Looking for recommendations for my wide ass

onefastmustang · #1 (**permalink**) 10-26-2008, 07:34 PM

My CRII has a wide ass. The tires stick outside the fender wells about 3/4 - 1" hence I have to leave some height in the rear. I would really like to lower the ass end down a bit if possible. Would you recommend a get a narrower rear end or I have the rear wheels machined down on the inside so they sit in further?

petek · #2 (**permalink**) 10-26-2008, 08:35 PM

What size of wheel and tire are you running? I've got 295/50 15's on mine and they fit fine.

I think you'll probably end up getting new wheels with a different offset for the back.

onefastmustang · #3 (**permalink**) 10-26-2008, 08:50 PM

I have 290/50 15's in the back with Vintage Wheels knockoff wheels. They have 4 inches of backspace. I was told by Vintage that they could go 4.25 on the back space after machining the wheels. But they want big bucks to do that so I wonder if a different rear end would be a better deal.

tcrist · #4 (**permalink**) 10-26-2008, 09:52 PM

Mike,
If you like the wheels and the offset then you could have the rearend cut down. The best thing would be to take the Cobra to the rearend shop and let them determine how much to cut it down. They could also tell you if you need to move the shock mount. Get hold of a speed shop and get recomendations from them for a good rearend shop that can do it for you.
Are you running the 8.8 or the 9"?

Terry

Aussie Mike · #5 (**permalink**) 10-27-2008, 03:33 AM

Here's one option http://www.jennycraig.com.au/home/

Is it an IRS or a Live axle? It sShouldn't be to expensive to narrow the rear end housing if it's a live axle. You could probably even get your axles resplined rather than new ones.

I just went through the whole excercise of narrowing my IRS rear end by 2" each side. Not an easy job.

Cheers

Double Venom · #6 (**permalink**) 10-27-2008, 05:08 AM

Fella,
If you like what youv'e got minus the width, just cut down the rear end, Ford axles have more than enough spline to cut off an ich per side which can save some moeny. Assuming you are running an 8.8 or 9", neithr one is a problem. Just remember the mounting points to the frame have to stay the same. Any full time machine shop should have the jigs to do this as it is fairly a routine job.
DV

trularin · #7 (**permalink**) 10-27-2008, 05:35 AM

I'm with Pete on this one. I have 295s on the back and they seem to fit fine.

Eds suggestion may appear to be more expensive, but it may not. I think he is suggesting cutting down the axel because Cobra wheels are very expensive and getting a new set with a different offset cost more than cutting the axel.

This is a matter of how much work are you willing to do versus how much it is going to cost.

New wheels = very expensive, but less work.
cut axel = not so expensive, but lots of work.

Just my view from the sidelines.

Is that the way you see it Ed and Pete?

CobraEd · #8 (**permalink**) 10-27-2008, 10:03 AM

I believe the newer Mustang rear axels were wider than the ones up to about 98. The '94-98 cars rear axle shafts are .75" longer than the stock axles on the '87-93 cars.

You may have a newer one which still bolts right in but is too wide. I'm sure DV knows about this and can provide additional info.

.

Don · #9 (**permalink**) 10-27-2008, 10:13 AM

Using a 8.8 , with Compomotive HB 9" wheels, 275X60X15 tires and 4.6 back space, fit is fine

CobraEd · #10 (**permalink**) 10-27-2008, 10:22 AM

Yeah, they are all 8.8s as the standard for CRs, but the newer ones are wider

.

Double Venom · #11 (**permalink**) 10-27-2008, 12:00 PM

Definately cheaper to cut than to have new wheels, However don't forget you may have to modify the door striker supports to the frame: easy to do though.
DV

G_Edmonds · #12 (**permalink**) 10-27-2008, 01:32 PM

I have the older, narrowest 8.8 and because of a good deal on a set of wheels would like it to be 2 inches less. I have been told that it couldn't be narrowed because the rearend is broached. I wasn't familiar with this term but understand it has to do with the axle tubes. Sure would be good news if it can be narrowed. Anyone with experience on this?
Thanks,
Greg

Double Venom · #13 (**permalink**) 10-31-2008, 10:10 AM

G-
Broached, is where the inside part of the tube, toward the rear end is tapered or pinched/plugged to fit the center section-Correct this can not nor should not be shortened the "old-1950's" way. You need a better machine shop, they will cut the outside flanges off then remove the necessary inch, cut the splines an inch, re-aling the axle ends (hopefully with a laser) and bingo, you've got your 8.8 narrowed two inches!

I was paying under $290.00 for both sides.
DV

onefastmustang · #14 (**permalink**) 10-31-2008, 11:43 AM

So it seems my options are to have this narrowed, get an older one prior to 94 or have one custom made.. so many decisions..

I will have to see if I can find a local shop that can narrow the current one and get a cost..

Thanks all