Rear end / rear axle weaknesses on S197 GTs
07-05-2006, 06:56 PM
#1
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Rear end / rear axle weaknesses on S197 GTs
Hey, I was hoping to get some feedback from you guys with blown/turbo/nitrous cars and the serious track guys:
I understand that the stock 8.8" rear end in the new 'stangs is pretty good, though at some point I've heard of parts breaking. What exactly is the weak link? If I remember correctly, it is the posi unit. Is that correct? What is the common upgrade replacement? Eaton? Aubrun? How are the axle shafts? Any need for upgrade there?
At what point is there a need to step up to something more serious, like a built 9" rear end?
Later this year I will be building up my car (blower) and I want to be putting down an honest 500 to the wheels. I want to make sure my rear end can handle that, so I'm doing my planning now...
I understand that the stock 8.8" rear end in the new 'stangs is pretty good, though at some point I've heard of parts breaking. What exactly is the weak link? If I remember correctly, it is the posi unit. Is that correct? What is the common upgrade replacement? Eaton? Aubrun? How are the axle shafts? Any need for upgrade there?
At what point is there a need to step up to something more serious, like a built 9" rear end?
Later this year I will be building up my car (blower) and I want to be putting down an honest 500 to the wheels. I want to make sure my rear end can handle that, so I'm doing my planning now...
07-05-2006, 07:14 PM
#2
I ♥ Acer
Join Date: Jun 2006
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Posts: 239
RE: Rear end / rear axle weaknesses on S197 GTs
From where you want to be the 8.8 is going to be just fine. Several shops have ran over 550 hp for some time and the only problem I have every heard of is the differential. The eaton and auborn both suck and the one of choice seems to be the tru trac. Many guys who are pushing 700 hp + are using 8.8 and just upgrading the axels to the mosers or doing 9" ends with c-clip eliminators. I don't see a problem with the stock rear end at 550 hp IMO. This is just what I have heard/read as I am certainly no expert but I have been doing a lot of research as I have been building my car and this is what I'm being told by those in the know.
Guys I have asked about it:
Jim Jr. at JDM
Mike from Powerhouse
Doug from CHE performance
Mark (chevykiller)
Adam from St Motorsports
Justin from JPC
I trust what these guys have to say.
Guys I have asked about it:
Jim Jr. at JDM
Mike from Powerhouse
Doug from CHE performance
Mark (chevykiller)
Adam from St Motorsports
Justin from JPC
I trust what these guys have to say.
07-05-2006, 09:56 PM
#4
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RE: Rear end / rear axle weaknesses on S197 GTs
ORIGINAL: cableguymicah
You want 500rwhp worry about upgradeing the intrenals more than the rear end
You want 500rwhp worry about upgradeing the intrenals more than the rear end
Of course! I'm going with a completely forged reciprocating assembly. I've already got that figured out. But here I'm asking about the rear end....
Anyway, I'm thinking I'm going to stick with the stock rear end, just upgrade to the truetrac and be done with it.
07-05-2006, 10:30 PM
#5
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RE: Rear end / rear axle weaknesses on S197 GTs
ORIGINAL: CrazyAl
Of course! I'm going with a completely forged reciprocating assembly. I've already got that figured out. But here I'm asking about the rear end....
Anyway, I'm thinking I'm going to stick with the stock rear end, just upgrade to the truetrac and be done with it.
ORIGINAL: cableguymicah
You want 500rwhp worry about upgradeing the intrenals more than the rear end
You want 500rwhp worry about upgradeing the intrenals more than the rear end
Of course! I'm going with a completely forged reciprocating assembly. I've already got that figured out. But here I'm asking about the rear end....
Anyway, I'm thinking I'm going to stick with the stock rear end, just upgrade to the truetrac and be done with it.
Here's what I think: Run it till it breaks and that is the limit! Rear ends are cheap and easy to do........ That would be the least of my worries in your case.
07-05-2006, 10:51 PM
#6
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Posts: 284
RE: Rear end / rear axle weaknesses on S197 GTs
Well CrazyAl,
I broke my limited slip at the track last week and caught it on video.
While in the box roasting my slicks my left rear tire stoped spinning. I bought the Auburn Pro Series as recomended by my speed shop. I believe there good up to 700 hp, and I don't plan on going over 600hp.
Also reguardless of what people say about Eaton and Auburn, if you pay to get it installed its called a warranty plus as a daily driver I only do quaters for fun.....
Here's a link to a run just prior to it breaking it.
http://mauiboy.horsmen.com/carl2_22jun2006.wmv
The driverside rear stops spinning and you can hear it too...
Mauiboy
[IMG]local://upfiles/16389/305438EF342E4EB6A87C3B59BEFAEE40.jpg[/IMG]
I broke my limited slip at the track last week and caught it on video.
While in the box roasting my slicks my left rear tire stoped spinning. I bought the Auburn Pro Series as recomended by my speed shop. I believe there good up to 700 hp, and I don't plan on going over 600hp.
Also reguardless of what people say about Eaton and Auburn, if you pay to get it installed its called a warranty plus as a daily driver I only do quaters for fun.....
Here's a link to a run just prior to it breaking it.
http://mauiboy.horsmen.com/carl2_22jun2006.wmv
The driverside rear stops spinning and you can hear it too...
