Differential girdle construction
10-09-2010, 11:13 AM
#43
I ran into a slight hiccup with the 8.8 project. It looks like we probably won't be able to use the aluminum 8.8 here because I have to cut the mounting wings off to fit the diff between the exhaust. I need to weld an additional bracket on the differential case to get it to a place where I can mount the front pinion.
So, if you know anyone with a junk thunderbird who is getting rid of a steel 8.8 case, let me know! Otherwise, I'll probably be at pull-a-part tomorrow yanking one or two.
So, if you know anyone with a junk thunderbird who is getting rid of a steel 8.8 case, let me know! Otherwise, I'll probably be at pull-a-part tomorrow yanking one or two.
10-09-2010, 11:41 AM
#44
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I ran into a slight hiccup with the 8.8 project. It looks like we probably won't be able to use the aluminum 8.8 here because I have to cut the mounting wings off to fit the diff between the exhaust. I need to weld an additional bracket on the differential case to get it to a place where I can mount the front pinion.
So, if you know anyone with a junk thunderbird who is getting rid of a steel 8.8 case, let me know! Otherwise, I'll probably be at pull-a-part tomorrow yanking one or two.
So, if you know anyone with a junk thunderbird who is getting rid of a steel 8.8 case, let me know! Otherwise, I'll probably be at pull-a-part tomorrow yanking one or two.
10-18-2010, 11:19 PM
#46
Yep, I haven't lost hope. I went to pull-a-part on Sunday and picked up the cast steel 8.8 from the thunderbird. It only took me 30 mins to pull because someone had already dropped the diff and crossmember to get the driveshaft (for whatever reason). I'll probably end up using the cast steel diff in my car as a mule while I work on figuring out the best way to make the aluminum diff possible. It will probably end up needing minor exhaust work to route the exhaust further away from the differential.
For now, I'm going to try welding directly to the steel diff and getting the geometry right for the pinion angle, torque brace, etc.
The steel 8.8 definitely looks/feels stronger than the aluminum 8.8. It is possible this is a better option for our heavy cars anyways.
For now, I'm going to try welding directly to the steel diff and getting the geometry right for the pinion angle, torque brace, etc.
The steel 8.8 definitely looks/feels stronger than the aluminum 8.8. It is possible this is a better option for our heavy cars anyways.
10-24-2010, 03:51 PM
#47
Yep, I haven't lost hope. I went to pull-a-part on Sunday and picked up the cast steel 8.8 from the thunderbird. It only took me 30 mins to pull because someone had already dropped the diff and crossmember to get the driveshaft (for whatever reason). I'll probably end up using the cast steel diff in my car as a mule while I work on figuring out the best way to make the aluminum diff possible. It will probably end up needing minor exhaust work to route the exhaust further away from the differential.
For now, I'm going to try welding directly to the steel diff and getting the geometry right for the pinion angle, torque brace, etc.
The steel 8.8 definitely looks/feels stronger than the aluminum 8.8. It is possible this is a better option for our heavy cars anyways.
For now, I'm going to try welding directly to the steel diff and getting the geometry right for the pinion angle, torque brace, etc.
The steel 8.8 definitely looks/feels stronger than the aluminum 8.8. It is possible this is a better option for our heavy cars anyways.
All the Lincoln Mark VIII from 94-98 came with aluminum diff with gear ratio 3.07 or 3.27 (LSC).The thunderbird came with the steel diff.
What half shaft are you using?
Last edited by Stone17; 10-24-2010 at 05:06 PM.
11-03-2010, 04:48 PM
#51
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Blue Torch Fab makes some cool parts too for fab work.
http://bluetorchfab.com/store/index.php?cPath=104_118
That's just 8.8 stuff. I've got their parts for my D60 in the front of my Superduty.
http://bluetorchfab.com/store/index.php?cPath=104_118
That's just 8.8 stuff. I've got their parts for my D60 in the front of my Superduty.
11-04-2010, 12:08 PM
#52
Just a couple pics for you guys. I wasn't able to work on it because I ran out of shielding gas. I will go out today and get my tank refilled.
This is the bottom bar of the torque brace that will go forward up to the carrier bearing mount. I haven't ruled out making the mounts solid at the diff and urethane at the end of the torque brace, I just want to figure out which way is best.
Also, I haven't ruled out the possibility of making this mount to the stock location, it would just require notching the crossmember like the 9" kit.
This is the bottom bar of the torque brace that will go forward up to the carrier bearing mount. I haven't ruled out making the mounts solid at the diff and urethane at the end of the torque brace, I just want to figure out which way is best.
Also, I haven't ruled out the possibility of making this mount to the stock location, it would just require notching the crossmember like the 9" kit.
11-04-2010, 04:39 PM
#53
I ran into a slight hiccup with the 8.8 project. It looks like we probably won't be able to use the aluminum 8.8 here because I have to cut the mounting wings off to fit the diff between the exhaust. I need to weld an additional bracket on the differential case to get it to a place where I can mount the front pinion.
So, if you know anyone with a junk thunderbird who is getting rid of a steel 8.8 case, let me know! Otherwise, I'll probably be at pull-a-part tomorrow yanking one or two.
So, if you know anyone with a junk thunderbird who is getting rid of a steel 8.8 case, let me know! Otherwise, I'll probably be at pull-a-part tomorrow yanking one or two.
11-21-2010, 11:52 PM
#58
I did a little more work with it today. I decided to nix the bushings at the differential because these are a known weakpoint with the cobras. I'll put the bushing at the end of the torque arm to keep any differential play down. The red is the planned bracing.
11-22-2010, 12:25 AM
#60
Nope, I want to keep the arm rigid between the rear cover and the front mounts of the diff. There are already bushings in the rear subframe, the other bushing will go at the very end of the Torque arm.