Ford 8.8 Mustang vs Explorer

[@melaniew77msn]

Plan B worked for me. A friend of mine has a mercury capri 1985 model. It has a high output 302 and a T5 tranny. He busted the 7.5" rear end. It had bad backlash, the carrier bearings were crushed and the spiders were a little chewed. I got an 8.8'' out of a 91 mustang and squeezed it into the car. All of this worked super great and the car is up and going good.

[@HeadFlowInc]

tdej80 The 8.8 is a great upgrade for the earlier Foxbody! I’m really happy so far with my 2 short axle Explorer 8.8 Swap! Enjoy! 👍👍👍

[@melaniew77msn]

Yea that 7.5 just was not strong enough for the HP of the car. The 8.8 was a little tricky to get in because the spacing of the bushings on the 2 diffs was a little different. I loaded the diff onto the bottom control arms then getting the top control arms on was a little bit of a wrestling match. I had previously upgraded the suspension to Moog 9 coil coils over the OE 7 coil coils. The 8.8 did not drop down as far because of the top control arms getting those big springs in was a fight. I spent about 8 hours because I had to work it into the car. I did not want to depend on the brake backer to be the same so I just took it all apart because the guy who took the diff out of the donor car just cut the parking brake cables. He also cut the brake hose so in a sense I did a bunch of work because he did very little. It was a total poorboy job just harvesting the best parts and making it work. In the end the car is owned by a maniac who will not take care of it so the unloved car went on a tight budget. He was mad that I charged him 250$ to change that diff and make everything work. He should be mad at him not me he crushed the 7.5'' doing a side step the clutch burnout in reverse. If you play hard you will pay hard. @ 30$ per hour I gave him my children's rate.

[@HeadFlowInc]

tdej80 $30.00 is super cheap labor! Sucks you basically donated your time to help the guy, it doesn’t sound like he even appreciated it. The King of Low budget Foxbody builds is 50tussin on KZbin, if you haven’t watched his channel it’s amazing how fast he can go using mostly junk yard parts! JD

[@melaniew77msn]

HeadFlowInc Thank you for the nice words. I think from now on that individual can take his junk elsewhere. He did not even want to do the 8.8'' upgrade in the first place. I like the 8.8 because it is strong from the factory but there are many upgrades and parts availability is easy as pie. My Dad is familiar with the car he came and test drove it and told me it was a different car and that I had done the best thing that could be done. I am 38 years old but I still like a good thumbs up from my Dad. My Dad is picky and not easily impressed so his approval was my validation on the job. My Dad, brother in law, You and me all seem to think I was on the right track. The jerk who owns the car has been out voted 4 to 1 by people smarter than him!

[@melaniew77msn]

I like to help people with projects. There are 2 options on that axle tube. If you don't want to section a piece in you can drill out the plug welds that hold the axle tube into the axle housing then cut the axle tube off with a pipe cutter and load it back in and re weld the plug welds. I also recommend welding around both axle tubes for a little extra strength. Just use an angle finder miracle point style to get some good witness marks so that everything is put back in the position it came from as far as clocking so that the brakes and all hangers can be leveled and nothing is binding. I have rebuilt many diffs in my life and used to be a mechanic before I started welding. If you bring it to me I will shorten and weld it back free of charge. I am well set up and have plenty of certifications in welding. If you want my help or any advice get a hold of me.

[@HeadFlowInc]

tdej80 I sold the Mustang 8.8 to a friend, instead we did the 2 short axle Explorer 8.8 setup. The Explorer 8.8 is a much stronger version, it has bigger/thicker tubes and larger bearings. The 2 short axle mod: You cut 3.0” out of the longer tube; run two factory short side axles. It results in a differential 56.25” Wide, or .75” wider each side compared to a factory S10. So, I have to get different rims, w/5.5” BS to tuck the tires. 15 x 8.0 5.5 BS

[@melaniew77msn]

HeadFlowInc good deal brother I am glad you got a plan together that works for you. Happy hotrod'n from a fellow gear head!

[@HeadFlowInc]

tdej80 Check this out, there’s more videos on my channel covering actual mods to get the 8.8 installed. kzbin.info/www/bejne/nIu7fpipr817oc0

[@hotrod4d]

Good plan I'm doing the same with my blazer

[@HeadFlowInc]

The 2 short axle explorer is +- 1.75” total wider than the stock rear end. If you wanted to match the stock width I recommend upgrading to the 9” ends and aftermarket axles. I like my Explorer 8.8 but the larger housing is an issue because they don’t make c-clip eliminators for it.

[@bryanroupe8646]

I know of several mustang t5 trans making over 500whp. One of them is a v6 t5. Launching with slicks and 456 gears. They are good trans if you know how to shift. But there are others blowing them on the street with stock engines so it's all about the driver. My street car makes just over 400whp and I haven't had any problems with my t5.

