8.8 rear end swap

Sparsh0

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I have an '08 v6 and I was wondering if the 8.8 rear end is a direct bolt on ( minus the flange for the driveshaft) for the v6 or are the mounting points different?
 

Wes06

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All s197 body's are the same. They use the 3 link mounting points
 

oldVOR

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As Wes06 indicated, it's a direct bolt up and the only thing you'll need if the trans and DS are still the V6 base is a pinion flange (M-4851-B) to adapt the DS.
 

Sparsh0

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Awesome! That's what I thought but just wanted to confirm. Any ideas where I could get the whole unit? Specifically with some bigger gears?
 

Wes06

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Look in junkyards. Hopefully get lucky with the right gears you want. Otherwise you'll pay as much to swap gears as you probably did for the junkyard axle
 

dre256

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Like mentioned all 2005 8.8 will work.

But you can not use a 8.8 from 2004 and back. The new edge/SN95 and fox bodies used a 4 link suspension that isn't compatible with the S197s. But all the gears in the differential are the same 1986-2014
 

oldVOR

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Awesome! That's what I thought but just wanted to confirm. Any ideas where I could get the whole unit? Specifically with some bigger gears?

Check CraigsList or Ebay and you might find a deal. The forums may turn up something as well. You may have to wait for the ideal setup or get the axle assembly and do gearing later.
 

Juice

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I paid close to a grand for my 8.8 on fleebay. But I got springs, shocks,brakes, ebrake cables, and control arms with it. 05-13 will work.

The stock GT lower control arms are actually lighter than the V6.
 

dre256

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On eBay store I buy mustang stuff from and never had an issue is seller:midwaymustangparts they have full rears ready to drop in including suspension ranging from 450-800. Depending on gears, miles, differntial cover etc
 

Juice

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Shipping on mine was $150. I picked it up at the shipping co. and saved $75 for residential delivery.
 

Speedboosted

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I've bought a few complete 8.8 rear ends for S197's, ranging in price anywhere from $120 to $400. All about finding the right guy. The $120 one was in great shape and still in my car going strong.
 

Sparsh0

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If I were to try and pull one out at a junkyard, would it have to come from a gt or could I get one of the explorer or ranger rear ends?
 

JimC

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It has to come from a Mustang - the Explorer and Ranger rear ends have leaf springs for mounting and not the Mustang 3 link; plus the Explorer is a different width.

You can use a rear end from any Mustang 2011 to 2014 and any GT rear end 2005 to 2010. Some of the 2011-2014 rear ends will have the correct flange on them for your V6 - won't know until you pull the rear end and check. I never figured out what the combination of options is that has some with the correct flange.
 

Sparsh0

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It has to come from a Mustang - the Explorer and Ranger rear ends have leaf springs for mounting and not the Mustang 3 link; plus the Explorer is a different width.

You can use a rear end from any Mustang 2011 to 2014 and any GT rear end 2005 to 2010. Some of the 2011-2014 rear ends will have the correct flange on them for your V6 - won't know until you pull the rear end and check. I never figured out what the combination of options is that has some with the correct flange.

thanks for the info! very helpful.
 

warpony4.0

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thanks for the info! very helpful.
Thanks for that info I was wondering the same thing I had bought 8.8 3.75 I have a 08 v6 mustang so mine is stock with 7.5 just sucks now I know I am going to replace threat with 8.8 from a mustang GT so I can run 8.8 4.10

Sent from my LGLS775 using Tapatalk
 

Scott88

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Some of the 2011-2014 rear ends will have the correct flange on them for your V6 - won't know until you pull the rear end and check.

JimC, this thread has been dormant for a while, but wanted to revive it for some help. You're the only person I've read that says some of the newer S197s already have the right pinion flange. Was hoping you could expound on that. I'm rebuilding an 8.8 rear end from a junkyard V6 2014 to install on my 2005 V6 (with 4.10 gears). The pinion flange that came with the 2014 diff looks identical to the picture of FFP M-4851-B. I've ordered one months ago, but they're all on back order since America's supply chain caught the COVID bug. The more impatient I grow; the more it seems like the pinion flange that came with the 2014 rear will work. Other than looking at the picture, is there any measurement or way to identify if it will match up with the '05 drive shaft? There are no identifying part numbers stamped on the flange. Obvisously, I'd rather not use the trial and error method on this one because I'm still driving the '05 until the new rear end is completely built. Thanks in advance for any advice.
20210608_231818.jpg 20210608_231800.jpg 20210608_232214.jpg
 

Juice

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The so called 03-04 cobra pinion flange that I bought to use my 8.8 with the V6 temporarily, is now on my 05 grand marquis.
As far as I can tell, there is the pictured flange with 8 bolt holes (4 bolts used) and the 6 bolt flange for the gt driveshaft.
So yea, it should bolt up.
 

JimC

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The flange is different on the 2013 and 2014 depending upon the options. But as said, comparing the pictures and what is on the rear end you have, you likely are all set.

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Scott88

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Thanks. As you know, installing the flange is one of the first steps to putting it back together and seeing if it fits to the drive shaft is one of the last.
 

Nico Ciampini

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Im wanting to 8.8 rear-end swap my 06 v6 but don't want to keep the v6 2 piece DS. Can the gt DS bolt up or do I need a gt one piece DS, or the v6 one piece DS? Just wanting to know my options.
 

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