Hi guys, so far I have put about 1000 very smiley miles on it and it is working great. I just bought some new rubber as well and have been launching it all over the place. I am setting up a basic website for the rears and will have some more pics and info up there for you all soon.

 

Nice, I run a Ford 9" myself, I don't mind the noise. It's nice to jump on it and not worry rear snapping.

 

i've got an 8.8 in my car but it's set up a little bit different. i welded up some four link brackets to the rear and ran the bars to the stock LCA mount on the car. the bars were offset enough to run one bolt through both rod ends. the coil overs run up to the stock coil spring mounting point up top. it was all fabbed up in the garage and came out pretty well, but the car has yet to start so we'll have to wait and see how it hooks.

there's no question the rear will hold up to the abuse, it's the actual fabrication for all of the mounts that have to be taken into consideration. i do have one picture from a while back where it's just being set in to see how it fits, i'll see if i can get more pics of it when it's all finished up.

 

looks like you are going for a drag set up there. 8.8=Nice

 

crazycamaro496, What do you mean by the bars being offset and using 1 bolt through both rod ends? Did you have to do any metal removal for the ladder bars?

 

meaning the way he oriented the brackets and bars, he was able to link the rod end at the same point. instead of having the bars come together at a bracket, he was able to get them to come to gether at the OEM LCA mount point. both rod ends on the bars line up on one hole, thus he used the stock LCA mount bolt, to hold both rod ends. mad props, BTW, it looks badass. I'm hoping this 8.8 come through for the rest of us... I'm gonna need a stronger rear in a little while. while i like the benefits of that ladder bar setup, I'd like to keep the stock-style setup, because it works well, and my car is a street car. I don't want all that hardcore stuff just yet .

 

87roc_t56 I was going to jig up my 10-bolt and noticed that the spring pirchs and shock mounts are at different angles to each other( passenger side to driver side).Were yours the same or did one of my tubes spin or where lined up wrong at the GM?

 

Using a 8.8, are the axles the same length as the 9 or 10 bolts? Like, if i put an 8.8 in my car, would my tires sit the way they did? I think this might be a great solution for a rearend for me.

 

e-man Unfortunately there is a lot of variances on factory built rears from what they are suposed to be and what they actually are. I measured three and they all came up quite a bit different. There needs to be a certain amount of camber and toe designed into the rear/jig or it will be lousy for anything other than drag usage. Like I said before we spent an awful lot of time getting the jig set up just right. This is where we spent most of our time to get everything spec'd out nice.

Dirtbikr3 No the axles are not the same between the 8.8 and the 9 and ten bolts. The 8.8 is a different track width. It would be possible to use the ten bolt axles for a budget build 8.8 hybrid but I can't say how strong it would be.

 

i too am very intrested in this rear end. keep us posted. good work too.

 

Good stuff man.

I will eventually need a rear that will stand up to a massive amount of torque(the new turbo buick motor going in will be a torque monster) and this is certainly a good alternative rather than spending mega bucks on an aftermarket 12 bolt.

Like others said, keep us updated with more info and eventually a price

 

the only modification done to the car was that the hole for the LCA mounting bolt was drilled out to accept a 3/4" grade 8 bolt. also i drilled out a hole where the top of each coil spring sat to bolt in a mounting point for the coil over shocks. other than that, the car was left complete as it was before.

 

so.. will an 8.8 swap into a camaro accept springs and shocks?(instead of coilovers because i like my bilstiens) did mustang rears have the same shock locations ect...? Anyway, hurry up and start a damn business in making those things. I want one!

 

I am a bit of a newbie to this so please bear with me.

The 8.8 axle that you are building uses the axle tubes off of a 10 bolt rear. I have a 9 bolt with the PBR (aluminum calipers) Since the PBR are still OK and I don't have an unlimited budget, can the PBR setup bolt on to this 8.8 axle?

There aren't alot of rearend shops in Northern British Columbia that I would trust (no experience with F-body)

SO, I am wondering if it would be worth using the 8.8, or having a 12 bolt or 9" madeup with the ability to use the PBR's?

Remember I am a newbie (be gentle!)

Also, "IF" there is a problem, what kind of warranty/support would be offered?

I know there hasn't been to much talk of price but I talked to a local autoparts shop and they said I could get a custom axle made up and it would be around $3400.00 Cdn taxes in (12 bolt) not sure what posi (auburn??) As soon as he said "3400" I went deaf!

I would like to go with a Baer rear brake setup eventually but then I would have to sell the wife and kids

Which reminds me what kind of posi is in the 8.8?

 

Hey guys still rolling good. I was trying to get to the track this past week but it got rained out. Still beating the snot out of it and working as smooth as day one so I am very pleased thus far with the whole process

Working on a price breakdown for you guys and will start with a basic package consisting of a complete bolt in housing fully assembled with Moser bolt on axles, Ford Gears in 3.55, 3.73 or 4.10 ratio and a Trac Loc carrier with heavy S spring. This will be around $1650.00 USD Options can be added from there at whatever the additional cost of the desired parts are such as Aluminum Diff cover, billet yoke, spool etc.

