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Technical => Drivetrain Tech => Topic started by: blain_gatterdam on August 20, 2011, 05:02:43 PM

Title: sn-95 1998 GT 8.8 axle
Post by: blain_gatterdam on August 20, 2011, 05:02:43 PM
Is on craigslist close to where I live, guy wants $150 firm but I dont know if it will be the same width as the new front end when I'm done?

I used to know all of this by heart but after neglecting the bird and working on my van, camaro, explorer, rv, etc... I've gotten jumbled with my compatible axles.

There used to be a great list floating around here on the various alxe sizes, but the only one I can find is incomplete. So sorry for asking what I even feel is a dumb question but I just want to figure out/ set sights on what axle I need to jump on.

-Blain

p.s I posted in the wanted section for 1/4 panel metal!
Title: sn-95 1998 GT 8.8 axle
Post by: Beau on August 20, 2011, 05:11:07 PM
You'll need both axles. Unless you want 4 lug on side, 5 on the other.

Think you mean the whole rear end..?

It'll be the same width as the rear now,  to . (The parts where the wheels sit on the ends...)

It measures in at 61 inches...look for the first sticky in this very section. A lot of folks are owed thanks for their work :bowdown:
Title: sn-95 1998 GT 8.8 axle
Post by: blain_gatterdam on August 20, 2011, 05:58:11 PM
Sorry I meant he has a whole end to end 98 axle for sale. I want to upgrade from my single 7.5 to a limited slip 8.8 with as new brakes as possible. I was thinking 99-04 cobra up front and whatever suits the rear.
Title: sn-95 1998 GT 8.8 axle
Post by: blain_gatterdam on August 20, 2011, 05:58:48 PM
I'm still looking through articles, it just helps to have someone confirm my thoughts as I figure it out.
Title: sn-95 1998 GT 8.8 axle
Post by: Chuck W on August 20, 2011, 06:47:22 PM
It'll be fine.
Title: sn-95 1998 GT 8.8 axle
Post by: blain_gatterdam on August 20, 2011, 06:59:27 PM
I talked with the guy, I'm going to look at it tomorrow. It came out of a GT but he doesnt know if its a track lock or open diff. It has discs and is complete from side to side. I was googling for axle tag codes so I know what to look for. He said its only 84k miles when pulled.
Title: sn-95 1998 GT 8.8 axle
Post by: cougarman on August 20, 2011, 07:28:12 PM
I don't know if the newer ones are different, but the ratio used to be written on the tag no code needed. ex. 3.08 or 3L08 for trac-loc.
Title: sn-95 1998 GT 8.8 axle
Post by: blain_gatterdam on August 20, 2011, 07:50:06 PM
ok, I just want to know how to find a track lock model. ratio isnt that big of a deal, I'm going from a 2.73 anyway so anything is an improvement lol
Title: sn-95 1998 GT 8.8 axle
Post by: cougarman on August 20, 2011, 07:52:50 PM
Just look for an "L" between the numbers. :)
Title: sn-95 1998 GT 8.8 axle
Post by: Beau on August 20, 2011, 08:23:12 PM
or do the old spin the axle trick...if they both spin the same way, it's trac-lok. if they spin opposite, it's an open.
Title: sn-95 1998 GT 8.8 axle
Post by: blain_gatterdam on August 20, 2011, 09:21:32 PM
is it worth it to settle for an open one for $150?
Title: sn-95 1998 GT 8.8 axle
Post by: thewestie on August 20, 2011, 09:31:55 PM
Does the case look mint and come with all the brakes complete?
Title: sn-95 1998 GT 8.8 axle
Post by: Chuck W on August 20, 2011, 11:28:48 PM
Unlikely it would be an open diff.
Title: sn-95 1998 GT 8.8 axle
Post by: Coliosis on August 21, 2011, 05:21:22 AM
what about an explorer? They have 8.8s with lsd...if they are the right length, you could swap it, but prolly have to do a little welding.
Title: sn-95 1998 GT 8.8 axle
Post by: vinnietbird on August 21, 2011, 09:17:00 AM
The Explorer rear isn't as wide, and also, it's offset. One side is shorter than the other. Fits great in a 67 Stang though.
Title: sn-95 1998 GT 8.8 axle
Post by: blain_gatterdam on August 21, 2011, 06:39:27 PM
Picked it up today for $150 bones, its a 3.08 locked disc rear with discs and calipers. I'm going to clean it up and epoxy it black, my buddy is going to open it up and make sure everything is good and replace the seals.

(http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e4/gizthegizzygizmo/315827_2349654747542_1435312895_2679978_5851677_n.jpg)

Now onto the hunt of how the brake lines go and ebrake cables......
Title: sn-95 1998 GT 8.8 axle
Post by: Beau on August 21, 2011, 06:57:44 PM
Thunderchicken started a thread a long assed time ago about using parts-store replacement cables....can't remember if he got 'em for a Mark VII or a TC though...but he had to modify them a bit to make 'em work, but other than that it was done deal, IIRC.


