Locking rear end Ford 8.8

jams · #1 (**permalink**) 08-13-2002, 02:31 PM

Hi guys,

I have a Ford 8.8 that came supplied with the B & B kit. It should lock up so both wheels will spin but it's not. I think I was able to spin both wheels one or twice. I know the object of the game is to keep traction but I find spinning the wheels a lot more fun. It's no fun when only one wheel spins.

Any suggestions. I don't know any other details about the rear. What kind of locker is it??

Has anyone else had the same problem??

Thanks
Jim

Jim Werth · #2 (**permalink**) 08-14-2002, 11:39 AM

Are you sure you have a limited slip rear end. Bet the one that spins is the passenger side. Or maybe you need to replace the clutch pack in the rear end. Jack up rear of the car so both tires are off the ground. Put in neutral. Spin one tire froward. If the other tire spins backwards you do not have a limited slip rear. If they both spin forward you do. Jim

jams · #3 (**permalink**) 08-20-2002, 08:23 AM

It appears I have an open rear end. I am waiting to hear back from B & B. I don't know what they have to look into. Who in their right mind would want an open rear in a sports car! Why would it even be offered???

Jim

blubyu2 · #4 (**permalink**) 08-20-2002, 08:43 AM

Jim
I own a b&b that was one of the early cars that was produced. I bought it from a guy that bought two turn key cars to sell. Both cars had 7.5 ford 1 wheel peel rearends. the 1st thing i did was buy a new 8.8 if they sent you a car that was anything less then what you ordered then I would be on the phone. I will be the 1st one to say that not all these cars came with 8.8's (and have a $800 bill for a new one to prove it)
Dont get me wrong I love the car its a great product and the guys at b&b have been helpful and should stand behind it. My question is why would that car leave there with anything less then what is advertised( if thats what happened)
I wish you the best of luck hope it all works out.

Greg

jams · #5 (**permalink**) 08-20-2002, 02:53 PM

I'm just sounding off. I love my B & B and they are great to deal with. That is one of the main reasons I went with a B & B (Customer service)

I am sure this matter will be worked out. It is just frustrating at times.

Jim

Gordon Claunch · #6 (**permalink**) 08-20-2002, 03:48 PM

Jams, the same thing happened to me, I will bet your rear end is out of a lincoln mk7, it is a little wider than the 8.8 out of a mustang, in my opinion my car will never sit right until I get a narrower rear end and then can set the car down level instead of at a "rake", mine was also open, good luck on any help, I ended up putting a power trax limited slip in mine, and am now looking for a narrower rear end out of a late model mustang.

JonL · #7 (**permalink**) 09-03-2002, 09:25 AM

Guys,

I think I have the same situation on my 1994 LAE (B&B) in that only the passenger side wheel spins. It was advertised as an 8.8 Ford rear end. Now the stupid part of the question - beyond 2 wheel burnouts, what advantage does the limited slip have over those that are not? Traction? Power to wheels? If I had a limited slip would I notice a big difference? This is all street driving in my case.

Thanks for the education.

Jon Lewis

John McMahon · #8 (**permalink**) 09-03-2002, 09:49 AM

You can upgrade the 8.8 to a Power Trax unit or you can upgrade it to a Detroit Locker. The Locker is NOT recommended for the street as it will ratchet around every corner and make driving unbearable.

The Power Trax unit is available in a two pinion and four pinion setup. It costs about $410 to $430 and is available from Jeg's or Summit.

JonL · #9 (**permalink**) 09-06-2002, 07:39 AM

Thanks for the info. John. I found it in my Summit catalog.

Jon Lewis

Excaliber · #10 (**permalink**) 09-06-2002, 08:38 AM

You could make a case for a one legged (open) rear end. When both tires spin it can bring the back end of the car around where the front end used to be, a spin out. This is not likely to happen in an "open" rear car. From a "street" perspective then, one might consider an "open" rear as a safty factor.

Nah, heck with that, I LIKE it when the back end dances and the car gets "loose", ha ha. BUT, it has taken me by surprise more than once, wet spot on the highway and to much throttle and BAM, your driving backwards!

Ernie