Grizlee. Yes you can reuse the PBR brakes. All factory itmes bolt up to my 8.8's as I will make them for each application to suit the needs of each customer.

As far as Warranty is concerned I can assure you that anyone will be treated fairly and with proper respect should a problem arise. My goal is to make an affordable solution yet ensure the highest quality and strength rears as I can within those parameters. I am hoping to get one of these rears into a very high horsepower car to test out the strength even further.

The posi I used is the Ford Trac Loc with heavy S spring and its very smooth and offers excellent grip.

Dirtbikr3 Yes the 8.8 will bolt right into your car utilizing all the stock shocks, springs, bolts, torque arm, etc. except for needing a conversion U joint. The physical dimensions of my 8.8 is identical to any stock nine bolt or ten bolt so fitment issues are non issues as this rear bolts right in.

 

By the way thats 31 spline axles I forgot to add that

 

When can I come check this badboy out in person???

 

Any reason the bushing ears were not cut off of the center section. Looks kinda funny. If you can weld to the housing then removing and smoothing the ears should be no big deal.

 

FYI- A 12 bolt is a 8.875 and the 8.8 is 8.80. The 8.8 is just as strong as a 12 bolt .As for how much horsepower it takes to turn it ,they about the same. It will depend on proper setup. Also the 8.5 is used in Grand Nationals and they hold up to 1000 horsepower. Any of these would great rear axles compared to the crappy 7.5. One thing I cant believe no one is building is a 7.5 housing. The gears are not the problem. The house is too weak and it flexes. Why not build a stronger housing?
The 7.5 geartrain is lighter,the gear is smaller to so theres less friction,( less power to turn it).
Alot of the foreign cars that are rear wheel drive use a 7.0 to 7.5 sized gear. The Subarus and Skylines are one that uses it and they dont have gear problems.

 

cdh 7.5's are junk thats why no one wasted their time on one. Someone did make a housing like the Skylines... GM did The Skylines use a version of the Austrailian 7.75" 9 bolt same as our cars other than its an independantly suspended version. I have no idea what the Subaru's use nor do I care. The 8.5 is good but not that good. Yes the 12 bolts and 8.8's are practically the same gear size but the 8.8's are way lighter and more effecient. FYI the 8.8 is only 21 pounds heavier than a stock 7.5 ten bolt.

CamaroMike I thought of chopping off the "ears" but once its bolted in you cannot see them and they do add some strength to the overall housing so I left them. Only talking a half pound of metal so not worth wasting time on. I agree though it looks kind of odd but there is no interference or obstruction of any kind with them on there.

DoBeR You are most welcome to come and see. What times are good for you? PM me with when you want to meet.

 

the 8.5 rear end will never hold 1000hp even with axles and a new aftermarket posi 800 is more of a reality..................

 

OK maybe not 1000hp but its good for mid 8 in 1/4.
and the 7.5 gears arent junk just the housing. The 8.8 is a great axle,but its a Ford and I will NOT put a Ford product in my car when I can get a 12bolt housing for 800bucks.

 

Yes, the housings are junk...but the gears are junk too, esp if you go with a lower gear ratio. I know, I have broken gears in a stock AUTOMATIC 94Z ...and bent one housing. 7.5s are fine for the Vegas and Monzas they were designed for, and little else.

Ever wonder why you routinely see high HP GM (even ones factory equipped with 12 bolts), Ford, Mopar cars with Ford rearends, and NEVER see ANY Fords or Mopars with a GM rearend? There's a reason. I have also known a few people who bought 12 bolts, broke them, and went 9" with no further worries. Yes, the 12 bolt is strong enough for the average performance application, it can be beefed, and it is more efficient,but efficiency in a drivetrain part usually translates to less strength. I'd take a superior, less expensive (either 8.8 or 9, or a Dana 60 for that matter ) rear that I don't have to worry about breaking over brand loyalty. I'd love to use a GM-designed rear in my cars, but until they make one (never, probably) I'll use what is proven to work.

 

The really funny part is that here locally you can go to the track and see a dozon LS1 forthgen run 10's all night and they run the stock axle. How the hell they manage that I never have figured out. My stock 7.5 is whining with the stock 200hp engine. But they are 3.73 and they do have 200,000.

 

LT1guy

 

Hopefully you'll be making these up soon 87roc_t56.....My project this winter is to install a posi rear, and the 8.8 seems to be a good option.

To this point, I've been leaning toward a Currie 9" kit, but if yours will hold as well (and be cheaper), I'm interested.

Either way, I'm ordering from someone in October. Feel free to PM me if you have any updates on selling these, and I'll check this thread occasionally.

