Drag Racing Tech - what is with the 8.8's in f-bodys

Iv been seeing a handfull of people puttin them in f-bodys. Whats the deal with it? And what are you doin about the torque arm and lower control arms? I think im missing something here. Seems like a humungo PITA. What gives? Anyone got any pics of a modded 8.8 to fit in our cars?

Probably real similar to the 9" housings that bolt in-to our cars. Never seen one though, just heard about them here and there.

They cut the 10-bolt axles tubes off and weld them to the 8.8 center. The advantage is it is a very strong rear, but doesn't eat as much horsepower as a 9". I know they have had some trouble out of the torque arm mounts. Somebody with more experiance with them will have to tell you more about that though.

ok, then is you put our axle tubes in them, your still running the weak axles still. Everyone always breaks axles, not center sections. Or again, am i missing something?

they used aftermarket axles, just used the stock tubes for the mounts and brackets.

The torque arm mounts that were welded on had all kinds of problems though. I dont know if the guy is even still making them. The initial point of it was low cost, but by the time you bought all the good parts for it the cost wasnt much different then a 12 bolt and all you had was two junkyard rears welded together with new internals when it was all over. Its a good theory, parts are cheap and the 8.8 doesnt use a lot of HP but you can do a light 12 bolt or 9" and have no problems so i never seent the point of it really but some did.

ive got one, let me find some pics...

im on a mac, ill have to get them when i have my PC sorry guys..

An old friend of mine came up with that idea. My car was the first one he built it for. He cut the 10bolt axles off about mid-way down...same with the 8.8. Used a jig to weld it back together. Used some 1/2" plate metal to make the TQ arm mount. He did have some problems with the 6 speed cars....and a few autos..lol. I never had one problem out of my car though. I just recently sold it to a friend...still going strong.
It was a good idea at first...like KP said, a good one was about 2100.00. That was with bolt-in axles, etc... In the end, just get a 9" If you are worried about the power the 9" robs....perhaps you need to look some place else for power.

I thought it was rediculous when I 1st heard about them and I still think so now.. A 9in with an aluminum center section is probably just as lite as a 8.8 and will hold a good bit more power. If you are worried about losing 10 fuckin horsepower with a bulletproof rearend then you need to take up another sport...

I thought it was rediculous when I 1st heard about them and I still think so now.. A 9in with an aluminum center section is probably just as lite as a 8.8 and will hold a good bit more power. If you are worried about losing 10 fuckin horsepower with a bulletproof rearend then you need to take up another sport...


hahaha, i agree with ya there. Its like a boxer cryin about gettin hurt in the ring. Im glad i got a auto and not a 6sp. A little less strain on the rearend. Ill just get a 12 bolt and call it a day.

hahaha, i agree with ya there. Its like a boxer cryin about gettin hurt in the ring. Im glad i got a auto and not a 6sp. A little less strain on the rearend. Ill just get a 12 bolt and call it a day.


There ya go! No reason to put Ford parts in your Chevy unless you have to.. right?? :)

There ya go! No reason to put Ford parts in your Chevy unless you have to.. right?? :)

i put dana/strange parts in my Pontiac.....

i put dana/strange parts in my Pontiac.....

I put moser parts in my chevy... moser ford 9in that is... :)

i put a stock 10-bolt back in, lol

a buddy of mine makes them, he has made several of them and they all came out really nice. the only problem with them is the axles. they are nice to have if you get a good deal on them. i think i may end up with one but who knows i still have alot of money that i have to put into my car before i need a rear. that will prob be the last thing i do untill i get the motor back in the car.

do you got pics?

Initially it makes sense-The 8.8 is analogous to the small block Chevy from a price stand point (very reasonably priced axles, spool and gears). Very similar to the 12 bolt in strength, similar design so no surprise. There are a number of sub nine and probably sub eight second Mustangs still running 8.8 so they can be built tough.
Like said above, by the time your done setting one up for an F-body your probably spending the same amount as a 12 bolt or 9 inch.

yea, even when you can get a strange 12 bolt with a spool for $1700.