8.8" Rear End Issue

[kraftee]

I am using an 8.8" rear out of a 1988 Mustang GT (one of our old Firehawk race cars.) Late in its racing life, we put in a full-on Detroit Locker with 3.73 gears. When I installed this rear in my 33 project, I upgraded to Summit 5-lug axles. However, it was not fun to drive on the street with the full locker, so Gordon Levy was nice enough too swap me a rebuilt Trac Loc for it (yeah, I know, the Locker is worth more - whatever - I just wanted a standard Ford limited slip.)

Went to install the new rear last night and everything went together easily until I got to the cross pin installation. It seems the distance from the top of the C-clip channel to the end of the axle on the Summit axles must be more than that of the standard Ford axles as the pin WILL not go in. I took measurements and the space between the axle ends - with the C-clips installed and the axles pulled all the way out - is .726. The diameter of the pin is .751. Yes, the C-clips are fully seated. I am not sure now whether to buy new axles, machine down the existing axle ends (and by how much), machine a flat onto the cross pin, or what. Anyone else run into this problem? If so, what did you do?

[wallace18]

I am using an 8.8" rear out of a 1988 Mustang GT (one of our old Firehawk race cars.) Late in its racing life, we put in a full-on Detroit Locker with 3.73 gears. When I installed this rear in my 33 project, I upgraded to Summit 5-lug axles. However, it was not fun to drive on the street with the full locker, so Gordon Levy was nice enough too swap me a rebuilt Trac Loc for it (yeah, I know, the Locker is worth more - whatever - I just wanted a standard Ford limited slip.)

Went to install the new rear last night and everything went together easily until I got to the cross pin installation. It seems the distance from the top of the C-clip channel to the end of the axle on the Summit axles must be more than that of the standard Ford axles as the pin WILL not go in. I took measurements and the space between the axle ends - with the C-clips installed and the axles pulled all the way out - is .726. The diameter of the pin is .751. Yes, the C-clips are fully seated. I am not sure now whether to buy new axles, machine down the existing axle ends (and by how much), machine a flat onto the cross pin, or what. Anyone else run into this problem? If so, what did you do?
I have used the Summit axles on 3 different 8.8 rears and not had that problem. I guess it is up to you if there is enough meat on the axles for some machining or not. I guess you could flatten the pin as well .025".

[kraftee]

Ground down the ends of the axles a bit with the flapper wheel and they went in perfectly!

[Gordon Levy]

I set these up tight with the alternative clutch stacking method. When finished you should have to tap the pin in with a hammer and have no axle play.

[Gordon Levy]

Also put friction modifier in it and do a few circles left and right in a parking lot. It will get everything seated.