings. Most 7.5†and 8.8†rears’ from “Fox†cars have axle shafts that are interchangeable.
10. A few tips for the weekend drag racer. Take the 8.8†out and install a 9†axle assembly. Seriously though, the 8.8†has been reliable in stock street driven Mustangs. Be sure to have a good full tooth pattern on the drive side if not just a little deep. Set Traction-Lok clutch pack to the tight side. If it’s a stick car, the backlash should be set toward the minimum spec. Seriously consider using aftermarket 31 spline axles.
11. The drive shaft and companion flange should be marked before unbolting from the rear end. If the shaft isn’t reinstalled in the same position, a vibration may develop.
12. Backlash measurements should always be checked in three places around the ring gear.
Crush sleeve:
I ♥ Acer
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,130
From:
RE: Rear end setup
And here is a good step by step with torque specs:
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/...d.php?t=144780
Somebody should sticky this shizz.
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/...d.php?t=144780
Somebody should sticky this shizz.
Thread Starter
3rd Gear Member
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 614
From: Richmond, VA
RE: Rear end setup
ORIGINAL: Grimace5.0
And here is a good step by step with torque specs:
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/...d.php?t=144780
Somebody should sticky this shizz.
And here is a good step by step with torque specs:
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/...d.php?t=144780
Somebody should sticky this shizz.
6th Gear Member
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 5,867
From: VA
RE: Rear end setup
ORIGINAL: Grimace5.0
Thats about it. One part thats good to have onhand is a extra crush sleeve for the pinion, just incase you over torque the pinion nut. That is, if the 8.8's have a crush sleeve, I don't remember at the moment.
Thats about it. One part thats good to have onhand is a extra crush sleeve for the pinion, just incase you over torque the pinion nut. That is, if the 8.8's have a crush sleeve, I don't remember at the moment.
Thread Starter
3rd Gear Member
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 614
From: Richmond, VA
RE: Rear end setup
ORIGINAL: Grn N Gry 5OH
sorry Chris. i thought of that as soon as we got off the phone, but i figured id probably talk to u again tonight, or id put it in here, but, seems Grimace already beat me to it. good save Grimace. sorry again Chris.
sorry Chris. i thought of that as soon as we got off the phone, but i figured id probably talk to u again tonight, or id put it in here, but, seems Grimace already beat me to it. good save Grimace. sorry again Chris.