New to board, questions about 8.8 swap?

Howdy. New to this site; it looks pretty good. I was a regular on VMF, up until the Army decided it was an obscene terrorist propaganda site, and blocked it. Sooo, here I am.

My question: I'm building a 67 convertible, using a 91 LX 5.0 as a donor car for engine, tranny, etc. 91 also has a nice 8.8 4.11 posi rear-end, which stands up nicely to the current engine and tranny. My 67's 8 inch, 3.00:1 isn't going to cut it.

Curry quoted me $2200 to build me a 9". I'm wondering how much work/cost I'd be getting into to convert the 8.8 to fit the 67. Anyone with any experience fitting an 8.8 on an early model?

-Is there a difference in width?
-I realize the spring perches will have to be moved; any problems doing this?
-Currently the 8.8 has 4 lug axles; how hard is it to swap these to 5 lug?
-what kind of problems am I going to run into with rear brakes?

Thanks!!

The 8.8 will be app. 59" wide drum to drum, the 8" in your 'Stang is 59 1/4 wide drum to drum, so after you cut off all the coil spring brackets and weld on some leaf perches, it will work just fine. You can use two Ranger pickup "long" side axles and drums to get the 5 x 4 1/2" bolt pattern. Call Randy's ring & pinion to buy a pair of new axles as they are really cheap. I have an 8.8 in my '63 Ranchero and it is a great rear end for the price, and it weighs less than a 9".
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F15 Falcon,
good info, thanks for sharing. Have any pics of the install in your Ranchero?
thanks
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F15 Falcon:

What kind of horsepower/torque are you putting to your 8.8? Are the ranger axles strong enough to handle 350-400 hp/torque?

As I read it, you're telling me I don't need to change the housing at all? Some of the shops around here are quoting me rates to narrow the rear end.

I appreciate the input, especially the tip on the Ranger axles. This sounds like it's getting easier and cheaper all the time!

Thanks,

I have a stock '96 5.0 with headers and a Stealth intake, so I am guessing about 250 HP. The axles should be plenty strong, but you can always order some Dutchmans or Moser's to be sure.
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I also have ranger axles in mine. One of the aerostar axles work also. I don't remember which side.