Which rear-end?

[Mikey/PR]

Ok, I might sound like a newbie but I need to hear it from You guys here. (just to confirm) The 4 link rear-end is from a 90's mustang and a 3 link donor would be a 2005 and newer Mustangs, Am I right? Thanks in advance!

[Indy Shu]

Mr Newbie,
Don't know much about the hot rods specifically, but the rear ends are the same, typically from a fox body style mustang (87-93) for best width, or a new one thru Factory Five. The 4 link and 3 link is how they are set up and mounted in the new car. No mustangs suspensions here.
Welcome aboard!


From FFR website:

Four-Link Rear Suspension
Our standard 4-link is a great performance street car suspension. It comes with custom anti-squat geometry and is ready to accept Ford Mustang 8.8” solid axle donor rear suspension parts.
Three-Link Rear Suspension
The upgraded 3-link rear suspension is standard in Mk4 complete kits and all FFR Challenge Series cars. It includes the frame brackets, panhard bar, control arms, KONI mono-tube rod end coil-over shocks (matched to the fronts) and springs. Recognized as a proven and worthy upgrade to the standard Mustang 4-link, this suspension eliminates any bind and provides an amazingly predictable ride at the track or on the street.
Independent Rear Suspension
Our Independent Rear Suspension (IRS) option is designed for those looking for the most comfort, authenticity, and performance. The IRS can be added to either the base or the complete kit. It includes a welded-in cage, upper and lower tubular control arms, high-end KONI mono-tube rod-end coil-over shocks (matched to the fronts), and custom assembled axles and CV joints. The IRS option for the Mk4 kit requires the 8.8” center section, rear spindles, and brakes from a 2015 or later Ford Mustang.

[RoadRacer]

Indy is correct, I have a 3-link setup with a 2002 Mustang GT rear (3.27, 8.8, limited slip) - I deliberately chose the widest rear because of no fenders and wide tires.

You'll see pro/con threads elsewhere here, but the quick version is that most people agree the IRS is best (but $$$), then 3-link, then 4-link.

[Ltngdrvr]

Mr Newbie,
Don't know much about the hot rods specifically, but the rear ends are the same, typically from a fox body style mustang (87-93) for best width, or a new one thru Factory Five. The 4 link and 3 link is how they are set up and mounted in the new car. No mustangs suspensions here.

The so called 4-link that FFR uses IS a Mustang suspension, FFR uses the exact same design and geometry as the 79-04 Mustang, they just use their own control arms and coil-overs.

The 3-link is also 79-04 Mustang based, uses the oem Mustang lower mounts with FFR's replacement control arms, but the upper link and its mount are custom made by FFR.

Either suspension setup uses the axle housing from any 79-04 Mustang, those housings are all the same, only differences in the later ones are 5-lug axles and the length of those axles.

Of course, the ultimate rear axle setup for these cars is the IRS, based on the 2015+ Mustang.

[Jeff Kleiner]

Either suspension setup uses the axle housing from any 79-04 Mustang, those housings are all the same, only differences in the later ones are 5-lug axles and the length of those axles.



Actually this is incorrect. To clarify, the housings from 1987 thru 1998 are the same although 1994 thru 1998 use longer axle shafts. 1979-1987 are the 7.5 rear end, not the 8.8. From 1999 onward the housing is wider.

Jeff

[Ltngdrvr]

Actually this is incorrect. To clarify, the housings from 1987 thru 1998 are the same although 1994 thru 1998 use longer axle shafts. 1979-1987 are the 7.5 rear end, not the 8.8. From 1999 onward the housing is wider.

Jeff

Well, some of what you say is incorrect as well, 1986 is when the V8 mustangs started using the 8.8.
But, the housings are all dimensionally the same.

[Mikey/PR]

Thank guys!!