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  • 85 GT Rear End ID



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    1. 04-21-2013, 05:40 PM #1
      Dschil
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      Default 85 GT Rear End ID

      I just picked up a really clean, low-mileage 85 GT, which finally scratched a 5.0 itch that I've had for about 25 years . From research I've done, I thought all 85s came with 7.5" rear ends. Following is the tag on mine:
      First line: 203f, second line: 3 L (I think. I couldn't read this portion given lighting, but was feeling with my finger tip and could feel the L and something that could pass for a 3 next to it) 08 A88 6B13.

      From a page I found on this site, it appears that it is an 8.8" with 3.08 trac loc manufactured Feb. 13, 1986. Is this correct? If 86 manufacture date, I assume someone must of replaced the original. Does this sound correct or am I wrong regarding my decoding?

      Thank you.
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    2. 04-21-2013, 06:03 PM #2
      liv2roc
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      axle code look to be a 86, are you sure car is a 85 not 86
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    3. 04-21-2013, 06:13 PM #3
      qikgts
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      Default

      Also no reason to discount that the axle had been swapped at some point...

      Look at the diff cover and compare it to an 8.8" and a 7.5". The matching one is what you've got. To me that's a no harm-no foul swap anyway...
      '85 GT
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    4. 04-21-2013, 06:33 PM #4
      IDMooseMan
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      Welcome to FEP.

      Sounds like you have a 3.08:1 Trac-Lok 8.8" rear-end. Congratulations to you. That would be a nice upgrade for my car.
      Craig "IDMooseMan" Peters
      1979 Mustang Ghia Notchback, 2.3L, Holley 5200, 4-spd, 3.08:1 7.5" diff, A/C, PS, PB, AM/FM/8-Track, Sunroof, Rear Defroster
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    5. 04-21-2013, 07:24 PM #5
      Dschil
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      On the door tag, the build date is listed as 3/1985 so it sounds like the rear was swapped, which is probably a good thing.
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    6. 04-21-2013, 07:32 PM #6
      Dschil
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      One other question: this is a clean, original car (most of what has been changed / removed, I have in boxes). Interior and undercarriage are clean also. With that in mind, should I weld in subframe connectors and torque box reinforcements?
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    7. 04-21-2013, 10:08 PM #7
      306gt
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      Always look at the rear axle's. I bought a 84 GT Years ago for parts. After stripping it to the core it was ready for the bone yard. I was just about ready to let it go until I looked under the back of it. Someone swapped in a 8.8" I ended up taking that too!. Sounds like you got an 8.8" too.
      85 G.T. All motor
      337 c.i.d 11.44-120 mph

      1984 1/2 G.T. 350 (13.01-106 mph)

      1984 G.T. (Daughters car)

      1986 G.T. (Son's car) (12.99-105 mph)
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    8. 04-22-2013, 07:25 AM #8
      Scott Peters
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      Dschil,
      Sounds like you got yourself a real nice 85.
      If it were mine,I would install Subframe Connectors.
      I have the ones from MM.

      As far as Torque box's go, Unless you plan on Using Drag Radials, and Racing the Hell out of it, you really don't need them for the Street.

      Just my 2cents ,

      Scott
      84 GT 5.0L, T5, 8.8T-Lock, 5lug with 93 Cobra Brakes,
      MM RCL's,CC plates, Koni Reds, 17" Tri-Stars...CoilOvers next.
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    9. 04-22-2013, 07:31 AM #9
      FoxChassis
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      S203F = Sterling axle plant (S), axle model 203F
      3L08 = 3.08:1 ratio (3_08), Traction-Lok differential (L)
      A88 = 8.8" ring gear (88)
      6B13 = February 13, 1986 build
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