 

Any updates on this project???

 

I'm about to replace the 700 in the Formula, and the rear will be either rebuilt or replaced during the downtime. At this point it's either a rebuilt POS ten-bolt or an 8.8 like the one in this thread...

K

 

can you post a pic of the jig

 

i was under the impression that the 12 bolt GM and 8.8 ford are almost identical rearends, dont they even use the same gear sets?

 

wtf why dont my posts ever show up

 

...

 

Hey guys sorry about the long wait on an update here. I ran the first 8.8 all season long and punished it as much as I could with no issues at all. I have just recently begun producing the first batch of three rears for the fourth gen crowd as there has been a good load more interest from them which is understandable given the high factory power output and likely larger numbers of them still driven daily. I have had good interest in the 8.8 overall and want to be able to offer up a high quality solution for those wishing to upgrade their rear. I have inquired about sponsorship rates here and on many other sites and hope that the demand will support the cause but one thing at a time. I am planning to get some new photography done in the new year and a website soon to follow. I was going to wait to update here and elsewhere once the new shoot takes place but this thread has sprung to life again out of curiosity. Anyways thats the scoop at this point. Stay tuned...

 

Every time I go under the car I see that one S10 minitruck part and growl in disgust. Just make the damn things already.

Kidding, kidding. But I would like an affordable/durable rear end under the car. Keep us posted man

K

 

and saving my dough til these things are ready.

 

OH man I cant wait!!

Kevin

 

87 Iroc t56
I started this exact project a few months ago. It looks like you beat me to finishing it. The rear looks great. The only major change I made was I am using sleeves to attach the 10 bolt axles to the 8.8 housing. The hold up has been that the machine shop has had the sleeves for the last two months.
I was planning on just using c clip ends. I would rather use the big bearing ford ends like you did. I have a 31 spline posi already and was planning on buying mosier axles. Would you mind sharing any info on this. I also have some ls1 rear brakes like the ones you are using. Did you have to alter the holes in the backing plates? did it cost more to have the axles made up for this configuration?
Thanks for the info.
Kory

 

I have interest as well, as my plan was to go with an 8.8 anyway
due to the lighter weight and ability to handle HP.
And my stock 10 bolt will not last through to many more 10 second passes.
Do you have a web page yet?

 

Yes all Explorers had 8.8's and 31 spline axles. 95-up and 94 limiteds all had rear discs as well with internal parking brake drums.

Axle codes are as follows:
46 open 3.73 gear
42 open 4.10 gear
D4 LSD 3.73 gear
D2 LSD 4.10 gear
L73 LSD 3.73 gear

the 4.10 gear axles came in tow package Explorers.

I remember suggesting a 8.8 swap several times on this board before and having my suggestion shot down. Good to see someone seeking out this option and executing on it.

 

Thanks. I sure can't see why anyone would shoot it down unless they simply knee jerked out an ignorant opinion without really knowing how good it is. There are a lot of advantages to the 8.8

One that i have yet to mention for all the road race crowd... The Torsen T2R is available for the 8.8

 

Well, will this hold up to 680 hp at the motor with a T56? I need something that will, and need it soon.

 

Thats because it isnt worth the hassle. If the guys over the fNord boards arent happy with thier 8.8 rear ends why would someone be happy with it in thier 3rdgen. I guess all those 8.8's that I had to replace the gears in after hunting season was over were just factory reject gear sets.

Still reccomending 9in or 12 bolt rears.

 

There are guys running 9's on that rear.

 

I know you won't go to many mustang sites and find unhappy guys with 8.8 rears. Probably didn't set the gears up right SSC. 8.8's take less HP than a 9" and do hold up. Guys in NMRA are in the 8's with spooled 8.8's/moser 31 spline axles.

 

87roc_t56, where did you get the spring perches and brackets? Did you cut them off a used 3rd gen 10 bolt? Or did you get new ones?

I ask this because I have searched all over to get these, and Currie won't respond to me, and Moser basically told me to go fly a kite cause they were not going to sell them to me.

I need a set for my 8.5 10 bolt conversion. I got a 10 bolt from an SS Impala (real cheap) with disc brakes and a posi with 3:73's in it. I can do all the work myself at the machine shop at work. Well, all but the axles, Strange will make those for me.

I will make them if I have to, but it would be very nice to get a set that are factory in appearance.

EDIT: I see you used the factory tubes from the 3rd gen 10 bolt, so I am assuming that they are the source of the bracketry?

 

I dunno the factory is darn good at setting up diffs.

 

Maybe it has to do with the thin air in CO. I know guys with modded 03 cobras dropping the clutch with slicks no problems. Also seen 12bolts twist the splines right off the axles. Then again some guys can break a cannonball in a sandbox.

 

how are these holding up guys?

 

Any more info?

How are you shipping them, etc?

 

Any more info?

How are you shipping them, etc?