Looks like a nice rear for the price. I'll give 175 if you deliver lol ;)
Title: sn-95 1998 GT 8.8 axle
Post by: blain_gatterdam on August 21, 2011, 08:41:20 PM
I have searched High and low and cannot find any solid information about the sn-95 swap... unless its just a glorified TC rear swap in which case Theres a baspoogeillion TC 8.8 articles on here

And get your eyes off my rear! haha
Title: sn-95 1998 GT 8.8 axle
Post by: Beau on August 21, 2011, 09:50:09 PM
It bolts up just as the rear you have now does....the brake line info you seek is covered....i *think* they are nearly the same as the TC setup...but not 100% sure on this part, as I've not gotten that far with mine yet.

As long as you can either find a set of salvage yard TC park brake cables or order new ones as per ThunderChicken's mods...that's really ALL you need to swap a complete rear in...
Title: sn-95 1998 GT 8.8 axle
Post by: blain_gatterdam on August 23, 2011, 11:50:23 PM
Got it in the car, I'll need to replace most of the suspension and link bars due to rust. Do I just cut off the unused bracket pointing up on either side? Or can this be used to further enhance the rear in my tbird?
Title: sn-95 1998 GT 8.8 axle
Post by: Beau on August 24, 2011, 01:57:40 AM
No! Don't cut that off...that's for the quad shocks....you'll probably want to get a set from a Sport/TurboCoupe and bolt them in. They don't really help a lot for a stockish car...but, hell, why not, right? lol

Do you need the rear control arms?
I still have the stock ones from my Sport. They're in a pile of stuff to go to the sper...they are good, straight, just surface rust. I replaced 'em with CHE arms, so I have no need for them...
Title: sn-95 1998 GT 8.8 axle
Post by: blain_gatterdam on August 26, 2011, 09:39:45 AM
I went through and checked everything, its structurally there. it just looks like hell. I'm gonna get some replacement shocks for a stang or something for the extra mounts and repaint what I have with black epoxy also.

(http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e4/gizthegizzygizmo/339265_2362191660957_1435312895_2696604_2813181_o.jpg)

Added amzoil 75w oil and had to give it a little push ;) brakes were hanging open and apperently I crushed the plastic gas line by the fuel filter with the jack. not sure how though.
Title: '98 sn95 rear install
Post by: t.birdsc on August 27, 2011, 10:56:50 PM
I'm looking to install a similar setup soon and hope you might be able to post some pics. Are you going to use the sn95 cables, brake lines and prop valve? Btw nice find and good thread!


  Mike
Title: sn-95 1998 GT 8.8 axle
Post by: QUICKSHIFT on August 28, 2011, 01:25:55 PM
......this chart?

http://www.foxtbirdcougarforums.com/showthread.php?3664-Help!-7.5-quot-Axle-to-8.8-quot-Trouble!/page6
Title: sn-95 1998 GT 8.8 axle
Post by: Beau on August 28, 2011, 02:18:44 PM
Quote from: QUICKSHIFT;366211
......this chart?

http://www.foxtbirdcougarforums.com/showthread.php?3664-Help!-7.5-quot-Axle-to-8.8-quot-Trouble!/page6 (http://"http://www.foxtbirdcougarforums.com/showthread.php?3664-Help%21-7.5-quot-Axle-to-8.8-quot-Trouble%21/page6")


Ahem...
Quote from: ThunderbirdSport302;365616
It measures in at 61 inches...look for the first sticky in this very section.
;)
Title: sn-95 1998 GT 8.8 axle
Post by: QUICKSHIFT on August 28, 2011, 09:08:20 PM
Quote from: ThunderbirdSport302;366215
Ahem...
 ;)
  .....ya, my bad.  :shoothead
Title: sn-95 1998 GT 8.8 axle
Post by: Beau on August 28, 2011, 09:43:12 PM
S'ok..i'm just funnin' around with ya lol
Title: sn-95 1998 GT 8.8 axle
Post by: blain_gatterdam on September 06, 2011, 07:17:31 AM
Quote
Are you going to use the sn95 cables, brake lines and prop valve?


Have no idea yet, I am pretty much going to re-plumb the rest of the car with stainless tubing which I think leaves a lot open to be decided on. I just spent an ungodly amount to camp at the easyriders rodeo last week, so other than painting what I have; it will be a paycheck or two before I resume buying/adding parts.

I am planning to buy a 95-ish (?) booster and a 93 cobra master cylinder along with the ford racing prop valve (front to rear bias setting?)

Im still debating on taking the 98 GT axle and plumbing it up to the pumpkin with one flex hose like my 7.5 was, or leaving it as is and running the hardlines on the body to the TWO soft lines the axle is providing.

Also for less than $140 I am picking up the oem replacement front brakes for an 04 cobra. calipers pads rotors, etc. I'll go ahead and buy new discs and pads for the rear because its like $40 total.... might as well.

To be continued- I'd like to find a decent set of spindles around town so I dont have to dick around with ebay.