Here's my plans to date: 15 inch Cragar SS or Magnum 500s with around 4.5 backspacing and 225-235 Goodrich mounted on them. I need a rearend and too many people think too much of their 8 or 9 inchers. How tight would the Exploder 8.8 in stock width be? Who has done this without the obligatory narrowing of the driver's side in a 65 or 66? Narrowing it is easy enough for me, but if I can cut out this step it would make life that much easier.

I can live with the offcenter pumpkin if needed. I'm aware of the spring perches. The question here is track width and fender clearance. Rolling the fenders isn't likely but trimming them is as the car is still in primer and the quarters aren't finish welded. So, again, who has fit one without narrowing and how much wiggle room did you have?

 

I did it and it works great - 4600 miles on the car, no vibration, and I beat on it now and then. Here's info:

http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2971175/7

I have 01 Bullett wheels with 5.72" backspacing. The Explorer rear is 2" wider than the 65/66. I'm running 245/45-17 tires on 17 X 8 wheels and it fits perfectly. I have about 1" clearance on the inside and about 1/4" on the outside, with no rolling the lips. With 4.5" backspace on 8" wheels you will probably be too wide and the tires will stick out (and hit on bumps).

Let me know if you need more info.

 

I am installing one at this minute. I however shortened it. It has been pretty easy.

 

Guys, i'm new to this site. I dont know much about 8.8 rear ends

I just wanted to comment on Ozarks06 coupe in the picture.

Nice Lookin coupe !!!. The paint color really fits the body lines well.

 

Did you cut the left tube in the middle, outside end, or remove it from the pumpkin and press it back in shortened? I'd make sure to assemble it with the shorter axle to make sure the rotor is properly positioned in relation to the caliper before welding it up.

 

Thanks very much.

 

KMATCh
I cut the tube in the middle. I found a perfect heavy walled piece of 2-3/4 O.D. pipe that will fit into the tube perfect after i smooth the existing weld on the insjde of the tube. I am cutting a 8inch piece and assebling the rear end with the axles inserted before i weld it. i am also cutting 4, 1/2inch holes in the tubes so i can plug weld the tubes as well as butt welding them.

Its been a pretty easy job so far.

 

I have seen this car on cardomain and its hot.. and I am trying to do the same thing... I have so many questions... can youemail me directly? mlmeans@gmail.com

 

Anything 8.8 related should be posted here for us all. Keeping it public helps everyone as well as adds to archives for later searching which I've worn out as best as I can. (Search function on this sites bites! Keeps erroring with security token issues)

 

I am also interested.
I am still deciding on changing my 8 inch to trac lock with 3.55 or doing the 8.8 change out and getting discs out of the deal also.
This subject is just screaming for someone to do a How To write up of how they did. If do the change out i will updating my website with details.
I also agree it would help everyone if it was posted here.
Good Luck and BE safe