The 'LOLVO'

Stripped the 8.8".


Mate made a jig from the old Volvo diff, then transferred the brackets across to the 8.8". Also cut ~70mm out of the tube to make it fit the Volvo (with 2 short-side axles).

Looks good. Short side axle fits perfectly on both sides, but needed to order a pair of new ones due to bearing wear.

Test fit diff. Fits perfectly, will need to put adjusters on the torque rods to correct the input angle.

Removed the bearings with the wrong tool(s) for the job...

Standard vs. replacement LSD.

New suspension bushes and bits ready to go in.

New axles and rebuild kit for the diff. Also Transgo HD-2 kit for the 4L80e.
Getting there...
This is how the engine sits at the moment.



Fan clearance will be tight but the ones I've got should do the job.


I cheated a little putting the replacement bushes in but cutting them down the centre with a hacksaw and pressing them in from either side. I can't see any reason this would cause any harm and saved a lot of dicking around.
Last test-fit of the diff before modifying torque arms.

And assembled with new LSD.

This bearing caused a lot of trouble and needed to be removed by force.

Adjusters done.

Installed.

Will need to elongate the holes in the swaybar so it clears the diff cover. The panhard rod also hits the ring gear, so will need to do some modifications there...
Also picked up some Ford AU Fairmont wheels. They fit perfectly and don't look too out of place on the Volvo.

Cold-side done.




Next up is the brake lines, the radiator fans, shroud and hoses, and then wiring.
Volvo has been pushed outside for the moment. My other car needs a bit of TLC.
The Best V8 Stories One Small Block at Time
By the way, this build is amazing, and a very fun read!
More progress has been made since then, I'll do another video shortly!
I feel as though I've recently spent too much money on things for this car that might actually not be cheap ****. This is concerning, perhaps I'm starting to appreciate this car too much...
When I was needing my 2 piece, Carolina Driveline made me a shaft and price was superb.
I did replace it a couple of years later when I seen somewhere else, IEDLS who offered a larger centre bearing section I had them make me one.....their price was huge ! Still bought it though lol
Would have no hesitation in recommending either of them though.
Nobody local makes that sort of **** so buying from abroad was necessary. TBH though even if they did, it would probably still have been cheaper from the US





