BamaWS6

I'm about to embark on the 8.8 explorer rear journey and I need information and suggestions. I'm thinking I want to buy the hiltsy TA mount kit, keep the large tubes and put on 9" ends with pressed bearings. I also want to narrow the rear end 2 inches on each side so I can use 15x10 5.5 backspace wheels. Now on to the questions.... does anyone know the width of the stock 98-02 10 bolt and is it the same as 93-97 flange to flange? I have a 97 camaro rear and I'm thinking about using the LT1 brakes from it so I don't have to grind the LS1 calipers or will I have to with less backspacing? Anyone had any issues welding on the 8.8 housing? Im not going 9" so dont bother telling me to do so lol

BamaWS6

I'm asking about housing flange to housing flange lengths not axle face to axle face. Moser said 59 1/4 for the 4th gen but they did not specify lt1 vs ls1 rears

biketopia

iTrader: (5)

The rears are the same width (lt1 vs LS1) just different rear brake mounting plates between the two, but they are interchangeable.

BamaWS6

Do you know if they are the same from axle flange to housing flange also?

biketopia

iTrader: (5)

I think, but I'm not 100%. There was a thread I found when searching around that compared all the axles and I think all the axles are all the same, just different points of where the ABS ring would go on a 4Ch rear. My S60 is 3" narrower on each side, which is actually 3rd gen width, and I believe opens up a world of wheel choices with out much, if any modification to the fenders. I bought my wheels and rear off a guy who was done messing with his car and just sold everything off for CHEAP. I run a 295-55r15 on weld RTS, I'm lowered as well. All i did was some BFH mods to make the tire clear. Trimed out the bump stop a little too make sure it never came into contact with the wheel too.

99SSLSWON

The Hiltsy mount is definitely the way to go, it will make your life much easier. The housing is made out of cast ductile iron, and requires a very specific welding process. You will need a specific wire and gas, as well as pre-heating and post-heating. The process is very technical but can, and has, been done with success. A short Google search will reveal much information about welding ductile iron, and there are quite a few helpful threads here on 8.8 builds. Sorry I dont have any links handy. Good luck with your build, I love seeing people go this route!

BamaWS6

what backspacing are you running with 10 inch wheels with your setup?

biketopia

iTrader: (5)

I'll check this evening. I don't know off the top of my head but I have the part numbers written down on my desk at the house. Midwest Chassis also sells all the on axle mounts you'd need if you don't want to cut them off your 10 bolt. https://midwestchassis.com/products/...ng-bracket-kit

biketopia

iTrader: (5)

Here's a link to the part # I have on the rear https://www.summitracing.com/parts/wld-71mb-510b55a

BamaWS6

am I missing something? I thought stock width rear required 7.25 backspacing on 15x10, you are only narrowed 2 inches total. That should put you at around 6.25-6.5 backspacing.

biketopia

iTrader: (5)

I'm narrowed 3 inches per side. When i swapped out i measured the overall width because visually it didn't look it. I don't have the numbers written down but the s60 was 6inches shorter. It'll be up on the lift in a week or two and I can double check it.

dw456post

I welded the axle tubes to my 8.8 center with a 308 stainless wire (MIG). I preheated, post heated and tapped for about 10 minutes with a small hammer on the weld. Then I covered it with something to slowly cool. Shade tree welder I believe there is a guy in Oklahoma that welds on the bracket for a lot of people.