91 GM with snow tires or find a 4WD vehicle?

[Stealthlead]

Thanks for the info, I figured I would be able to use ABS because I don't have it anyways. Also since I'm going back to Phoenix to pick up my snow tires, I thought it might be a good idea to get a quote from a shop down there. AZ differentials is supposed to be a good reputable shop.. my buddy got his Mustang done there. I called them and they quoted me $875 if I bring in the rear end (I can just drop it at a friends house) with a True Tack Eaten limited slip, Ford MS 3.73's, he said he uses Tempton bearings and this includes a sandblast/repaint of the rear end. He said he could do it in 1-2 days. It seems like a pretty deal to me, those Eatons go for $450-500 alone.

Also its supposed to start snowing again tomorrow ._. fml

[landmaster77]

powertrax

dont mean to hijack, but I sent an e-mail to the powertrax guys asking if the powertrax rear diff would fit a ford 8.5 rear end. the answer I got back was they(powertrax guys) had never even heard of a ford 8.5 rear end.

guess I own one of the oddballs.
1981 ford ltd
302 2bblvv
aod

[sly]

an 8.8 carrier and gears will fit in a 8.5, but I'm pretty sure that the 8.5 carrier won't jive with the aftermarket.

I have an 8.8 open with 2.73 gears laying in my garage that's not going to be used by me.

[Stealthlead]

I've been reading lately that 28 splines are a lot weaker than 31... is it worth upgrading since I'm already doing this and what would be needed? I'm pretty sure I'd need new axles but would it be a good idea to replace them anyways? I will be well over 400hp in the future. What about something like this - http://www.americanmuscle.com/31spli...8693-5lug.html

[pantera77]

The only thing for a Mustang 8.8 that will fit a panther is the carrier. Axle housing, axle length, suspension mounting points, ect... are all different.

[Stealthlead]

Sigh, I keep going back and forth on shops.. I have one shop telling me the other is shit, and vice versa. One is charging a lot less than the other, but that specific one has some scary online reviews. And the local shop wants to charge me $1400. I am pleasantly reminded why I hate shops so much... I wonder if I bought the parts, got a rear end from a whale and just took my time & researched if I could just do this myself. Considering I'm planning on pulling 400hp+ in the future I think it might be worthwhile to do a 31 spline conversion now and spend the extra for an Eaton limited slip. Not sure, still trying to figure this out. I could really use some suggestions >.<

[pantera77]

You would want an aero rear end, a whale rear end won't work, in 98 they went to a watts link and repositioned the control arms.

[Stealthlead]

opps meant aero* 91-97

[jaywish]

Research if 31 spline axles are available from a reputable manufacturer for those years. Basically they need to be the same length as the 28 spline from 91-97. Then get prices for usa made axles and decide. After all new quality parts are nice in any case.

[jaywish]

Other folks would have to weigh in on the necessity of an Eaton over a Ford unit with the upgraded clutches.

[Stealthlead]

Ok after reading it doesn't seem like upgrading to a 31 spline is really worth it. They are nearly impossible to find (on limo's, but I've never even seen a limo) and even still I'm reading about fitment issues in the casing. It seems like 28 splines can take a beating and I'm not planning on doing high rpm launches with sticky tires (atleast not soon). And yes I was just thinking about that Jaywish, I don't think going with an Eaton is the best choice in my application for the kind of performance I'm needing versus the cost. I can keep the cost a lot lower by going with a ford trak loc, same goes for reusing the axles. Most everything in a rear end rebuild seems manageable but I do not have access to a hydraulic press.

[jaywish]

That is what machine shops are for.

[Stealthlead]

I'm just going to take it to a local diff shop, they can do it for $450 if I drop it & bring it to them.. I'm going to buy the parts including the ring and pinion, trak lok, and rebuild kit. Would a kit like this work out- http://www.summitracing.com/parts/bc.../grand-marquis
I am also going to do the rear disc conversion while this is going on because I'll have to pull the rear axles for it anyways.

[fmansfield444]

Are there any yards close to you? When I do this I plan on going to a yard and pulling the entire rear end and just putting the whole thing on my car. I've seen plenty of k code and other code 3.55L rear end panthers in my yards. And they only charge $75 for the whole setup.

[jaywish]

"k code" means posi 3:55 so the carrier can be refreshed and reused. You may be happy with 3.55 gears anyway.