[@HeadFlowInc]

Bryan Roupe I agree, there’s a ton of examples of people running in the 10’s with a T-5! I’m sure it’s mostly driver error hurting them. I’ve talk to several builders who say the only time a T-5 will break is if you miss 3rd gear, WOT power shifting; it won’t fail every time. They said this failure is the only one/kind they’ve ever seen. 🤔

[@bryanroupe8646]

Yeah 3rd can be a snake on the t5 lol I have missed it a few times along with 4th but thankfully it didn't hurt it.

[@jamest.5001]

I ran the crap out of a t-5 with over 400 hp. Icdidnt drag race it . but ran it hard! It did good! In a 88 firebird formula. That was stock elsewhere. I think that's your issue! Rear diff. I even had stock rear gears, I have a 12 bolt pos to go in it!

[@HeadFlowInc]

JAMES! Since the 70's You were right, the differential was not happy! Also I’m wondering about the indexing of the T5 to the LS engine using the early model truck bellhousing. Now everything in my driveline has been rebuilt! 👍👍👍 I see Foxbody Mustangs running Low 7.00’s High 6.cc’s in the 1/8th mile getting 1.50 60’ times with factory T5’s! So clearly they can handle more than the 310hp/TQ they’re rated at. 🤔🤔🤔

[@TargaWheels]

In a way, people are "forced" to keep their prices up, using the excuse that the guy that buys it for cheap will flip it for the going-rate, and make the profit you didn't.

[@GearheadRob319]

Good INFO. Thanks!

[@allanacord7268]

D4 Axle code on the door 373--D2 410 Both are posi

[@michaellane8294]

I was just looking at your video on the rear mustang axle.I it was interesting. My question do know weather or not a 1994 Gt rear end would work on a 51 Ford truck any thoughts would be appreciated.

[@HeadFlowInc]

How does the width of the F100 compare to the Mustang 8.8 58.50”? The Explorer 8.8 is 58.75” wide. JD

[@michaellane8294]

@@HeadFlowInc Thanks for responding I haven't checked it yet just looking for ideas to help with this transition.

[@HeadFlowInc]

@@michaellane8294 I googled the 1951 Ford 100 but I couldn’t find a definitive width on the rear end. It must be a secret! lol Let me know how it turns out. JD

[@michaellane8294]

@@HeadFlowInc Thanks again it's a project in slow motion but we'll get there 👍

[@72RiviRyda]

Do you happen to know if the 8.8 mustang and 8.8 crown vic flanges have the same dimensions and bolt hole spacing?

[@HeadFlowInc]

The car 8.8 should be the same, the Explorer has larger diameter housing tubes and bearings. I haven’t worked on any Crown Vic’s though so I can’t say 100%

[@72RiviRyda]

@@HeadFlowInc Ok, thanks!

[@Jkush463]

that diff is an auburn or eaton, bolth use spring packs, id bet auburn as they were more common and cheaper. i have on in my 88 mustang.

[@phonypony5.0]

some 4 X4 Ford Rangers come with 8.8s iv put a few of those in a few s10 drags trucks that's about the cheapest I've done one cuz they're Factory 31-spline factory posi and then we just get C clip eliminators and then we can still around the Ford Explorer disc brakes on them

[@bryanroupe8646]

You can pick up used set of 31 spine axels for $100-150 on Facebook. I have never bought new axels.

[@HeadFlowInc]

Bryan Roupe I went with a 2-short axle mod 1999 Explorer 8.8 differential. 👍

[@PosiRearTV]

I used the 4x4 99 Blazer 8.5 also.Just found a S10 ZR2 rearend also... Great vid looking forward to the homemade Caltracs vid.

[@1FAST91SONOMA]

or, since youre having to buy different wheels anyway you could go to something like Z06 wheels and avoid narrowing the explorer rear end at all. Thats what Im doing on my 1st gen S10. Just got my 3L73 8.8 from a 98 Explorer 2 days ago

[@HeadFlowInc]

Jeremy Collins I think you’ll need spacers to make the front wheels work. I’ve looked at those Corvette rims before and I’m not comfortable running thick spacers. I went with the Jegs SSR Black Stars with 4”x15” front and 8.0”x15” 5.5” BS rear. I’m going with 165/80r15 H on the front and 26”/8.5”/15 MT to start. The narrowed Explorer rear is +- .75” wider per side than the factory 7.5”.Thanks for watching and the feedback I appreciate it! Stay tuned! JD

[@montrosepatriot]

Car Craft originally published an article where the Mustang (also Thunderbird, Cougar and some Fox Body Capris and a few LTD (rebodied Fairmont to 86 with a 5.0L) will have an 8.8 which can b narrowed 2 the S10 2wd dimensions and using the S10 axles w Moser ends

[@HeadFlowInc]

Montrose Patriot I wouldn’t want to use any 7.5” S10 axles for Performance, that’s the weak spot. I’m assuming you’re referring to a new generation S10 with an 8.5” 10 bolt? Interesting idea! 😉

[@michaellane8294]

Hi just was looking at your video I was for some tips I have a 51 Ford truck and I was thinking about using a 94 Gt mustang rear end?

