8.8 question February 22, 2007, 08:57:27 AM I have a 88 sport and am thinking about going to 8.8. Someone suggested that I use a turbo rear I plan on keeping drums so they suggested that I just switch the drums off my car onto the t-bird rear.Has any one done this or is it even possible. Now from the sticky I find that to keep the drums you must use mustang axles which are 1 inch shorter.Is doing this worth the hassle or should i just go with a mustang rear with drum brakes. Now If I choose to do that will I have a problem with running my 17x9 cobra rs with 275-45 tires with the 1 inch difference. all comments will be appreciated Quote Selected
8.8 question Reply #1 – February 22, 2007, 09:14:18 AM The other option is to get the brakes from an 83-85 Tbird/Cougar 7.5 as they had the same width housing as the 8.8. This will keep your same overall width.The 8.8 is the "Mustang" rear.... Your 88 7.5 housing is wider..thus the need for the shorter axles (3/4" shorter .....not 1") in the 8.8 housing to make your existing drums work. Quote Selected
8.8 question Reply #2 – February 22, 2007, 11:11:06 AM I am running 84 7.5 drums and backing plates on my 88 TC rear (after I removed the disc brakes) and had no problems. Like Chuck said, the Fox Mustang (except the SVO and 93 Cobra) are 3/4 inch shorter each side. What is your backspacing on the wheels?We have more options available with our Fox Birds than the Mustang Guys do. We can use Mustang axles and front A-arms to move all the wheels in 3/4 inch.:D Quote Selected
8.8 question Reply #3 – February 22, 2007, 12:04:24 PM Quote from: 83-88T-Bird Guy;130877IWe can use ......and front A-arms to move all the wheels in 3/4 inch.:DOnly on the 87-88 The 83-86 Tbirds use the Fox Mustang A-arms. Quote Selected
8.8 question Reply #4 – February 22, 2007, 12:22:47 PM Why not just run the disc brakes....theyre better. Quote Selected
8.8 question Reply #5 – February 22, 2007, 12:38:09 PM Quote from: bhazard;130885Why not just run the disc brakes....theyre better.Drums cost less to maintain & replace, maybe? Quote Selected
8.8 question Reply #6 – February 22, 2007, 06:42:29 PM Drums cost less to maintain & replace, maybe?Quote They are more forgiving.You can't beat the stop of disc. Quote Selected
8.8 question Reply #7 – February 23, 2007, 01:22:49 PM I have swapped a mustang 8.8 into my 87. I used my 10" drums in place of the mustang 9" drums. All I changed to use my 10" drums was the backing plates with all the brake shoes and hardware and drums. Quote Selected
8.8 question Reply #8 – February 23, 2007, 01:26:45 PM Quote from: 1badcougar;131050I have swapped a mustang 8.8 into my 87. I used my 10" drums in place of the mustang 9" drums. All I changed to use my 10" drums was the backing plates with all the brake shoes and hardware and drums.Right. As mentioned above, the offset of the axle to the housing is the same between the 86-88 7.5 and the 8.8's...thus you were able to swap the brakes. You did wind up moving the wheels in by 3/4" per side though. Quote Selected
8.8 question Reply #9 – February 23, 2007, 02:17:48 PM Quote from: Chuck W;131051Right. As mentioned above, the offset of the axle to the housing is the same between the 86-88 7.5 and the 8.8's...thus you were able to swap the brakes. You did wind up moving the wheels in by 3/4" per side though.You are correct. My wheels did move in 3/4" per side. The only problem I had was, my 275/60/15 rubbed the quad shacks so I took them off. I should have held out for a 87-88 turbo 8.8 (would love to have disc brakes and my wheels where they belong), but I needed to get my car back on the road since it is my everyday driver. Quote Selected
8.8 question Reply #10 – February 24, 2007, 01:28:45 AM Hello all, I am the mechanic working on SVTBIRD's car...After a LOT of reading, I have determined that the best way to go is to get a Mustang 8.8 and swap his 10" brakes on in place of the 9" brakes on the rear. Am I correct?Are there long studs available for this rear? If so, I will find 3/4" spacers and put the wheels back where they belong.Thanks in advance! Quote Selected
8.8 question Reply #11 – February 24, 2007, 09:58:56 AM Hey jaydubb:I am currently doing exactly what you want to do.Best 3 inch wheel studs I have used are ARP Part # 100-7703I will be using Mustang axles with 1.0 inch billet 4 lug spacers with the studs knocked out of the spacers.This will put my factory TC wheels back with only a 1/4 inch more sticking out. (which is perfect for looks, by the way):birdsmily: Quote Selected
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