Ford 8.8 rearend

[broncnaz]

You'll be extremely lucky if the mustang mounts actually worked out for a 4 link setup. But I highly doubt they will. At least not if you expect to get any articulation. Got to remember its a totally different set of needs between a car and a bronco. Theres a lot more involved in a prope4 link setup than just having brackets. Id take a look at the duffs 4link setup doesnt matter that its for a 9in the concept is going to be the same.

 

[Broncobowsher]

The 4-link ears on a mustang axle may be in the right place, but the angle will be off. They are for very short links at a very steep side angles.

 

[nlped]

If I break anything while locked, it surely wouldn't be the 9" axles. Fear not about the mustang mounting points, if there wrong & can't be used I probably will ditch this idea, but I still think the idea us very sound. I knew the purists would bash the "smaller" rearend (1/5" smaller diameter ring gear), but I have an extra 8.8 out from under the Mustang in my avatar...I put an IRS from a '03 Cobra under it... What can I say, I'm a rearend swapper

My reasoning behind even considering the 8.8", other than that I already have the housing, is that I bought a Currie high pinion 9" for a J@@p CJ-5 with a Detroit Locker, 35 spline axles, Explorer rear disc (remember these are from an 8.8" ) and it cost a small fortune. I'm not under any misconception that an 8.8" can be as strong as that Currie piece (which I never ever had a problem out of, just the street driving quirkiness of a locker in an Uber SWB ride), but I think the 8.8" can handle a heck of alot of abuse if built properly & there is alot of parts & tech out there for them also.

 

[broncnaz]

I dont think it has anything to do with being purest its just more of a wash when you have a stronger axle already in place. Then both axles need some mods to be made better and the 9in still comes out on top.
Now if you blew up your 9in and really needed to replace the housing then using what you have availible makes sense(kind of )
In actuality the currie hi 9 is weaker than a standard 8.8. They regularly bust gears. because they run on the coast side of the gears which is weaker. Heck anytime you buy a complete setup from a aftermarket company it will cost you especailly when its something like a hi 9.
You may never break a 8.8 you can never tell. I just dont know of anyone that considers a 8.8 a better choice than a 9in. But I can understand some of your reasoning.

 

[Broncobowsher]

And there are people still running dana 30 axles that have not broke them either. Doesn't mean I would take a 44 out to put a bunch of money into a built up 30.

 

[bmc69]

I think the 8.8" can handle a heck of alot of abuse if built properly & there is alot of parts & tech out there for them also.

I'd agree with that. Heck.I caught a fair amount of grief for building a 30-spline rear D60...because the basic axle isn't really any stronger than the 9" I replaced it with.

But it certainly was stronger after I was done with it.

 

[nlped]

And there are people still running dana 30 axles that have not broke them either. Doesn't mean I would take a 44 out to put a bunch of money into a built up 30.

Built up 30 would be a lot better than a stock 44...right. & with the 8.8" I won't really be downgrading nearly that much & for around $1200 I get a pretty serious rearend. E-locker, 9" 31 spline axles & rear disc brakes /c drum parking brake. Hard not to try?

 

[nlped]

I'd agree with that. Heck.I caught a fair amount of grief for building a 30-spline rear D60...because the basic axle isn't really any stronger than the 9" I replaced it with.

But it certainly was stronger after I was done with it.

Exactly my point! Of course you went a serious big boy rear & I'm threatening a potential downgrade. Lol