33 Hotrod -Rear Axle Question

[Cobra Ray]

I would like to start collecting necessary parts for a 33 hot rod build.
What is the rear axle of choice for a 3 - link setup?
Year and auto model i.e. mustang, etc.
Thanks.
Ray

[Rick Masters]

Ray,
You should be looking for 87-93 mustang the GT models have posi.
Rick@factoryfive

[Brian Z]

Ray,

The ideal rear end to use in an Mk4 or 33 Hot Rod kit is a fox body width (59 ¼” from hub to hub) 5-lug 8.8 mustang rear end.

The Fox Body Mustang was from 1979-1993. The rear end from 1979-1985 was the 7.5 and switched to the 8.8 in 1986. The 8.8 is much stronger. All of the Fox Body rear ends came with 4-lug axles and drum brakes stock.

In 1994 the rear end changed to 5-lug and disc brakes. The axle shafts were ¾” wider per side bringing the width out to 61 1/8” from hub to hub. The housing from 1994-1998 was the same as the Fox.

The 1999-2004 8.8 rear end was 62.52” from hub to hub and the housing is wider.


Our Moser rear end is the fox body width with 5-lug axle shafts. It is set up for the 3-link suspension only.


The wheel and tire sizes we spec out are assuming you are using the fox mustang width rear axle. 59 ¼”

The following wheel and Tire recommendations will allow the wheels and tires to fit under the optional Fenders:

Front maximum wheel width and Backspacing: 9.00” with 5.50” Backspace
Front maximum tire width: 255mm
Rear maximum wheel width and Backspacing: 11.00” with 6.00” Backspace
Rear maximum tire width: 315mm
Front / Rear maximum tire diameter: 25.7"

Best regards,

[Hankl]

Brian,

That is really good information. This site, as Dave envisioned, is becoming the "One Stop" source for FFR information, Good Job!!

Hank

[Cobra Ray]

Thank you Rick and Brian.
Info was helpful. Confirms what I thought on the axle length.
Now to go find a suitable candidate.
Ray

[SeniorCitizen]

Brian,

What is the hub to hub measurement for the 2005 - 2011 Ford Racing Mustang Boss 302/GT500 8.8 axle? Will your 3 link axle brackets work with this item? If not, what brackets would I have to fabricate? I would like to use a wider axle to accommodate wheels with a backspace greater than 7 inches without having to use spacers to provide wheel to body clearance. This installation is for the 33 hotrod. Thanks.

[Brian Z]

The rear ends from 2005 and up are ALOT wider and have different control arm mounts. The rear end on an 05' GT is 66 1/4" from rotor to rotor. The control arm mounting points are in different spots and use a different design control arm than the 04' and older models. The 05' and newer rear ends can not be used in our kits.

Best regards,