Vintage Mustang 8.8 Rear & 4 Link Conversion (Explorer + Ridetech)

In this episode my buddy Andrew helps tackle a 8.8 Explorer rear end paired to a Ridetech 4 Link suspension. We attempt to confer the install and the advantages of pairing these two components of your drivetrain.
Spring Perches 3.25”
www.summitraci...

[@FollowTheBuilds]

One edit note: we found center from the axle flanges (ends) then wherever that landed on the diff pumpkin we went out from there 21.5” to get the overall 43” perch centers. That may not have come across clearly from the graphic I drew up in the vid.

[@Entrastang]

Great job. Can’t wait to put the 4-link in my 66.

[@FollowTheBuilds]

Thank you! It was a first for me. Of course I haven’t had it on the road yet but seems like it’s going to make a big difference.

[@Entrastang]

@@FollowTheBuilds how many hours did the install take?

[@FollowTheBuilds]

@@Entrastang 7hrs...1hr of that was moving the cradle into position. You may consider just drilling the holes for the cradle at the initial mock up. Getting it back into position took time so you could eliminate that by drilling the holes as soon as you get it where you like it.

[@FE428Power]

Did you have any issues with the drive shaft hitting the tunnel since the differential is offset? You can center the pinion by cutting 7" off the long side of the axle tube and 4" off the short side. Then you swap each end, including the axles, and weld the tubes in place. This centers up the pinion.

[@RegulerShowTV]

the pinion is offset from the factory on 67-70, I only know that bc I just rewelded the perches an inch inboard on this 67 9 inch, and noticed one side is longer than the other, though i’m not sure if the offset is the same as these explorer rears

[@satoisme]

Keep making videos dude! This is awesome and it is a great tutorial for those looking for mods.

[@mikemoore201]

Great videos! Found you over on the Colt 65 Facebook page and I'm glad I did, your AJE install answered a lot of questions for me and you may have swayed me to go Ridetech in the rear. Thanks!

[@FollowTheBuilds]

That awesome. Would love to follow along on your progress.

[@ridetechtv]

Great video! Thanks for the heads up on the hardware, Checking all those boxes now!

[@FollowTheBuilds]

Many thanks! Once get this one on the road looking forward to putting these on the other stangs as well. Any kits for early Broncos coming out?

[@J_B86]

Thank you for this video and full break down of specs

[@TheRaulr151]

Man you mean your front spring bolts didn’t seize in your bushing? Ha! Great vid man!!

[@FollowTheBuilds]

Fortunately they were relatively new. But I’ve been there and done the full sawsall mode to those front leaf bushings!

[@michaelthompson3359]

I am building a 69 FB. This is a great video!!!

[@FamilyFun3132]

That was bad to the bone! Great work! Love the video, bro!!

[@MachRC9]

Nice work. The video is very well done. Good lighting and sound. Have you gotten a chance to do a test drive yet? What made you pick this ride tech rear over all the competitors?

[@rogerchambers8587]

Found you looking for a 4 link for my narrowed explorer axle under my Falcon.

[@NGG1983]

the thought of dropping one of those U-bolts into the frame is the stuff of nightmares. there's no way i'd have the balls to do that without a nut on one end.

[@rickbarger5161]

Cool video love that stance I try to keep it low as it is if you can

[@dsrgarage]

It looks like you had to weld one of the tabs on the center section part. Did you have any trouble since the center section is cast? When I talked to ridetech they said don’t weld the tabs on the cast part

[@musclecustoms1967]

Awesome!

[@mystang0304]

Great video! Have one question? That center bump, did you cut a hole and replace the sheet metal to make it stronger? Mine was welded but it hasn't held on too well. Hope to hear back from ya! Keep up the good work

[@FollowTheBuilds]

Hmmm….the center bump was removed so that the cradle fit. I’d have to go look again but I thought that was a requirement for the install.

[@RubenSegura]

Great job and super informative, I love it!

[@FollowTheBuilds]

Thanks! Awesome...subbing now

[@RubenSegura]

@@FollowTheBuilds thank you sir!

[@kmoss9521]

Dope! I want put a thunderbird Independent Rearend into a classic mustang.

[@FollowTheBuilds]

Yes! That would be awesome.

[@65fstbk]

Did the kit come with 3.25" U-bolts?

[@johnwesleycollins878]

Cool still got the 65 in the garage good information further ?

