I figure this is best place to put this, since there is not a drivetrain or axle forum.
My 289 build is using a 2001 GT 3.27 traction lock axle. I drained the rear diff, no metal chunks, and the gears look good.
This is how I painted it:
1) Wired wheeled the tubes and ends. The paint was great on the pumpkin. The only part that got completely silver is what was under a ford sticker that wrapped around the right tube.
2) Brake cleaned entire axle.
3) POR15 degreaser, rinsed, and dried.
4) POR15 metal etcher, dried, rinsed, and dried again.
5) POR15 black paint, 2 coats with 3 hours dry time each.
6) Rust oleum gray primer with 1 hour dry time.
7) Rust oleum semi gloss black with 2 coats, 1 hour dry time in between.
There are some runs, some drip blobs, and some brush hairs under the paint. I am cool with it. The axle looks good and is not rusting now.
I installed a polished silver OE style clone of Ford Performance Diff Cover M-4033-KA. Good thing it came with bolts as my ARP's were too short. I had bought them before I got the cover and they are for the stamped steel ones. Oh well... I lightly used gray RTV on both sides of the paper gasket, which I am loathed to do, even when the manufacturer says to do it. However, all the mustang forums said to use it. I installed a breather in the diff cover and one in the axle tube. I used pipe dope on those and the bottom drain plug.
Only thing left to do is to install a new pinion seal. I have 2 of them just in case I screw up the first one.
Next, I have to finish my inventory so FFR can send me my shortages. I only have the body assembly panels left to do.
You do realize the axle you have is nearly 3 inches wider than the Fox width that is suggested?
The 2001 Mustang 8.8 axle housing is wider than the Fox Body 8.8 axle housing. Specifically, the 2001 housing is 1.5 inches wider on each side compared to the Fox Body, totaling a 3-inch difference in overall width. This width difference is due to the longer axle shafts in the 2001 housing, which accommodate the Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) sensor.
SN95 (1994-2004) Axle Width:
The 2001 Mustang (SN95) axle housings are 1.5 inches wider on each side compared to the Fox Body (1986-1993) housings, for a total width difference of 3 inches.
Fox Body (1986-1993) Axle Width:
The Fox Body axle housings are 59.25 inches wide from axle flange to axle flange.
The 8.8 axle housings are the same length from '87 to '98. The axles from '94 to '98 are .750 longer making the track width 1.5" wider than the '87 to '93 Foxbody. It was not until 1999 that Ford went to the .750 wider axle housing and an additional .750 axle width making the track width from 1999 to 2004 3" wider than the '87 to '93 Foxbody.
Thanks Guys. I should have put I was aware of the width. I am using current FIA spec size tires for my build. 215/70 r15 and 245/60 r15. I am running American Racing Torque thrust D's with 15x7 front and 15x8 in the rear. These are the closest available with my needed backspace to the original 15x6.5 and 15x8.5 as raced on 289 USRRC's. I did all the measurements with my wider late SN95 axle. My rear axle and wheels are the same overall width as a FFR 10.5 Halibrand style wheel and a foxbody axle. I should be good up to a 265 rear tire.
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