Considering 8.8 Swap

[81cutlass]

have you started making this kit yet? I am interested.

Here is my build. Should have kits this summer, I just gotta get machining plates.

https://gbodyforum.com/threads/zr2-s10-8-6-rear-in-a-g-body-build.63106/page-7

 

[DysonSS]

Here is my build. Should have kits this summer, I just gotta get machining plates.

https://gbodyforum.com/threads/zr2-s10-8-6-rear-in-a-g-body-build.63106/page-7

Awesome build!!! I ended up finding a holy grail early bronco 9 inch for cheap money, which is 59" overall. The only thing that sucks it the 5x5.5 bolt pattern. I'll probably end up drilling the axles.

 

[Bar50]

Awesome build!!! I ended up finding a holy grail early bronco 9 inch for cheap money, which is 59" overall. The only thing that sucks it the 5x5.5 bolt pattern. I'll probably end up drilling the axles.

Bud, just buy axles. I did the re-drilled deal a couple times, all of them tore out. One of those applications was much less output than a 6.0 makes stock. Don't wreck your car for the price of aftermarket axles. Upgrade to 31 spline if it's not already.

 

[DysonSS]

Thanks for the advice it's much appreciated. If that's the case I will look for some used 5x5.5 wheels until I have enough for axles and a drag spool. I already have a 28 spline mini spool in the carrier. I do plan on upgrading when money permits. I should make over 450 horsepower NA with the motor I'm building and I plan on 100-150 shot nitrous in the future. This will be mainly a track car gutted interior and a 12 point cage. I might hit some local shows with it when it's done.

 

[Bar50]

Yeah, a dirt track full spool is like $80-100. $270-300 for 31 spline axles with bearings and lug studs.

 

[Patobusta]

[QUOTE="If you can find a manual 4.3 4wd S10 they allegedly have a 59" wide 8.5 in a 3.42. My kit will work on one of those you just have to find one.[/QUOTE]

Can someone confirm the 59" is from flange to flange? backing plate to backing plate, disc/drum to disc/drum?

 

[81cutlass]

[QUOTE="If you can find a manual 4.3 4wd S10 they allegedly have a 59" wide 8.5 in a 3.42. My kit will work on one of those you just have to find one.

Can someone confirm the 59" is from flange to flange? backing plate to backing plate, disc/drum to disc/drum?[/QUOTE]

That distance is wheel mount flange to wheel mount flange. Just never found one.

 

[454GrandPrix]

Google the Sloppy Mechanics Malibu wagon build....6.0 with a turbo spit out an 8.8

Okay, I googled it... and I found out the full story. Yes, the guy swapped an 8.8 into his Malibu. In his own words, he then "wheel hopped it like **** and bent the left axle tube." (You can read it here.) It is common knowledge that severe wheel hop under torque is extremely destructive, and can cause failure in just about any axle setup--I see it all the time in Jeeping, too. Wheel hop carnage should not be taken as any sort of evidence that the Ford 8.8 is a weak axle.

Just look at the guy's other builds. His Fairmont #1 ran 11.3 @ 128 MPH; his Fairmont #2 ran 9.95 @ 141 MPH; his Fairmont #3 ran 9.68 @ 145 MPH; his Fairmont #5 doesn't have an ET listed yet but it does have a video of it putting down 740 wheel HP on the dyno. He has also built an '05 Colorado that ran 9.78 @ 143 MPH. He has swapped a Ford 8.8 axle into every one of these vehicles, yet none of them have blown one up.

Just sayin'.

 

[L92 OLDS]

Hmmmm. Must be the Ford control arm mount locations aren't correct for a G body? Another reason why buying an 8.5" G body rear makes sense. I suppose anything is possible after enough hacking and welding.
Aside from the language I enjoy watching Denmah's videos.

 

[454GrandPrix]

Must be the Ford control arm mount locations aren't correct for a G body?

I have no idea. Maybe? All I know is, my car hasn't axle hopped once. <shrug>