Rear Axle Width

[jrichards]

I am getting ready to pull the trigger on a coupe and lining everything out before writing the check. I have looked at lots of different axles from the Moser to salvage yard rebuilds. Two questions:

1) From the research on the forum I understand that an 8.8 from an 87-98 fox body works but was told to go to use 87-93 because of the shorter width. I also saw read that the coupe requires a wider axle than the roadster. What is the correct width that I need assuming I want to run wide tires?

2) I have also been told that the 3:27 is the best gear ratio for street and track but have also seen lots of 3:55 rear ends on cars posted on this forum. What is the ideal ratio?

Thanks in advance and looking forward to joining the brotherhood.

[jrichards]

More specifically, does this rear end work this application?
This is a positive traction/limited slip/traction lok rear axle.
This rear end has a 3.27 AXLE ratio.
This is a direct replacement for 96 97 98 Mustang SVT COBRA.
This rear has 11.65 inch COBRA specific vented rear brakes.
This a direct bolt in on 96 97 98 3.8L v6 cars. This is a big upgrade over the weaker 7.5 inch v6 rear axles with open differentials.
This axle is 61.5 inches from brake hub to hub.

[xlr8or]

You want the wider axle unless you want to use wheels with a deeper dish.
Rear ratio will depend on the engine trans combo and intended use. 3:55 is a good all around gear. 3:27 gear with T5 trans will make 5th gear useless below 80 MPH due to the deep overdrive 5th gear.

[jkrueger]

If I knew then what I know now I would have gotten the wider axle. The fenders on the coupe are very wide. 3:55 or 3:27 would be a good ratio. Like xlr8or said it really depends on the engine tranny combo.

JC

[jrichards]

I spoke with Gordon Levy at Levy Racing about these questions today. He was incredibly helpful and responsive. I was very impressed and intend to send my business his way for the motor and rear end.

[unvdaveg]

If you order the FFR Halibrand Replica Wheels - Dont use the 99 and Newer 8.8 rear end as the mounted rims are 1/2" wider than the overall width of the car @ the rear fender lips.
I got the 17x9/17x10 wheel set and my donor is a 2003 Mach 1 with only 5137 miles on it when it was rolled....I was warned that the rear axel was too wide but I wanted to check it myself....It is too wide.

Question: I want to run the ABS from the 03 Mach 1 so I need a shorter rear end that has the speed sensor axle shafts for the ABS What Years should I use? Thanks!

[CHAZC5ZX]

I used A 98 axel and it was just right.. As far as gearing, I think 3:27 would be great for primarily A street car. With the standard 5 speed it should turn about 2K RPM at 70 MPH. With 3:55 1st gear and maybe 2nd would only be used for tire roasting.
Chaz...