just purchased a '94 Z 28 w/ 6 speed, I see that the 10 bolt is the week link . I just started looking for a 12 bolt and so far haven't had much luck and was wondering if anyone ever used the Ford 8.8 I just sold my ' 94 GT vert which weighen in at 3900 race weight, I installed Superior axles along with 3.73's and M/T drag radials and nver had a rear end problem. I had numerous 6000 rpm launches w/ 1.6 60' and held up great. or are there things you can do to a 10 bolt and make then live. I paln on beeing aroung the 400 rwhp range and from what I have read I want 4.10 gears. just curious about the 8.8 rear , they are a dime a dozen and can be reliable ( with a little work)

Thx for any help

Tim Jones
Niles, Mi.

 

There is a company already offering up a hybrid, http://www.extremechassis.com/

Using a ford 8.8 in an fbody has been around for a few years and you could probably save little money by going that route. The only disadvantage is the torque arm. Fbody's rear suspension requires a torque arm, so in order to put an 8.8 in a Fbody you have to weld a bracket on the rear so the torque arm can be mounted. You could get around this by converting to a 4 link, but that would cost more. Welding to cast iron can be very touchy, and can be weak if not done properly. That is the main reason I steered clear of the 8.8. rear.

If you look at the aftermarket 12 bolt you will see the torque arm mount is cast into the "pumpkin". On aftermarket 9 inch rears the torque arm uses a cast iron mount that is bolted to the rear end housing, which is a little heavy.

 

There has been alot of guys that have abandoned them also. Seems that the brazing of a torque arm mount to the cast iron has proven to not hold up over time. See www.ls1tech.com in the rear axle section, there is a whole sticky tread with more horror stories.

 

THANKS, i'LL KEEP LOOKING FOR 12 BOLT

 

That sticky has 0 replys. Must have gotten deleted somehow. How gay. I wanted to read that thread.

 

Basically, a lot of people had problems w/ the torque arm mount busting off the housing. This is a bit of common problem on cast iron if it's not cleaned and welded properly.

For the money, why would you NOT go w/ a 9"? I can have a pretty nice 9" built for $1900.