[@HeadFlowInc]

All you really need is the right width, the Ford 8.8 is a very strong design. Find out what with you need and what rims you want to run and see if a Mustang rear fits. There are width differences based on year etc. JD

[@michaellane8294]

@@HeadFlowInc Thanks I will try and see how it looks I know a speedway has one trying to save some money 👍

[@HeadFlowInc]

@@michaellane8294 Surely you can do a Google search for a 51 Ford truck axle width?

[@kevinhornbuckle]

This will be an interesting swap. Thanks for the information. Have you considered going to an air bag suspension?

[@HeadFlowInc]

Kevin Hornbuckle Air bag sounds expensive... 😳lol. I haven't to be honest, I'm trying to cut costs as much as possible. There's a lot of benefits to having bagged suspension, my concern is switching the actual suspension over from leafs to a 4 link. Thanks for the feedback! Check out the 8.8 upgrade video if you haven't already

[@thaieralawadh2223]

@@HeadFlowInc I have 69 mustang where I want a crazy engine and transmission swap in it and upgrading the differential. Engine from 2006 Lexus 3UZ Transmission toyota R155 Do you recommend the T5 from newer mustangs differential ? From what years you would suggest to look for if I would like the limited slip as well. Thanks

[@MrYz250fman]

Ive had t5s behind built 355's and 454's never had a single issue. Not with slick but they were ran hard

[@HeadFlowInc]

I enjoyed having the T-5, but when you go Turbo LS it just won’t last. The Blazers had a built TH400 now w/ Narrowed large bearing Explorer 8.8. JD

[@davidcallahan5157]

You could also use 1998 blazer 8.5 they came with disc brakes but not sure the width.

[@HeadFlowInc]

David Callahan Those 8.5's will work in 4x4 or the AWD like the Typhoon. The 8.5 is what my friend Richard upgraded his Typhoon with.

[@shoominati23]

I wish someone would do something on the independant ones. I was thinking of putting on in a 57 chevy pickup

[@HeadFlowInc]

shoominati23 Remember, the IRS aren’t as strong as a straight axle. But would be good for road racing and handling. 👍

[@The_R-n-I_Guy]

I think I would've moved the Advance Auto Parts basket before making the video

[@HeadFlowInc]

Commercial customers end up with those baskets all the time, i promise I didn’t run out with it! 😉 JD

[@ourcarproject3059]

for my 1968 mustang can I use a 1998 exploree 4x4 v6 differential?

[@HeadFlowInc]

3g Eclipse Mods What’s the factory width of the 1968 Mustang Differential? The Explorer 8.8 is pretty wide +- 59.5” with unequal axles. We cut 3” out of the Explorer 8.8 long side tube then replaced the long axle with a separate short axle from another Explorer 8.8. Result is a differential .75” per side wider than the factory S10 Blazer differential. I’ll have to get rims with 5.5” backspace to tuck the rear tires.

[@HeadFlowInc]

3g Eclipse Mods From a quick search, the Explorer 8.8 would be close width wise but you’d need to verify the offset pinion won’t cause any clearance issues. The 1977-81 Granada Or Versailles 9” is 58” 67-71 Ford Cars Maybe?

[@ourcarproject3059]

HeadFlowInc but can i use a v6 differential?

[@HeadFlowInc]

3g Eclipse Mods Good question, when we ordered mine we didn’t specify engine size, just 1994-2000 Explorer, 1997-00 for sure have Disc brakes.

[@ourcarproject3059]

HeadFlowInc you ordered the 94 t0 2000 rear v8 differential and how much did it cost and if yes we're

[@davidtaylor1384]

Extra hp has further crushed the crush sleeve. Bet.

[@kellykolnes1954]

Yukon grizzly locker. Put a dial indicator on it .

[@galeuselton590]

I had a 98 trans am factory rear 7.5 ring gear in the car it ran 8.15s stock little mods got it to 7:85 never had a problem with the rear diff but it was a a4 with 3.23 gears

[@HeadFlowInc]

Gale Uselton 7.85 1/8th is equal to 12.30’s 1/4 nice! JD

[@GatheringSticks]

wow... it turn out to be the tires needed balanced.... go figure.

[@HeadFlowInc]

I wish not even close?

[@patrickschumacher5968]

I thank it a acelocker

[@HeadFlowInc]

I ended up rebuilding an Explorer 8.8” with the larger axle tubes, larger bearings, shorten one axle and a Ford Racing Trac-loc 3rd member. Great setup! JD

[@davidcallahan5157]

it's alburn

[@HeadFlowInc]

David Callahan That's what I was told when I got the Blazer, good to verify Thanks! The posi works great it's always spun both tires equally.

[@r.joseph8911]

Auburn

[@PosiRearTV]

I used the 4x4 99 Blazer 8.5 also.Just found a S10 ZR2 rearend also... Great vid looking forward to the homemade Caltracs vid.

[@r.joseph8911]

what's great about it? While listening, my eyes were rolling in my head like a slot machine!!!