[@beezowdoodoozoppitybopbopb9488]

As far as the pinion seal is concerned, I'd assume a paint marker would help, as well as counting the threads

[@FollowTheBuilds]

Awesome…paint marker will be a must next time

[@MachRC9]

Awesome Video! Just want I needed. Why did you choose ride tech over TCI or other brands?

[@dcstang67]

any particular reason you chose to go with the Ridetech 4 link instead of the AJE 4 Link?

[@offonefr]

would this work on a 73 mustang?i would appreciate the reply. cool vid man.

[@FollowTheBuilds]

Thanks so much. Yes...1964.5 - 1973 Mustangs have the same spring perch distance 43.0" . The 71-73 Mustang housings are 56" wide. The Explorer housing is 54.25”. You very well might gain some rear wheel clearance for a wider stance in the back if you would like. 👍

[@F1perm]

On my 69 mustang the ridetech upper control arms are to long and land on the diff pumpking how di u get youre to rest on the tubes?? Im using a 8.8 diff

[@andrewhelseth4587]

The explorer diff pumpkin is off center, and the better view where he shows the 3.5 inches or whatever from the tab is on the side that has “more” axle tube length. If you slow the video down and look at the other side, you can see that the tab is indeed welded onto the cast pumpkin. I’m using a mustang 8.8 and I think BOTH upper tabs land on the pumpkin.

[@dsrgarage]

@@andrewhelseth4587 is your 8.8 a shortened explorer axle or not regular width? I have a narrowed 8.8 and I’m debating on going ridetech. I think since my center section is centered it might not end up with tabs on the cast but trying to figure it out as much as possible.

[@hbmustangs]

Will the offset of the axle be okay with the driveshaft

[@IDKWTFID]

how do you know what size coil overs to use for the kit

[@FollowTheBuilds]

This was a tough one. I have to research the stock Ridetech kit to figure out the collapsed and full reach of the coil overs…picked up strange coil overs from there.

[@IDKWTFID]

⁠@@FollowTheBuildsfrom where ridetech? I found some info on their site 5.2" stroke shock and a 12" 175 lb. spring. Compressed is 11.23" Recommended Ride Height is 14.5" and Extended is 16.43"

[@MissionRestomod]

Is the driveshaft going to hit the tunnel? Sure looks like it with that offset.

[@FollowTheBuilds]

From past installs its likely the passenger side floor pan will need a massage towards the very back where the driveshaft and yoke meet. Other than that no issues there 🤞.

[@MissionRestomod]

@@FollowTheBuilds I’ve got the “junkyard shortened” explorer 8.8 in my 63 hardtop falcon and it’s close! The stock exploder 8.8 width definitely would hit the floor. I also have the AJE suspension in my falcon. I don’t really use my KZbin though. Follow at “Bag of Bones 1963 Falcon Build” on Facebook.

[@superdutymustang87]

Why not use a fox 8.8 the pinions centered in the dif housing the explorer looks like the drive shaft wouldn't be straight wouldn't that put more strain on the universal

[@FollowTheBuilds]

@@superdutymustang87 there is an AJE rear kit that accomplishes this. Then it will be centered. The explorer rear does have advantages over stock fox or SN95 8.8 but no deal breakers for sure. Regarding the offset...most mini pickups have an offset pumpkin. it's normal.. Ranger/ Explorers did it for fuel tank clearences, as is the case with most of the other pickups.. Center the axle, not the pumpkin and you will be fine.

[@TheCrash8212]

@@superdutymustang87 explorer axle is 31 spline, 96+ have disc brake, factory limited slip and 3.73 or 4.10. mustangs are 28 with drums. The offset is not a factor in 67+ mustangs as the tunnel is wider

[@jjrrxx1981]

Price on the link suspension?

[@gabrielrobles6799]

Hello, good morning, I'm sorry, my name is Gabriel Robles and I want to change the suspension of my 1966 mustang as soon as I get it and if you send it to me, greetings

[@FollowTheBuilds]

Would love to chat. Please message me at [e-mail]

[@randydalton4799]

nice work, too bad the 67-68 fastbacks are ugly as hell looks like on continuous roofline

[@otissurratt3898]

Nogaf

[@djderrickd06]

Trying to install the ride tech but there is a good size gap between the cradle and the frame wall. Did you have this problem?

[@gabrielrobles6799]

Hello, good morning, I'm sorry, my name is Gabriel Robles and I want to change the suspension of my 1966 mustang as soon as I get it and if you send it to me, greetings