Which vehicles offer rearends to fit a 66 mustang to make it a 5 lug? I hear explorers work, but needs to be modified. Is there a rear end out there that will fit right?

 

This might help you out.....
http://www.ridgenet.net/~biesiade/Fordrears.html

 

64-66 8 inch will bolt right in watch craigslist for a v8 car parting out.Or even the classifieds on here for one.

 

Thanks..Is there a newer model car that may be a good donor car? also what about a 72-73 nova rear end? will that fit?

 

Anything can be made to fit. The 68-74 Nova had a width of 60.25" so it's over 3" wider. 95% of the Nova's came with a 10 bolt and it would be easier to find an 8" or 9".
Here's another one for you.
http://www.carnut.com/specs/rear.html

 

I would look for 65-66 mustang 8" like andrew said. I am running 8" w/ 351W and it seems to be holding up. 8" behind a 289 will last decades. 8" is cheap, easy to rebuild, and can change ratio easily.

 

The nova is the wrong bolt pattern for the wheels and probably too wide by guessing.There is really not anything new that will bolt in and fit perfect.The 8.8 from the explorer will fit but the diff is off centered if lower it can cause problems beating the floor pan.You can get a 64-66 8 inch from http://www.perogie.com/Rears.htm but shipping a rear end might be high.I would place a wanted to buy add on craigslist and on here for the rear end you need.Most who swap to a 9 inch will almost give away a 8 inch to get out of there way.

 

Thanks guys..that helps.. this is my first project car and I want it to kick ***..My husband is helping me a little but he is a chevy guy..lol We have a 57 chevy pickup, 1970 nova, my 66 mustang, and a dropped 86 chevy shortbox. as well as our 4 daily drivers..But i'm only working on the mustang, while he tinkers with the other projects. I dont think he thinks I can do it, so I'm trying to get as much help as I can from people who know mustangs. Thanks again..I will let everyone know how its going once I find a rear end.

 

If you get an 8" or 9" there are nice how to videos such as bad shoe productions.
8" is exactly like 9" except smaller and specs are slightly different; rebuild technique is the same.

If rear end oil looks good w/o metal flakes, no vertical play, rotates smoothly, no signs of oil leaks at seal; you can probably just plug and play.