Apologies if this has been asked 100 times or if I was too thick headed to find what I want to know during a dozen internet searches. I'll start from the beginning.
I want to replace the factory 7.5 rear assembly in a 84 V8 GT with a complete 8.8 assembly. I have yet to locate clear accurate information anywhere stating exactly which years and model fords are direct fit drop in, if any. If a drop in is available, what else will need modifying, besides brake hose or brake line positions? Is there drop in 4 lug 8.8 with rear discs that will allow me to keep my 4 lug axles/wheels,..I want to upgrade from 29 to 31 spline (4 lug) axles eventually if the replacement 8.8 is 29 spline. Traction Lock is a must. I'd like better gears than the 2.73's... 3.55 or 3.73 gears are preferred.
Back in the day when I bought my Capri RS 5.0, Motorsports catalog offered new 8.8's complete axle to axle with 31 spines, my cost was about 900$, plus some small parts, rear shoes new drums etc. It was a bolt in replacement for the 7.5 with 3.73's and traction lock diff. With my additional mods to the car, 3.73's really woke the car up. 5th gear kept the car economical on longer road trips and on the highways locally. It's odd to see no one offering a similarly priced complete new or remanufactured drop in 8.8 for early GT/RS Foxes like ours.
If no new, used or reman 8.8 drop in's exists for four eye GT's/RS's, which 8.8 should I buy and where? What is generally needed to make it work? I repaired cars and trucks for 30 years before retiring in 2011, so I've got plenty of tools and knowledge, but no lift or compressor available. So it is all wrenching by hand on the floor and over a fender these days. The end plan is going with 31 spline axles but still staying with 4 lugs. Reason being is I have 15" mesh wheels I plan to use. No one makes them new in 5 lug. Rear disc brakes are desirable but not essential at the moment. I plan to update front brakes to 88 and up. When I do, I'll be posting for what parts to use, spindle swap etc in.
I want the total axle length measured to stay the same as the 7.5. I read where the SN95 axles measure 3/4" longer each side, or 1.5 inches total. This would cause issues with tires and wheels I plan to use.
I live in South Central Pennsylvania, York County. Who, what, or where would be the best place to find the 8.8? Aside from truck freight or a road trip (I own nothing big enough to carry an entire axle without borrowing a truck) are their better options to secure an 8.8?
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