More 8.8 questions & gears advice

[turbizzy]

okay, i searched the entire forum and im pretty sure of what im looking for but there was so many questions on these threads and confusion that i want to clearify for the record.

I want to swap a 8.8 from a 87-93 5.0 into my SVO. The posi from my 7.5 is going out so i figuered its time to upgrade. I want to install 3.73s or 4.10s on a daily, street/occasional drag, 30 miles to work, car that is going to be in the 300+hp range in the next few years. Here's my questions:

1. I realize a 8.8 can be swapped into an svo, you just have to swap in the svo stuff. I want to run 95 cobra Rs and i've seem them on 5.0s with 4 lug and they don't seem to rub at all. I know their offset is bigger. I know SVO axles are longer and with these wheels, they will run with big tires. Can i just install axles from a 5lug ranger, does it have the same length as the 5.0s 4 lug? I just want these wheels not to rub, i have the fenders rolled and my svo is lowered (sportlines) and my SN95 V6 wheels rub occasionally especially with passengers in the back.

2. With all this said, i also want to install 31 spline axles, or should i? I really just want to do it for the hekk of it, not because i need it. Obviously ill need a differential/axles with 31 splines, can i get these off of another ford such as a truck from a J/Y or should i just scrap the 31 spline idea?

3. This next question is not aimed to be an immature one but rather a realistic one. With my new/used 8.8 what gears should i get? Like i said, i plan on building my stroker motor with a possible, maybe twin turbo setup(maybe not just yet but big turbo for sure). Basically itll be a strong motor. What gears should i get? Things to consider: itll be a daily driver, 30 miles to work, fuel economy is 6-8 on a 10 scale of want. Im leaning towards 3.73s but 4.10s would be great for a 10 sec car huh?

4. Posi, which is best/streetable? I definately want an Auburn, the cone design is the best in my opinion right next to a spool. For my street driven car, what type do you guys recommend? I want the strongest one even if sacrificing streetability is in issue. I love to burnouts and donuts.

5. What do you guys think about those C-clip eliminator kits? Think i should get it?

I guess i should give and explanation of my budget. Im a young, single guy with a pretty good stable income and want to put into my SVO anything that will increase performance without too much worrying about cost. I want a very nicely done street car with a lot of drag attributes, while still resembling an original SVO.

[CP86SVO]

answers:

1. the ranger 5 bolt axles that are used with the conversion (I believe that they use the driver's side) are the same length as the Fox 4 lug. With the 95 Cobra R58 wheels, the fenders would clear easily. I wound up using custom Dutchman axles, North Cobra caliper brackets, Ford Cobra anti-moan brackets, Cobra rear calipers and rotors to get the rear end to stock Fox width. You could also flip the stock SVO caliper brackets around to work with the Ranger length axles, but you'll have to come up with a creative way of making the parking brakes work.

2. I don't think 31 spline axles are really need for the engine you'd want to build up. I'm not aware of any 31 spline junkyard axles that you could use for the conversion. Custom 31 splines from Ford Racing, Moser or Dutchman (and others) would be needed. Look at spending about $250.

3. as for gear ratios, that'll depend on the engine set-up, transmission gear ratios, and intended use; they're going to be compromises with everything. I really like the 3.73 ratio I have, but wish the gearbox had a closer spread than it does...

4. I've tried stock 7.5" traction-lock, stock 8.8" traction-lock, tightened (with more clutch plates) 8.8" traction-lock, 8.8" Auburn HD and finally a 8.8" Detroit Tru-trac. Of all of them, torque-biasing diffs like the True-trac and the Torsen T2 are the way to go, IMO. But then I only open track and occasional autocross my SVO, not doing crazy stuff on the street. I don't believe that the 2.3 L Turbo motors with sticky tires would really screw up anything too much; my 5.0L with much more power, torque and stickier tires has no problem with a Tru-trac. My buddies' 5.0L has no problems with his Torsen T2.

5. Forget about c-clip eliminators if you like to do cornering. If money is no object, then get the Ford 9" outer bearings installed in the 8.8" axle housing.

HTH WS