Help with 9" rear end setup like an 8.8"

CobraReddy · #1 (**permalink**) 12-22-2002, 09:25 PM

I have finally started after a few years of collecting and had some questions about the setup I am going to run:

A Lincoln Versi (sp) 9" rear end setup to run the mustang 4 bar 8.8" in a classic roadsters car.

The rear end was modified some time back but I am not clear if the brackets are correct. I seem to have too much slop when I install the bushings. No clearance on one side either.

Is anyone running this setup and better yet pictures or recomendations.

Thanks in advance for the help!

Chris

Rick Parker · #2 (**permalink**) 12-23-2002, 08:40 PM

If you have concerns regarding the bracketry on the housing and whether it is located correctly contact a company that markets the rear end housings as a completed unit. They will have the jigs to check for proper fit. Currie Co. in Southern Calif, or maybe Dutchman Motorsport in Oregon (503-257 6604). They make bolt in rear end assemblies allowing 9" Ford rear ends to bolt into 86-93 Mustangs. This geometry has to be right or the car won't handle right.

Rick

justa6 · #3 (**permalink**) 12-25-2002, 02:15 PM

I'm running a Johnex with exactly the same set up. Its a FOX based suspension with a Versace Rear end. My trailing arms were made by Johnex and the uppers are standard Mustang. I'm removing them and going to adjustable uppers this winter. This will enable me to change the pinion angle if needed. I'm getting rid of the HEAVY Lincoln brakes and calipers in favor of Wilwood's. IF you plan on Drag racing you'd better forget the TracLoc posi system as it won't last very long. I went to a PowerTrax center section.

Regards,

scratch · #4 (**permalink**) 12-26-2002, 08:51 AM

justasix,
I have the Lincoln 9" rear setup with 4 link suspension and panhard bar, and also the HEAVY rear disk calipers. I like to replace these toads if I can find a direct bolt-up.

Question: does Wilwood make a direct replacement for these calipers? or do I need to make my own bracket?

thanks,

scratch

justa6 · #5 (**permalink**) 12-26-2002, 10:23 AM

Wilwood does make a kit for that rear. However, it has the emergency brake built in also and is relatively expensive. But it must save a ton of weight. I'm probably going to do that along with the front end using either a Wilwood or Baer set up up front. I switched to 95 Mustang spindles so I have a lot more options.

Are you running a Trac Loc in your 9". If so, as I said, don't plan on it living very long if your Drag race with slicks.

Regards,

Rick Parker · #6 (**permalink**) 12-26-2002, 07:02 PM

Take a look at those on a 88 Ford Tbird Turbo coupe, The same casting is used on alot of the Ford applications but I am unsure of the various piston diameters. Currey and others make brackets that allow the use of these (which are much lighter than the Versalles OEM ones), to be used on the 9" housing.
I have detailed pics if you want to look. SSB appears to have used them as a pattern for their new aluminum caliper.
The brackets bolt to the back side of the housing ends, no welding in case you decide to change calipers later.

Rick........

scratch · #7 (**permalink**) 12-26-2002, 08:17 PM

justasix,
No real drag racing for me, trying to set my car up for road racing...but can't afford IRS yet. I know your car is a bat out of hell, but after 50 yrs my reaction time is less and my "pucker factor" is more...

Rick,
I like to see pictures. I'd prefer not to have to reweld on my end pieces...as most the braking of course is up front. But if I can just bolt something on for weight savings...I'm there...

scratch

justa6 · #8 (**permalink**) 12-26-2002, 08:59 PM

50 Years? Try 57...Just checked out on the 747-400 in September and plan on racing my "mini motored Cobra" a lot in the future. What we lose in "quickness" we gain in experience, right?

Regards,

Curt C. · #9 (**permalink**) 12-27-2002, 09:36 PM

CobraReddy,

I have a Versailles rear end in a CR. Setup employs an Auburn Pro Diff, Moser axles, CR lower control arms and double adjustable upper arms from Steeda. I also run a sway bar from a 4 cylinder Mustang. The supplied CR sway bar is way too big and resulted in too much oversteer. I open track this car 6-8 times a year. I had an issue with the rear moving side to side more than I liked. The replacement of the stock Mustang upper control arms with the Steeda units helped tremendously. I thing the stock bushings coupled with the flex of the arms were just not up to task. In addition, the steeda arms can be adjused to set pinion angle and even shorten / lengthen one side to move the rear into proper alignment if needed. This is not the best solution for centering a rearend as it could possibly add more bind, but it does work. If I were you, I would go to a junk yard or even a rearend shop and take measurements of a stock 8.8 to see if you brackets are correct. There are a whole lot of Mustangs out there. Good Luck