I read on Coolcats that TBirds, Cougars, and Mustangs all used the same rear end until mid-85. I've got an 84 T-Bird with a 7.5", and I picked up a rear end out of an early 85 Mustang (also 7.5"). The date code on the Mustang rear is 5D27, which I believe translates to April 85.
We got the rear end out this weekend and got to measuring, and realized that the T-Bird rear is 0.75" wider on each end axle to axle.
Does anyone know what gives? I thought they were supposed to be identical, so I'm kind of bummed. I'm still going to put it in because I want the locker, but now I have to use wheel spacers or something. :(
T birds used longer axles. the housing should be identicle
Aah. So the mid-85 switch was just to lengthen the housing so they didn't need the offset brake drums any longer?
Bah. Besides spacers do I have any options?
Take the axles and brakes off the Tbird rear end and put them into the Mustang one....simple enough...
Swap your brakes/axles over. Problem solved.
Dangit Chuck! :grinno: Had I not been eating I would have beat cha!!!
Aah - I got it. I went out today and pulled the axles out and it does look like they'll swap fine. You guys mentioned swapping the brakes, and obviously the drums are different, but do I have to swap the backing plates too? I notice the lip of the plates on the Bird plates are a little thicker but it seems like the rest of it is similar enough to stay. What do you guys think?
Thanks!
-Bill