Pain in the Rear

Tom of VA · #1 (**permalink**) 11-08-2006, 06:08 AM

I bought my SPF used, so I don’t know the story of what happened, but my left inner CV joint has been damaged and needs replaced. I have and older car that used the 8.8. It looks like the shaft pulled out of the rear end at some point and slapped around damaging the housing of the inner joint. The old owner just spot welded it up before selling it to me. (nice guy huh?) Now I need to replace the CV joint for sure, but I also noticed that the front pass side diff mount has been torn. I’ve heard of some problems with the mount and was wondering if anyone else had some info on this? I need to get it welded but maybe there is a stronger mount now being used? I also remember a seeing a breakdown of the joint removal from the axel posted here, but I can’t remember where I saw it. Any one have info on the Ford 8.8 and axel shafts?

craigayl · #2 (**permalink**) 11-08-2006, 10:02 AM

Tom

The failure of the diferential mount you describe is not uncommon on early SPF's, particularly cars with big torque, big blocks. This failure is also likely the cause of your CV failure. That mount was redesigned for later cars and is now much stronger.

I don't have pictures, but if you could get your car to Michigan, http://buckshotracefab.com/ has experience in repairing this mount in a manner that will not fail again. Their phone number is 734-654-1194

Craig

greg schroeder · #3 (**permalink**) 11-08-2006, 03:12 PM

I had the Ford 8.8 limited slip rear end and Superformance half shafts in my 2040. The left inner splines shattered within my differential. I prefered to not put the same parts back on the car, so I picked up a set of complete half shafts from The Drive Shaft Shop and replaced the limited slip with a Detroit Truetrack differential.

http://www.driveshaftshop.com/

The remnants of old Superformance spline material revealed little hallow spots and a metal of crystal looking structure within the center of the shaft. The outer surface seemed to be harder.

xlr8or · #4 (**permalink**) 11-08-2006, 03:41 PM

Tom I have repaired one of those failed mounts for a friend. It tore the mount right off the frame rail and ripped a hole in it. We welded a piece 1/4 inch thick plate over the frame rail and then fabbed a mount from 2" angle iron and welded that to the plate. It won't be coming off again.
You should be able to get replacement parts for the axles from Olthoff racing.

Tom of VA · #5 (**permalink**) 11-08-2006, 04:43 PM

After a more care ful look at the cv and the frame I think the only failure was the torn mount and the cv damage was the result of the rear turning once it was loose. I guess I will be doing some fab on the frame. I thought SPF went to a different rear before number 2040? Does anyone know when they changed over? The rear and shafts look pretty strong. Has anyone had problems with the auctual 8.8 drive parts? What rear is now being used and is it better?

Mark IV · #6 (**permalink**) 11-08-2006, 05:56 PM

Current rear end (diff) assembly is a Hydratrac (now Spicer Axles Australia) see: http://www.spiceraxle.com.au/products.htm for more info...

Rick

JBCOBRA · #7 (**permalink**) 11-09-2006, 06:19 AM

Is the Dana rear stronger than the Ford? How about the axles?
My buddies car has the Ford and it is quieter than my Dana.
Thanks
JB 2218

rsimoes · #8 (**permalink**) 11-13-2006, 08:42 AM

From my understading it is a much stronger differential and a better fit as well. And it is available, as the 8.8's were discontinued by Ford.

craigayl · #9 (**permalink**) 11-13-2006, 10:36 AM

I don't know that you could prove that the Dana is any better than the Ford 8.8. There are many different carriers/gear sets available for the 8.8. You should be able to find one that meets your needs. Too, while it's true that Ford no longer uses the 8.8 in any production cars, it is very readily available.

There was a problem on early SPF axels and I have seen them snap, but the later axels are much heavier and I have never seen one of those snap. Superformance dropped the early axels, so if you buy replacements, they will be the later, heavier design.

Craig

Tom of VA · #10 (**permalink**) 11-14-2006, 07:16 PM

Thanks,
I've doing some reading and there does seem to be alot out there for the 8.8. I'm not sure if the privious owner changed the axels at some point, but they are much thicker than the Thunderbird axels. I just can't imagine snapping an axel that thick. The previous failure was caused by diff mount coming off the frame. Dennis Olthoff told me a good way to modify the braket so it won't break again.