8.8 1989 cougar IRS rears

cobraleonard · #1 (**permalink**) 07-02-2010, 04:43 AM

I would like to know if many of these have ben used in cobra builds by anyone. What are the pros and cons? Seems like a nice application for use with the subframe. Are the brakes the same as the straight axle? What would be required to cut lenght?

Thanks
Joe

LMH · #2 (**permalink**) 07-02-2010, 08:26 AM

Joe
I don't know the specific years of Cougar's that are the most desirable. Probably the FFR guys can tell you. I think the usable parts for a Cobra replica are the differential, knuckles, CV joints and maybe brakes, depending on what brakes it has. As far as I know, Cougar and T-Bird are the same. (someone correct me if I'm wrong)
You'd have to replace the center axle shaft as the original is too wide. The Drive Shaft Shop is working on mine as we speak.
HTH,
Larry

A Cobra guy · #3 (**permalink**) 07-03-2010, 11:36 AM

Joe, I have a Lincoln Mk8 IRS in mine. ( I believe it is the same, just an aluminum pumpkin) E.M. did it for me when they built the frame. As far as I know it is all Lincoln parts with custom shortened 1/2 shafts. After 75,000 miles it is doing just fine. It is a great riding set up for the street. Mine is not a limited slip and I seem to recall someone saying it won't work with this setup so check that out if it matters to you.
It origionaly had very tall gears but standard ford 8.8 gear sets went right in.
I have the Lincoln hubs and disc brakes which are the 5 bolt pattern. (I don't know about the cougar/t-bird)

Harvey R.

Double Venom · #4 (**permalink**) 07-03-2010, 11:48 AM

Anyone willing to show the 8.8 Ind. (Either lincoln or Cougar) in a raw frame?
I think I'd like to put one in my Daughters '45 GMC P/U with a modified S-10 frame.
DV

jdean · #5 (**permalink**) 07-03-2010, 03:41 PM

Check it out

Fasterpatricks Custom Cobra

Double Venom · #6 (**permalink**) 07-03-2010, 05:47 PM

Amazing.
Thanks for the link.
DV

A Cobra guy · #7 (**permalink**) 07-06-2010, 07:55 PM

I made an album in my profile. If you go there I have two good pics that give you a good idea of how EM did it. If you look close you can see where the lower control arms are on adjustable cams for alingment work.
http://www.clubcobra.com/forums/pict...pictureid=3710
http://www.clubcobra.com/forums/pict...pictureid=3709
Well I got links to the pics here if not the pics themselves

cscobra · #8 (**permalink**) 07-06-2010, 10:32 PM

That is a great looking suspension that ought to have superb reliability and durability.