12:05 Garage- ’70 Duster build

racerjoe said
It would be nice to make the rear axle whatever length that enables the same size and offset wheel for the front and back. I don't even know if this is possible, but it would be nice to rotate tires since the fronts get worn so fast in autocross.

I know @goldduster318 runs a square setup of 18x9 +35mm wheels and 275/35R18 tires using a 68-70 B-Body rear axle. And Blu runs a 68 B-Body axle has said he planned to do the same before settling on a bigger rear tire and a wheel with a touch more offset. So pretty sure it can be done.

racerjoe said
Man if I were having to swap rears completely, I would seriously think about going with an 8.8 Ford. They come with disc brakes already and you can usually find them with posi units in them if you get one from an explorer. I haven't done any research on the lengths, but I'm sure they would work even if you have to cut the tubes down to a length that would work, then get some axles made.

Not a fan of the Explorer 8.8 for this, but only because the pumpkin is offset and the driveshaft sometimes rubs on one of the mufflers when used in a stock form. Most people shorten one side which makes it close to stock A-Body width and centers the pinion like an 8.75". I know it has been done so it can work, just not my favorite solution for my car.

I looked for some widths for Mustang 8.8's but didn't find anything that made sense as to overall widths. I think the 94-98 model with disk brakes is the same width as the axle I currently have, and the 99+ is wider, but couldn't find a confirmed width.

In reality, the different between my F-Body axle and the 68-70 B-Body axle is only like 5/8" overall. Worse case, I could run some 10mm spacers and be close. Just makes more sense (to me) to avoid the spacers if I am going to build a different axle anyway.