8.8 Rear End Swap

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David D

Not-quite-so-new-guy
Aug 18, 2017
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Does anyone have any insight on what it will take to swap a Ford 8.8 rear end into a Gbody. I'm aware that brackets will need to be replaced, axles will need to be drilled to bolt pattern, as far as I can tell an 86-93 Mustang rear end is the best choice. Anyone have experience with this swap? I've got a 1980 Cutlass Supreme. Built (400hp) 1970 310hp 350 Rocket #6 Heads, TH350, Ridler 650 17" wheels, 2" BMR Lowerings Springs and stock 7.5". Is the 7.5" worth saving at all?
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Oct 14, 2008
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Your motor looks nice but why was a Performer intake used on a 400 hp Olds 350? What was all done to get 400 hp? There are a few who have done this swap and are doing it right now. Do a search, you will find good info. Good luck.
 
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Turbolq4

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Sep 25, 2017
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I've given advice a few times on this swap. Search it up and see if it fits your planned build.
 
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David D

Not-quite-so-new-guy
Aug 18, 2017
11
7
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Your motor looks nice but why was a Performer intake used on a 400 hp Olds 350? What was all done to get 400 hp? There are a few who have done this swap and are doing it right now. Do a search, you will find good info. Good luck.
This 350 is out of Lingenfelter's 1970 Vista Cruiser and I was told it made 350hp at the time, I have done a rebuild on it, new rings, bearings, etc. With the cam, full element filter (not pictured), intake and slightly opened #6 heads it should be right at 400hp. The performer was chosen partially because of price at the time and being told it was a decent choice for the application. I have yet to see what it puts to the wheels but i have access to a dyno at any point, I just need to get it on there.
 

Wraith

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Jan 13, 2013
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Stock peg leg 7.5"? Don't bother throwing money at it. I beat a 3.73 posi Monte SS rear for years on the street like it owed me money, only matters if you hook it hard and track abuse it. My .02
 
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Oct 14, 2008
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I have #6 heads with opened bowls and a 2.05" intake valve and a 214/214 cam and 9 to 1 compression, I would be lucky to have 275 hp. What cam and compression? Unless there are Dyno numbers, don't believe the BS someone told you. Either way you should have 300+ ft/lbs of torque. The 7.5" is marginal if you have over 300 ft/lbs without upgrades. The stock spider gears explode first. If you keep the 7.5", upgrade to a Detroit Trutrac, 28 spline axles and a girdle cover. A used set of 3.23 to 3.73 gears and a Torsen posi with either used GN 8.5" axles or new Moser axles. Price everything out before spending any money.
 
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David D

Not-quite-so-new-guy
Aug 18, 2017
11
7
3
I have #6 heads with opened bowls and a 2.05" intake valve and a 214/214 cam and 9 to 1 compression, I would be lucky to have 275 hp. What cam and compression? Unless there are Dyno numbers, don't believe the BS someone told you. Either way you should have 300+ ft/lbs of torque. The 7.5" is marginal if you have over 300 ft/lbs without upgrades. The stock spider gears explode first. If you keep the 7.5", upgrade to a Detroit Trutrac, 28 spline axles and a girdle cover. A used set of 3.23 to 3.73 gears and a Torsen posi with either used GN 8.5" axles or new Moser axles. Price everything out before spending any money.
Currently I have a Trutrac that I was given as we were cleaning out the backroom of the our shop. I was thinking of using that and slapping a 3.42 - 3.73 gear in it for the summer. By next summer id like to just swap for the 8.8.
 

David D

Not-quite-so-new-guy
Aug 18, 2017
11
7
3
Stock peg leg 7.5"? Don't bother throwing money at it. I beat a 3.73 posi Monte SS rear for years on the street like it owed me money, only matters if you hook it hard and track abuse it. My .02
The only reason I was planning on possibly using the 7.5 was becaise I have a Trutrac i was gifted from my shop. Possibly put 3.42 - 3.73 and use it for the remainder of the summer. Sadly finding Monte rear ends around me being in Detroit, do not lay around long.
 
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Macguyver

SOUTHSIDE MACHINE PERFORMANCE
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Mar 21, 2017
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We posted on this in another post. This is the highlights...



The weld on bracket kit deals with the instant center issue and upper control mounts.
This control arm kit from SSM Performance is designed to bolt an Ford Explorer rear end into GM G-Body, A-Body cars; this includes Chevelle, GTO, Monte Carlo, Malibu, El Camino, Regal, Grand National, Grand Prix and Cutlass and many others. These upper control arms are built at the correct angle and length to attach to the the truss and chassis. The relocation bracket kit will allow for proper instant (geometry) changes. The adjustable lower control arms allow you to center rear.
(Found in Ford Explorer)


  • Ring gear measures 8.8".
  • 31 Spline axle shafts with a 1.32" diameter
  • Ratios: 2.26, 2.47, 2.73, 3.08, 3.27, 3.31, 3.45, 3.55, 3.73, 4.10 & 4.56, 5.14

These are stronger than the Mustang 8.8 with 28 spline

The arms are only $400 and the bracket kit is $200

No modification of the 8.8 is needed. Other than the bracket kit.
Wheel fitment is 8" with 4.5" BS and a 10" with 5.5" BS.


THIS KIT IS FOR THE PERSON WHO DOESN'T WANT TO SPEND
$1900 OR MORE ON A 9" REAR-END.

Our extreme duty control arms allow for pinion angle adjustment for reduced vibration and increased traction. Our exclusive Polyurethane bushings offer controlled positioning during suspension travel which improves traction and rear suspension efficiency. This item is a must for any high horsepower
Benefits: Pinion angle adjustments for improved traction and reduced wheel hop. Heavy duty construction for long lasting durability on the street or track. Complete ready to bolt-in and most kits includes polyurethane rear end housing bushings.

  • 2, Adjustable lower arms
  • 2, Double Adjustable upper arms
  • 2, Upper control arm mounts
  • 2, 4 hole lower adjustable control arm mounts
  • 2, coil spring pads
  • 1, axle truss
  • Ford 8.8 NOT included


The control arm kit is all bolt on. The simple fabrication to the rear-end obviously will require welding.

These are truly overkill! All grade 8 hardware is included. Made in USA!
All parts are custom built in house. Indianapolis Indiana
Please give us a call before your purchase to make sure this is the right kit for you. We have several kits available for different types of cars.

Always feel free to contact the shop.
 
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