FFMetal battery box and solid rear - cover clearance

[Stangrob]

Hi gents,

My car is setup for an 8.8/three-link rear and I'm using the FFMetal battery box. I'm not a big fan of the stock stamped chrome cover on the Moser rear, and I originally thought of using a girdle-type cover instead, but I heard that there are clearance issues with that combination.

I was wondering if anyone found a cover that works with this combo that won't require modifying the battery box. I prefer a cover with drain and fill plugs - it's just easier to do maintenance (and a bit less messy). I found a Spicer cover that looks pretty darn good but I'm worried that it'll have clearance issues too.

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/sdh-10023538/make/ford

For those who are running the three-link and the FFMetal battery box, about how much clearance do you have?

Thanks!

Rob

[tnt_motorsports]

I can't answer your question, but would you consider the Breeze battery relocation kit? This would solve your problem and then you can use whatever cover you want. This was my approach on my MK3 that I am building.

[rich grsc]

100%, get the battery out of the back of the car.

[CDXXVII]

I ran in to this problem with the ffmetal box and a moser aluminum girdle style cover. I ended up having to modify the box and running a smaller battery. I do not recommend going this route.

The ffmetal box is designed for a standard mustang style OEM stamped steel cover. If you go this route you should be fine. Remember that fitment should be done with your proper pinion angle set.

I agree with others that placing the battery in the engine bay is best practice. I just prefer to keep the engine bay clean.

[Dave Howard]

I ran into the same issue with my 2012 MkIV build. My solution was to install a 1" aluminum strip along the front edge of the box, making it taller than the back side. With the box installed, it tilts backwards enough for clearance with the diff cover. Easy fix.
With my new build (30th Anniversary MkV) I bought the smallest battery I could find and put it in the trunk in the corner behind the passenger. Easy access and I needed the space up front for more important things.

[Stangrob]

Thanks guys. This definitely isn't a case of "should I run the FFMetal battery box" - it's already installed. I totally agree that the Breeze box is more straightforward, and helps with the weight distribution, but I'm trying to keep the engine bay clean. I can be stubborn, and since this car will likely never be pushed to its limits, I'm willing to make some changes for "cosmetic" reasons. I'm also running power brakes, and the brake booster is also in the trunk right behind the Breeze cubby wall. It doesn't weight much so thankfully that's not a problem, although plumbing is a bit more of a PITA than the stock setup.

CDXXVII, thanks for the confirmation on the cover clearance. I remember reading your thread on this topic and definitely don't want to go through the changes you made to the battery box. I was kind of hoping that with the girdle cover being so tall, that perhaps another cast cover might work. I suspect that isn't the case, and I'll stick with the stamped cover.

Thanks,

Rob