Swapping a FORD 8.8 axle into my AE86 (how to)

[@WastedTalentFabrications]

looks good we are going to be doing the same thing with our LS swapped Subaru outback soon lots of good information here

[@theoutsiider9461]

Thank you!

[@X__DeadMan]

How much did you narrow the rear end on each side? And for the axel off of an explore get both passenger sides? Or maybe you could just give me the measurements of how it is now in detail that would work also I’m trying to do the same thing and don’t even have a rear end yet because I want to make sure I can do it before I buy anything

[@bolsillotech9369]

I have a 8.8 31 spline differential from a 98 explorer. I have an ae86 coupe what were you're measurements? Did you have to measure with the wheels offset & tires?

[@ChiemyChanga]

You said you used the factory brakes and factory rotors (you mean off the ford 8 8 right?

[@Cha-KmaN]

What size axle shaft did you use in this adaptation? I mean the length

[@thatjdmkid8170]

🔥🔥

[@NecoOmnis]

did you weigh the 8.8 vs the stock axle i know that comes up a lot but I've never seen any actual numbers on the difference

[@theoutsiider9461]

I did not. But I’ll assume a rough 50 lbs heavier. It’s not a crazy amount. A stock GTS axle weights about 145~150 and a shortened fully loaded 8.8 weights right around 200lbs. I know I’m not the strongest but I could still lift the fully assembled axle into the back of my pickup by myself. And compared to the GTS rear end it’s not drastically heavier.

[@Snake3y3z]

How well do the t3 brackets have to be welded on? Did you do just outer beads or inner and outer? Any cutting on the brackets to make them fit or did you just send it? I just had mine welded on my 87 Ford 8.8

[@theoutsiider9461]

I think just outer would be just fine as long as you have a decent power welder. I did both inner and outer though just for piece of mind. I didn’t however weld it closed I left some spots open for water to drain out if it gets trapped inside the bracket to housing. And no cutting of the brackets. They fit right on. I just mocked them up roughly to factory spots/spacing and sent it.

[@dsmmonster]

Nice work..!! So the 8.8 shortened it’s the same length as the ae86 diff?

[@theoutsiider9461]

Very close to factory. About 1/4” wider on each side.

[@dsmmonster]

The Outsiider that’s not much great info thanks..!!!

[@lowell123]

How did you know where to weld the t3 brackets? Did you build a jig or some other method? Thanks!

[@theoutsiider9461]

I took both axles and measured angle on pinion to bracket angle and then set spacing from center of pumpkin. I also have heim joint arms which have a lot of room for movement of the bracket might end up “out of factory” alignment.

[@1acostarat]

How wide is the original diff compared to the 8.8

[@theoutsiider9461]

Are you asking overall axle width, say from hub to hub?

[@albertrobles8550]

I woukd ask hub to hub?

[@trutrustedissuesdzmu7425]

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[@rwd_jh]

What driveshaft options are out there ?

[@theoutsiider9461]

Mine is a completely custom shaft made by a local shop. Uses W-series front output shaft yoke and typical Ford 8.8 rear from a ranger. Also used front and rear ranger U-joints.

[@rwd_jh]

@@theoutsiider9461Thanks for the reply. Im looking into options for the open sr5 diff. Im still running a T50 with a 4age so your video is super helpful. Any suggestions to get me on the track for the least amount of intial cash? Im chasing seat time.

[@albertrobles8550]

Whats the lenght of it compared to the oem axle and what wheel spec do u use?

[@theoutsiider9461]

It’s about a inch wider on each side and I’m using 20mm spacers and 16x8 +20

[@BarrowsBuilds]

Will a 8.8 out of a mustang work?

[@theoutsiider9461]

Yes and no. A Mustang 8.8 has many disadvantages. Fox body for example only came in 4x108 bolt pattern, that’s much different than most commonly found wheels such as 4x114 or 5x114. Also all mustang 8.8 only came 28 spline which is much weaker than the expedition or mountaineer axle at a 31 spline. The biggest down fall is the 4 link mounting tabs that the mustang chassis used. The top mounting tabs are cast into the housing and are not easy to remove. They are large and take up to much space that would normally be needed for smaller chassis such as AE, TE and alike.

[@kwskater223]

@@theoutsiider9461 what about crown vic 8.8?

[@IohsmdIglomdrnIjsmsIhafmIafmli]

Would you recommend on te72?

[@theoutsiider9461]

Depends on engine. If anything over a 4age 16v you’ll want a AE86 GTS axle at least. So it only goes up from there. I plan on turbo charging the 3sge and wanted the rear end to never give me issues so I way over built it.