How much to Shorten a Rear Axle Housing?

[Tacfire11]

Hi Guys,

I may be in a position where I need to have a Ford 8.8 Rear shortened. First, I haven't a clue where to go in the Philadelphia area that handle a job like this, and also how much would be a reasonable budget to set aside for the job. I'm at a point where I have to decide do I continue to drop money into this Rear, or start over.

A little history, this Rear will be doing under a 68' Dart. The Axle lengths are 31 1/16" and 33 3/16" respectively. So with the Posiunit spacing, we're sitting about 67" flange to flange. Also the Pinion is offset by 1 3/4 Inch, so I could center the pinion if I go for it.

Thanks......

Pat
:blackeye:

 

[project74]

Last time I got a quote for shortening an 8.75 it ranged between $200 and $250. That included relocating the spring perches. Other than that I wouldn't know as I found a rear that'll drop in.

 

[ThogtheCaveman]

I just had my 8 3/4 shortened, it cost me 150, I believe another 50 to get the perches moved in, but I decided to hold off on the perches for now.

 

[Tacfire11]

Thanks, that's makes the decision alittle easier. I've already put about $200.00 into this Rear with the 4.10 Gears and rear Discs. ....

 

[69signetv8]

In the ball park as stated. "If" possible, and you decided to use the same axles that required to be shortened and resplined add a extra 150.00

 

[70dart]

How strong will resplined rear axles be? Enough to handle approx 500hp? Is there any offset for a 70 dart swinger. I am moving in the springs to the frame rails so I am looking at shortening the rearend. I don't want to be limited to an A body 83/4 as they are getting hard to find. I may need the abody axles though as I have the small bolt pattern. Any thoughts on this guys? :newb:

 

[Tacfire11]

The Ford 8.8 came with two Spline options 28, and 31. The 31 are typically found on your heavier duty applications (Trucks, SUVs). The 28's were very typical in the Mustangs. Here's some information, hope this helps.

Ford Rear Dimensions

These measurements are from flange to flange.

Subtract 5" for bare housing length.

65-66 Mustang 57.25 inches
67-70 Mustang 59.25 inches
71-73 Mustang 61.25 inches
77-81 Versailles 58.50 inches
74 Maverick 8" 56.50 inches
75 Mustang II 8" 57.00 inches
67-73 Mustang, Torino, Ranchero, Fairlane 9" 59.25 inches to 61.25 inches
57-59 Ranchero and station wagon rears, 57.25 inches
66-77 Bronco 9", 58 inches
77-81 Granada/Versailles, 58 inches
67-71 Comet, Cougar, Mustang, Fairlane, 59.25 inches
71-73 Mustang, 61.25 inches
64 Falcon 58 inches
67 Cougar 60 inches
67 Fairlane 63.50 inches (coil springs)
72 Ford Van 3/4 ton 68 inches
73-86 65.25 inches
57-59 Ranchero and station wagon 57.25 iches (narrowest 9" housing)
66-77 Bronco 58 inches but has 5-on-5 1/2 inch diameter bolt circle
67-73 Torinos, Rancheros, Fairlanes 59.25 inches or 61.25 inches
67-71 Comets, Cougars, Fairlanes 59.25 inches

28 spline axles cannot be shortened and resplined (they're tapered)
Some can: 69-73 Mustang and Cougars have a straight 28 spline axle.
72 and earlier 31 spline axles have the ability to be shortened
73 and later 9" (big cars) have a 5-on-5 bolt circle and the axles cannot be
shortened
67-73 Mustang axles identified by wheel flange:
oval hole - 28 splines two large holes and counter sunk center - 31 splines

 

[340mopar]

Can you shorten a c-clip axle?

 

[Tacfire11]

Can you shorten a c-clip axle?

I believe so, they cut a new c clip slot into the Axle. The C Clips are amazing little things, it's hard to believe they hold the Axles in place, especially how easily they fall out when you take out the locking bar from the differential units