Rear axle assembly being worked on, with tools and parts visible

than can even set up for the Ford Motor- W 8.8-inch/31-spline full-live Jim axle assembly complete with rear rm It's entirely up to you and your Mutly, we located the perfect can- We for an 8.8-inch swap. Since M.I. s Mmzmg II project car will be powered W amjldly warmed over 351 Windsor, mag the stock Pinto throwback of a M end was entirely out of the ques- nm. Also, since the 8.8 is only 21/2 amass wider (57 vs 591/2 inches), theres mil plenty of room under the fender wells for wider rubber, and a greater mm: wheel. But how were we going in mall it? Warren Boughn, owner of Precision 3mm: Rods and Machines (19158 Ros- m Blvd. Dept. M.I. Northridge, CA. arms 818/886-5018) markets a univer- ml m shackle kit for such applica- minim This kit allows the installer to % just about any type of rear end .m any type of car using leaf spring . . p: \ a .,. m; - \ \ \ 3. LEFT When comparing the original Mustang II rear axle to the 8.8 replacement, ~, the difference in appearance alone is obvious. The 8.8 is 21/2-inches wider than the stock unit which causes no real problem on the Mustang II. The 8.8 also features a removable inspection cover, and a wide assortment of Ford Motorsport goodies! mansion. Included in Boughns kit mm retails for $11935) are two 4. Note points to the factory axle tag. This m . . particular model was a take-out unit from a Path thmk Steel sprlng hour and Saleen Mustang LX. Gearing is 3.08:1. 5. LEFT Initial 8.8 breakdown includes We plates, two brand new spring m. four new U-bolts, two shock man-r1 pins, along with all the neces- my 5, 16-inch nuts and lock washers. The shocks are optional. When it comes to ordering, the only Winning you have to stipulate is what mg Width you have and whether or m the car youre working on uses meted shocks. Heres a hint, the Wang II does! Hiding the 8.8 beneath the Mustang Ill wasnt all that difcult. However, we welding skills are necessary. '1b in the job correctly, youll need the fol- ming tools: Arc welder {hitting torch _. A body grinder And an assortment of hand tools Slice the 8.8 rear axle was designed m be used with the late-model Mus- mg's four-link coil-over spring and m1; absorber setup its necessary to more that bracketry. This is What time cutting torch is used for. Whether it not you intend to experiment with mad shocks will determine if you will more those brackets as well. In our mes. we decided to keep them and were going to be installing one of 35nd Motorsports Quad Shock kits at r. Zater date. However, heed a word of amnion here. If you decide to go that m youll have to cut away 1/2-inch if the inside of the bracket in order in clear the inside U-bolt. Then youll mm to gusset the bracket, but it isnt removing the factory brake lines prior to removal of the factory four-link brackets. w 6. LEFT Cutting off the actual bracket comes next. Its advisable that you cut off the bulk of the bracket first to avoid warpage. Then you can go back and clean things up taking your time. 7. LEFT Bracket removal is followed by grinding off the slag. Two grits of sanding disc are required, a coarse grade for cleanup, and a fine grade for prep. MUSTANG ILLUSTRATED/DECEMBER 1990 31