Mauiboy
[IMG]local://upfiles/16389/305438EF342E4EB6A87C3B59BEFAEE40.jpg[/IMG]
07-05-2006, 11:09 PM
#7
I ♥ Acer
Join Date: Jun 2006
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RE: Rear end / rear axle weaknesses on S197 GTs
ORIGINAL: mauiboy
Well CrazyAl,
I broke my limited slip at the track last week and caught it on video.
While in the box roasting my slicks my left rear tire stoped spinning. I bought the Auburn Pro Series as recomended by my speed shop. I believe there good up to 700 hp, and I don't plan on going over 600hp.
Also reguardless of what people say about Eaton and Auburn, if you pay to get it installed its called a warranty plus as a daily driver I only do quaters for fun.....
Here's a link to a run just prior to it breaking it.
http://mauiboy.horsmen.com/carl2_22jun2006.wmv
The driverside rear stops spinning and you can hear it too...
Mauiboy
[IMG]local://upfiles/16389/305438EF342E4EB6A87C3B59BEFAEE40.jpg[/IMG]
Well CrazyAl,
I broke my limited slip at the track last week and caught it on video.
While in the box roasting my slicks my left rear tire stoped spinning. I bought the Auburn Pro Series as recomended by my speed shop. I believe there good up to 700 hp, and I don't plan on going over 600hp.
Also reguardless of what people say about Eaton and Auburn, if you pay to get it installed its called a warranty plus as a daily driver I only do quaters for fun.....
Here's a link to a run just prior to it breaking it.
http://mauiboy.horsmen.com/carl2_22jun2006.wmv
The driverside rear stops spinning and you can hear it too...
Mauiboy
[IMG]local://upfiles/16389/305438EF342E4EB6A87C3B59BEFAEE40.jpg[/IMG]
07-05-2006, 11:42 PM
#8
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RE: Rear end / rear axle weaknesses on S197 GTs
Yeah, I've heard the "run it until something breaks" school of thought before, but I'm not too inclined to do that.
In a little while I'm going to have my rear end torn apart for a gear change anyway. I won't be doing the blower or the engine work for a few months at least, but I figure while they're in there working on the gears they might as well install the new posi at the same time, that way I'm not going to be paying for the labor twice.
I'm glad to hear the rest of it is good though! If I'm feeling flush I might upgrade the axle shafts at the same time, but I'm thinking I'll just stick with the posi and that's it.
Oh, I heard that someone makes a low-profile "girdle" cover for the 8.8 rear, which will clear the factory panhard bar. Anyone know who makes those? It sounds like cheap insurance.
In a little while I'm going to have my rear end torn apart for a gear change anyway. I won't be doing the blower or the engine work for a few months at least, but I figure while they're in there working on the gears they might as well install the new posi at the same time, that way I'm not going to be paying for the labor twice.
I'm glad to hear the rest of it is good though! If I'm feeling flush I might upgrade the axle shafts at the same time, but I'm thinking I'll just stick with the posi and that's it.
Oh, I heard that someone makes a low-profile "girdle" cover for the 8.8 rear, which will clear the factory panhard bar. Anyone know who makes those? It sounds like cheap insurance.
07-05-2006, 11:58 PM
#9
I ♥ Acer
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: So Cal
Posts: 239
RE: Rear end / rear axle weaknesses on S197 GTs
ORIGINAL: CrazyAl
Yeah, I've heard the "run it until something breaks" school of thought before, but I'm not too inclined to do that.
In a little while I'm going to have my rear end torn apart for a gear change anyway. I won't be doing the blower or the engine work for a few months at least, but I figure while they're in there working on the gears they might as well install the new posi at the same time, that way I'm not going to be paying for the labor twice.
I'm glad to hear the rest of it is good though! If I'm feeling flush I might upgrade the axle shafts at the same time, but I'm thinking I'll just stick with the posi and that's it.
Oh, I heard that someone makes a low-profile "girdle" cover for the 8.8 rear, which will clear the factory panhard bar. Anyone know who makes those? It sounds like cheap insurance.
Yeah, I've heard the "run it until something breaks" school of thought before, but I'm not too inclined to do that.
In a little while I'm going to have my rear end torn apart for a gear change anyway. I won't be doing the blower or the engine work for a few months at least, but I figure while they're in there working on the gears they might as well install the new posi at the same time, that way I'm not going to be paying for the labor twice.
I'm glad to hear the rest of it is good though! If I'm feeling flush I might upgrade the axle shafts at the same time, but I'm thinking I'll just stick with the posi and that's it.
Oh, I heard that someone makes a low-profile "girdle" cover for the 8.8 rear, which will clear the factory panhard bar. Anyone know who makes those? It sounds like cheap insurance.
07-06-2006, 10:37 AM
#10
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RE: Rear end / rear axle weaknesses on S197 GTs
ORIGINAL: blowngt
A couple people make the girdle and the moser is really nice. (I have seen it on a car) I also agree with you on the school of thought. I am more inclined to follow the school of thought that says 'BUILD IT RIGHT THE FIRST TIME!'
A couple people make the girdle and the moser is really nice. (I have seen it on a car) I also agree with you on the school of thought. I am more inclined to follow the school of thought that says 'BUILD IT RIGHT THE FIRST TIME!'
Oh, and thanks. I did some more detailed looking and I saw the Moser girdle. Looks nice. Do you know if it will clear the panhard bar? TA Performance has a low-profile version too. I think I'm going to go with that one.
http://www.taperformance.com/rearend.htm
..TA actually makes the covers for the Ford SVO line...
http://www.taperformance.com/tagirdle.htm