by "MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner" (montegoman562)
Published 03/24/2017 at 10:24
by "MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner" (montegoman562)
Published 03/24/2017 at 10:24
Tags: RallyX
; Rally Capri
; MERCURY MUSCLE
STARS: 2
Hey guys,
I posted in a few facebook groups looking for a replacement axle/diff setup for my Rally Capri. I want to upgrade from a 7.5" rear end to an 8.8" before my 7.5 goes BOOM.
So my dilemma is I was offered:
“Ford Racing Dana 44 with ebrake cables, drum to drum, never used, 3.31 gears” for $200
And from a pick and pull - Ford 8.8 Mustang drum to drum for $150 (already pulled).
Now 50 bucks more sounds like it would be cheaper than rebuilding one from a pick and pull but do I want a Dana 44? Did Ford Racing even get involved in D44's? He says it’s set up for a Mustang, but I’ve never heard of this so I’m a bit hesitant.
Thoughts? Probably buying one of these tomorrow if I can.
"Matthew Phillips" (flatsidewaysfl)
03/24/2017 at 10:29, STARS: 1
I’m getting my foxbody in two weeks so I’m hoping to see what you end up with.
"itschrome" (itschrome)
03/24/2017 at 10:33, STARS: 1
just throw a dana 80 on that bad boy..
"crowmolly" (crowmolly)
03/24/2017 at 10:33, STARS: 0
You can’t run the pick and pull one as-is?
I’d get ratio and carrier info. Axle spline count too if you can...
If one has an LSD and the other doesn’t that makes the decision easy.
The 8.8 is stronger and cheaper, so if it’s in OK shape, it comes with a decent ratio, and a trac-lok carrier I’d go with that. If it needs a full rebuild then the D44 may be better as yes, a refresh/rebuild will be $$$.
Edit: is the Ford Racing D44 a C-clip setup?
"Funktheduck" (funktheduck)
03/24/2017 at 10:35, STARS: 1
Clearly the answer is 9 inch
"Frenchlicker" (frenchlicker)
03/24/2017 at 10:38, STARS: 1
I second this just because I wanna see it.
"vondon302" (vondon302)
03/24/2017 at 10:39, STARS: 0
Dana 44? Most people go for a 9 inch if they upgrade. 8.8 is pretty stout though I’ve only heard of people messing up the clutch pak by not putting any additive in them on a gear oil change. Like others have said run the pick and pull one as is.
"Frenchlicker" (frenchlicker)
03/24/2017 at 10:39, STARS: 1
If one isn’t running too much power through one an 8.8 with do the job and be cheaper. But I’ll agree with a 9 inch if they plan on putting out a decent amount of power in the future.
"MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner" (montegoman562)
03/24/2017 at 10:40, STARS: 0
What are you buying?
I hope it says Mercury on it.
"MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner" (montegoman562)
03/24/2017 at 10:40, STARS: 1
jesus...
"MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner" (montegoman562)
03/24/2017 at 10:44, STARS: 0
don’t have the details on most of that. the 8.8 will be an LSD though, they all were from fox Mustangs. My 7.5" from 82 even is.
It’s entirely possible I can just run the 8.8. I’m leaning towards it because it should be a direct swap in and it being cheaper.
"MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner" (montegoman562)
03/24/2017 at 10:45, STARS: 1
yeah Dana 44 seems very “truck” to me, not very pony car. I’m sure it would be tough but I see no reason why the 8.8 would be a bad choice. Seems to be 8.8 parts galore around here too...
"My X-type is too a real Jaguar" (TomSlick)
03/24/2017 at 10:45, STARS: 0
The Mustang guys I know use the Dana 44 for drag racing.
"crowmolly" (crowmolly)
03/24/2017 at 10:46, STARS: 1
Yup. We are talking $200 axles here.
"crowmolly" (crowmolly)
03/24/2017 at 10:47, STARS: 0
Can you pull the cover before you buy it, or will they only sell as it sits?
If you can check the gear pattern that would be nice.
"MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner" (montegoman562)
03/24/2017 at 10:47, STARS: 0
hmm, seems very “truck” to me to use a Dana 44.
I’m honestly leaning towards the 8.8, and I’ll be RallyX-ing and I know a guy runs a 5.0 Mustang with an 8.8 in RallyX in my region.
