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View Full Version : Stock axle housing width? Ranger drums?


machm1969
07-30-2008, 11:34 PM
I have two different questions to pose:

First of all, does anyone know the stock axle housing width on a fox 8.8? I bought a Mk VII rear end and I think the only thing that makes it 1.25" wider is the axles? I was going to bolt the entire rear end under the car, but I realize that my rim choices will be limited and it may be more of a hassle than what it's worth. I paid $100 for the 8.8 with trac loc and 3.55 gears (with new clutches installed). So even if I don't use the rear discs I still think I did OK for the price.

Second: I'm going to get Aerostar or Ranger axles tomorrow for the 5 lug conversion. I've read that Ranger's either have 9" or 10" drums. Can I get the drums, backing plates etc off the 10" brakes and bolt them to my 8.8? The salvage yard is reasonably priced on stuff and I could probably get the backing plates etc for $20 a side. I've come to the conclusion that I don't want the hassle with changing the m/c, gutting the prop valve, etc that must come with rear disc. I still plan on installing the front PBR's and rotors that I bought out of the yard last week

Thanks,
Matt

82mustang
07-31-2008, 01:49 PM
wont your brakes be like 100 times better up front than in the rear? what kinda driving do you usually do? as far as i know the 10" drums will work(i've heard of it being done).. i think northracecars.com (or something similar) sells brackets so you can run stock fox width and rear disk.. you might also be able to flip the brackets around enough to move them inward with some creativity, i've done it with a turbo coupe rear so it should be possible with yours, if not easier

86GT2go
08-01-2008, 08:28 AM
Ranger 10" drums/backing plates will bolt on; all you need is the older Ranger/Aerostar axles. The 7.5" and 8.8", whether disk or drum, share the same brake mounting tangs on the axle ends, so switching from small drum to large drum or from drum to disc is a bolt-on affair. Now some brake line fittings and rotor clearance issues may arise based on hardware (year/make) used, but that is another story.