8.8 specs for a 79 Monte

[79CMC]

What's up guys? I've got a 79 Monte with a stock 2002 Camaro LS1 and 4L60E (build: http://www.diabloformularacing.com/ls1_swap_2); it's only going to be a spirited daily driver for now. I'm planning on overhauling my suspension when I get back from the 'Stan in a few months and I've been doing a good bit of research but I can't find exactly what I want in reference to the 8.8 Ford rear end. I have a 7.5 now with airplane gears; I know I could upgrade it, but I'd rather invest the money in something stronger (whether I need it now or not). I also know I could get an 8.5, but they're relatively expensive and I'd still have used parts, so I've moved onto the 8.8 to lower the starting cost point. I understand I'd need to weld on the spring perches and I'd probably use the baseline kit (http://www.baselinesuspensions.com/kits/chevy.htm) for geometry issues-I know enough Marines with Mustangs and welding skills that should be able to help me out. What I need from the G-body community is which 8.8s work the best (I've heard explorer, mustang, t-birds, etc) with minimal modding and which years specifically? Any way I can get one that fits AND has the disc brake set-up? Any other outstanding issues and corresponding fixes with this swap (lug pattern)? If it matters, I'll most likely go with the SC&C Stage II Plus kit up front with OPG 2" lowering springs and Bilstein shocks all around. Still debating on lower control arms. Nothing is set in stone though, so let me hear your suggestions. As always-thanks for the help.

 

[GhettoRacingKid]

just my opinion but why spend all that money and time and put a ford 8.8 in when youll have to do all that work.

youll have drive shaft issues, and the gearing, brake lines etc... the small stuff

an 8.5 will hold up nicely. and a new set of gears is like $200 if you want to change from the 3.42s that youll probably get. and you can get an 8.5 rear for about $1000 complete. simple bolt up. axels are cheap enough if you stick with the 28 spline.

or spend a few bucks and get the 9" which is over kill

ohh with the ford axels youll need to change them also since its a different bolt pattern

 

[79CMC]

Nah, I agree, an 8.5 would be legit if I could find it for the cost of an 8.8 ($200ish). I'm not worried about strength, more about gears and traction. But like you said, you pay close to a grand for a 20+ year old rear. From what I've read, the 8.8 with the baseline kit is nearly bolt in and if I can pull a rear with discs, even better. I figured with the 8.5 shortage and the existence of a kit, the 8.8 swap would gain more popularity. I haven't heard of drive shaft issues with the swap, but that's why I'm interested to hear from someone that's done it. Ford rears are plentiful, cheap, and changing the pumpkin is relatively easy. I am a bit concerned about the bolt pattern, but axles/rotors can be redrilled and I might upgrade to new rims anyways. I thought about getting a quick performance 9", but the housing alone is about $800, which is what I'm hoping will be my final cost with 8.8, however I will have new(er) gears, posi, and (hopefully) disc brakes. Mostly, I'm looking for someone that has done it recently to give me the ins and outs as well as the best donor cars to search for before I pull the trigger.

 

[79loserbluebu]

I'd like to see this as well. The money that I have in my 8.5" isn't as much as most people but I still would of went with a bolt in 12-bolt or S60 from Strange/Moser if I was gonna do it again

 

[78MC-BBC]

you do know that the 8.8 does not have a center chunk like a 9" does, the 8.8 has a typical diff cover with the typical guts like a normal gm rear. only the 9" ford and the mopar 8.75 rears had the remove and replace center section

 

[JBreu]

If your gonna swap out the rears...a 8.5 would hold up great. Don't waste your time on the 8.8 rears. Go with a 9" or a 12 bolt rear from an early A body cars...They are pretty much bolt in deals🙂 Check here: http://www.jdrace.com/

 

[79CMC]

78MC-No, I thought you could interchange the gears like the 9" but I've got no personal experience. Not a big deal though-I don't plan on changing gears after I do it initially.

JBreu-Again, I know the 8.5 is ideal, but I'm asking how to make an 8.8 work. Thanks for the link though. They've got a bolt in 8.8 for G-bodies for sale there under "new items." I can't seem to find the price for the complete package though.

79loserbluebu-Check out this link: http://www.theturboforums.com/smf/ls1-l ... ete-wpics/ A nice run-down of the swap, albeit a bit dated, and one of the main reasons I'm asking about it. He used the TRZ swap kit (I don't think they make them anymore).

 

[GhettoRacingKid]

it realyl doesnt sound cheaper to me.

how much power are you pushing that you want to swap rears?

if you spent that kind of money on a ls2 motor and such . why are you going to be cheap about the rear? and you will have to get a new drive shaft since an 8.8 is bigger then a 7.5

 

[79CMC]

it realyl doesnt sound cheaper to me.

how much power are you pushing that you want to swap rears?

if you spent that kind of money on a ls2 motor and such . why are you going to be cheap about the rear? and you will have to get a new drive shaft since an 8.8 is bigger then a 7.5

Ha well...maybe it's because I spent so much money on the engine that I've got to save cash on the rear :wink: Nah, I figure there's no use in throwing money away-there's always other things to buy for the car. You're right though-I won't have that much power, which is why I'm not seeking out a 9". I'm only upgrading because I know that I'd have to change the gears and add a posi to my 7.5, so I'll add $200-$300 to that total for an 8.8 with possible disc brakes and peace of mind. I've also heard of 7.5s breaking and I don't want to risk it if I can simply avoid it.

I'm not looking to start a debate between the 7.5 vs 8.5 vs 8.8 vs 9; there are many of those threads already. I'm just curious to hear input from anyone who has actually done this swap or has some experience with ford rear ends.

 

[78MC-BBC]

Well i cant help you out on installing an 8.8, since i have had an 8.5 in my Monte since around 1984, dealer installed it during a GM recall. The 8.5 is one hell of a rear axle they can take a beating, there are quite a few with only simple axle shaft upgrades that are in 9 & 10 second turbo Buick's

But i do know there are a few people running the 8.8 in g-bodies and the big area of concern is what to do about the drive shaft yoke. i have seen several 8.8's on local craigslist selling for 100-200 including ones with rear disc and posi. I think iirc the rear to look for is the ones out of the explorer since they came with gears like 3.55 and had posi and lockers and have disc brakes.