"Demon-Xanth knows how to operate a street." (demon-xanth)
03/24/2017 at 10:48, STARS: 1
He’s just messing with you.
...you want a Rockwell so you can get those nice ratios that will get you off the line!
"MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner" (montegoman562)
03/24/2017 at 10:49, STARS: 1
Well that seems drastically more reasonable!
"My X-type is too a real Jaguar" (TomSlick)
03/24/2017 at 10:52, STARS: 0
Cheaper than the 9 inch, parts oh plenty and in their words cheap and easy to rebuild. I have no clue TBH I just know what these guys run, I can rebuild an engine but the whole “find the perfect rearend for X” is witchcraft to me.
"crowmolly" (crowmolly)
03/24/2017 at 10:52, STARS: 0
D44 was the “good” C4 Corvette center and 3rd gen f-body axle.
Kind of like how the D60 is a “truck” axle, but only if you discount all the Mopar hemis and modern drag cars.
"MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner" (montegoman562)
03/24/2017 at 10:58, STARS: 0
HMMM
I think I’m just too used to hearing off-roaders talk about their Dana set ups
"MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner" (montegoman562)
03/24/2017 at 10:58, STARS: 0
This
"Matthew Phillips" (flatsidewaysfl)
03/24/2017 at 10:59, STARS: 1
I’m trading my Jeep for an 85 2.3 Mustang Hatch.
"MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner" (montegoman562)
03/24/2017 at 11:00, STARS: 1
Can’t find a Mercury?!
Capri is the coolest of all the foxes
"CobraJoe" (cobrajoe)
03/24/2017 at 11:02, STARS: 0
Just a quick search has a bunch of people saying the 8.8 is the stronger axle, but you might want to double check that. Personally, I’d vote for the 8.8 just to make replacement parts easier to source and hopefully make the swap easier too.
Though I had luck with the 7.5in posi in my ‘88 thunderbird. Granted, I didn’t race it or have sticky tires, but I didn’t drive like a granny either.
"19JRC99" (19jrc99)
03/24/2017 at 11:06, STARS: 0
Well, the boneyard axle probably has 2.73 gears and would be a turd. I’d spend the extra $50.
"Tareim - V8 powered" (tareimgaml)
03/24/2017 at 11:06, STARS: 1
Been watching a lot of Dirt Every Day? I swear they mention Dana multiple times in every episode lol
"rillweid - Now with more TRD and less TDI" (rillweid)
03/24/2017 at 11:06, STARS: 0
That tells you it’s a strong axle. Seems about right for your application.
"itschrome" (itschrome)
03/24/2017 at 11:10, STARS: 0
haha right.
"Matthew Phillips" (flatsidewaysfl)
03/24/2017 at 11:18, STARS: 0
not in Lynchburg Va that’s for sure.
"Sweet Trav" (thespunbearing)
03/24/2017 at 11:25, STARS: 1
Ford 8.8. The diff selection is better, it bolts right up and you could get one out of a SN95 with disc brakes.
"MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner" (montegoman562)
03/24/2017 at 11:28, STARS: 0
For the record my car currently has 3.08 gears
"MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner" (montegoman562)
03/24/2017 at 11:30, STARS: 1
I’m definitely leaning 8.8 and to save cash right now I’m planning on grabbing a 4 lug, disc or drum whatever is available. I’ve got 2 sets of 4 lug rims and tires to match. I’ll do a 5 lug conversion at some point in the future. Already have it lined up for some freebie front SN95 brake parts from a fellow OPPO member.
"MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner" (montegoman562)
03/24/2017 at 11:30, STARS: 0
I’ve seen a few Capri’s out on the east coast.
"V8Demon - Prefers Autos for drag racing. Fite me!" (v8demon)
03/24/2017 at 11:36, STARS: 1
To answer your question: 8.8.
All day long.
For what it’s worth, my Cougar makes around 330rwhp and sends it all to an axle with a Powertrax locker and Moser axles.
It’s a 7.5
Get rid of the spider gears in a 7.5 by going with a different center and the strength goes up astronomically.
"19JRC99" (19jrc99)
03/24/2017 at 11:47, STARS: 0
Oh. I know the 87-93 GTs with 5 speeds had either 2.73s or 3.08s. Gear change is my biggest recommended mod.
"MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner" (montegoman562)
03/24/2017 at 11:51, STARS: 0
My concern (and the concern of a guy who also uses a Fox 5.0 for RallyX) is the conditions will get the better of the 7.5. My 7.5 is a 3.08 gears traction lok if that helps.
Oh and it sure as shit doesn’t have 330 at the rear wheels lol
Originally listed at 157 with the stock intake/2 barrel and exhaust. True duals, edelbrock performer and holley 600....maybe I’m above 200 now...maybe. It sure uses it well at least lol
"MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner" (montegoman562)
03/24/2017 at 12:08, STARS: 0
yeah I’d like to not go down to 2.73...UP to 3.73 would be nice. Pick and pull guy said we’d have to check in person computer only calls all of them 2.73 (no matter what they are)
The 7.5 is still working and I don’t hear/feel anything funny from it. I was thinking I could get the 8.8 and take my time rebuilding it (possibly swapping gears), then I could swap it in when ready.
"TahoeSTi" (tahoesti)
03/24/2017 at 12:18, STARS: 0
Jeep guys swap the D44 for an 8.8 all day. Go with the 8.8. While your at the junk yard find a set of 3.73 gears from a ford explore.
"MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner" (montegoman562)
03/24/2017 at 13:23, STARS: 1
good advice actually because the explorer rear axles and housing might not work, but 8.8 gears are 8.8 gears.
"TahoeSTi" (tahoesti)
03/24/2017 at 13:31, STARS: 0
...I’m running 3.73s from an explorer in my 5.0.....and have been for 15 years. Going to rebuild it this year and put in a Detroit TrueTrac.
"MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner" (montegoman562)
03/24/2017 at 13:56, STARS: 1
That’s definitely on the table as a solution too! I’ve heard great things about the TrueTrac
"TahoeSTi" (tahoesti)
03/24/2017 at 13:58, STARS: 0
hahah yeah the clutch in my limited slip are GONE....As soon as the dif warms up it’s all one tire fire....Still trying to convince myself i can do the 8.8 rebuild with a truetrac install.
"MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner" (montegoman562)
03/24/2017 at 14:02, STARS: 1
The benefit of this is that if I get one tomorrow and a set of gears I could take my time and rebuild it out of the car with whatever gears/internals I want. The 7.5 is functioning fine and the clutches are still doing their thing. I’m trying to future proof/be ready if the 7.5 goes boom. Racing in any format isn’t really the 7.5's thing. Let alone the fact that my tires will be spinning a good portion of most races because they’ll all be on loose surfaces.
"Urambo Tauro" (urambotauro)
03/24/2017 at 14:10, STARS: 0
Just a thought... have you considered 5-lugging one “axle” at a time? Not side-to-side, but I mean doing the front or the rear first to accommodate a more flexible upgrade schedule? That’s sort of what I did with my brakes. I upgraded the rears first, then got around to the front a few months later.
"MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner" (montegoman562)
03/24/2017 at 14:23, STARS: 1
I have absolutely considered that, thanks to your help. I’m going to have to scavenge 5 lug wheels though before I can take that step. I have 2 sets of 4 lug right now.
"Urambo Tauro" (urambotauro)
03/24/2017 at 14:31, STARS: 0
Yeah, and those tires are still pretty new, aren’t they? Are you looking to swap them over onto 5-lug wheels?
"MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner" (montegoman562)
03/24/2017 at 14:43, STARS: 1
If I can. If not maybe I’ll swap to the 5 lug front and have 4 tires to rotate through on the 4 lug rear haha
"19JRC99" (19jrc99)
03/24/2017 at 15:58, STARS: 0
In that case, 8.8. Also, I’d go 3.55. Perfect middle ground gear.
"V8Demon - Prefers Autos for drag racing. Fite me!" (v8demon)
03/24/2017 at 16:09, STARS: 0
Track Lok has spider gears.
Slap an 8.8 under their with some C-clip eliminators, the gear ratio of your choosing, decent axles, and call it done.
"MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner" (montegoman562)
03/24/2017 at 16:44, STARS: 0
I mean C-clip eliminator can be a thing down the road, I’m not overly stressed about it this moment because I’m not putting much power through it.