Fox T-Bird/Cougar Forums

Technical => Drivetrain Tech => Topic started by: VEngines on February 05, 2006, 04:50:45 PM

Title: Switching From Independ to mustang straight axle
Post by: VEngines on February 05, 2006, 04:50:45 PM
Hey i was wondering if anyone has taken out a independ rear end and put in a straight axle i have a 93 T-bird and i want to put a 8.8 Mustang rearend it whats all involved? is the swap easy or lots of mods?
Title: Switching From Independ to mustang straight axle
Post by: V8Demon on February 05, 2006, 05:01:05 PM
If it's a v8 you SHOULD have an 8.8, just independent and not solid.....  This would be a rather involved process and would require some custom fabrication.  If you have the 7.5 you could always seek out an MN-12 with the independent rear 8.8 and bolt it up.
Title: Switching From Independ to mustang straight axle
Post by: Tbird232ci on February 05, 2006, 06:17:53 PM
the 8.8 pumpkin from an MN12 is a direct swap, and really easy. What people like to do is get the Mark VIII pumpkin, which is aluminum, put the traction lock and gears of their choice in it, and swap that in.

As for a straight axle swap, its a very huge project
Title: Switching From Independ to mustang straight axle
Post by: VEngines on February 06, 2006, 05:44:31 PM
The only reason why i want to do the swap is to get rid of the independant i do have a 8.8 pod in there now. But the independ seems to be a weak point. im running near 700HP through a AOD to the rear and it wont hold up.
Title: Switching From Independ to mustang straight axle
Post by: Red_LX on February 06, 2006, 11:11:06 PM
Can you even put a solid axle in a MN12? I don't recall ever hearing of anyone do it, but I don't hear much about them anyway (nor do I know much about em)
Title: Switching From Independ to mustang straight axle
Post by: SLEEPER T-BIRD 87 on February 07, 2006, 12:38:20 AM
Quote from: VEngines
The only reason why i want to do the swap is to get rid of the independant i do have a 8.8 pod in there now. But the independ seems to be a weak point. im running near 700HP through a AOD to the rear and it wont hold up.



Whats your combo ? running a lentech aod?
Title: Switching From Independ to mustang straight axle
Post by: srv1 on February 07, 2006, 07:35:10 PM
Quote from: VEngines
Hey i was wondering if anyone has taken out a independ rear end and put in a straight axle i have a 93 T-bird and i want to put a 8.8 Mustang rearend it whats all involved? is the swap easy or lots of mods?


Unlike the IRS Mustangs, the TBird?Cougars bolt upward to the unibody for the IRS. These cars (MN12) never had a solid axle so there is no hookup points. The Mustangs are still a Fox body, these arent. The fox body IRS uses the pickup points where the upper, lower and kicker shocks are mounted to so that is why Mustang guys can make an easy swap. You are going to have to fabricate everything. I bet someone has backhalfed a MN12 but I dont think anyone on here has.

James
Title: Switching From Independ to mustang straight axle
Post by: Red_LX on February 08, 2006, 03:22:54 AM
Really, if you have 700 hp a backhalf wouldn't be a bad idea.
Title: Switching From Independ to mustang straight axle
Post by: VEngines on February 08, 2006, 11:02:36 PM
Thanks for the help :)
Title: Switching From Independ to mustang straight axle
Post by: VEngines on February 08, 2006, 11:08:26 PM
Whats your combo ? running a lentech aod?  To answer that question no not a lentech im running a TCI streetfighter that i put together w/3500 stall converter and modified the valve body to full manual.
Title: Switching From Independ to mustang straight axle
Post by: Red_LX on February 08, 2006, 11:12:38 PM
I think he meant what's your combo as in, powerplant? I'm curious myself.
Title: Switching From Independ to mustang straight axle
Post by: SLEEPER T-BIRD 87 on February 09, 2006, 01:01:12 AM
Quote from: VEngines
Whats your combo ? running a lentech aod?  To answer that question no not a lentech im running a TCI streetfighter that i put together w/3500 stall converter and modified the valve body to full manual.



combo as in engine.  block,heads,etc..






im real curious how the trans holds up to 700h/p when it has a much much lower power rating.


pulled from there website.

The Street Fighter is ideal for vehicles that are powered by engines producing up to 450 horsepower, without superchargers.