I was doing a search and came across a post from heckshemi where he shortend a ford explorer 8.8 rear end, for use in an abody. He shortend the left axle tube by 3" and used another right side axle. Does anyone know how the results were, after installation? It looked like the flange to flange measurment was still about 3'' too long. Would wheel backspacing overcome this?

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Excuse me, does this smell like chloroform to you?

I had a Mustang with a 8.8 and I was just helping a friend with his 8.8 in his truck. I think they are junk. The bearings ride directly on the axle so when the bearings go it an axle replacement too. the bearings are not lubed with grease but with the rear end oil. So you need to replace the rear end oil every 15,000 miles. I dont see much good with an 8.8 ford.

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1966 Signet
Turbo Slant Six

Yes, that was me. I've made three of the 8.8s so far. They work great. I put one in my 64 Dart, one in my 61 Valiant and I sold one. These are strong rear ends, comparable to the chevy 12 bolt in strenght. The explorer rear end uses the truck 31 spline axles and the larger cross pin. Its stronger than the mustang GT 8.8 which is already pretty strong.
The explorer rear is 59 1/2" outside flange to outside flange, so after it's shortened 3" it comes out to about 56 1/2" which is just about right. 3.73 ratio with trac-loc are common. Look for the 94 and later for disc brakes.

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Franklin
'61 Valiant

Thanks for the info. I think I wil go that way. I cannot find any older cars up here to get a rear for my dart. I have a 904 trans, what would be recommended for gearing? Would 3.7* be too much for around town?What do you think about 3.5* with the 904? I dont take this car to the track, I mainly drive it in the city. I would like to have it quick off the line,you know......for a little fun. Kind of tired of the one wheel take take offs.

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Excuse me, does this smell like chloroform to you?