1980 rear-end swap

Unf6Stang · May 17th, 2009, 06:21 PM

The current project is a 1980 originally a 4-cyl. that has been pretty much gutted and now has a 351w sitting in the engine bay running at the moment. The question is, I have a '97 cobra rear-end that I would like to swap out with the stock 4-lug rear end. Will it match up exactly? Or will I have to get new control arms and such? New control arms are in the mix to purchase and install but are not a high priority and since they are quite easy to install, they can wait. Any help on the issue is greatly appreciated since I have never swapped a rear end before this should be a great learning experience. Thanks for the help and advice.

White Thunder · May 17th, 2009, 06:34 PM

might be cheaper to find one out of a fox...

Unf6Stang · May 17th, 2009, 08:35 PM

but I HAVE a 97 cobra rear end, how hard would it be?

1slo5.0 · May 17th, 2009, 08:36 PM

94-98 Mustang rear axles are 3/4" wider on each side than 79-93 rear axles. You would be better off getting an 8.8 from an 86-93 V8 Mustang.

White Thunder · May 17th, 2009, 08:36 PM

ask darrell.....nm

Unf6Stang · May 17th, 2009, 08:39 PM

can we use the control arms from the stock 4-cyl. with the 8.8 rear end from the cobra? If the tires are just going to sit out wider there shouldn't be a problem.

88-gt-t-top · May 17th, 2009, 11:10 PM

Might have and issue with lower controll arms, spring perch's, upper controll arms body to housing... I'm thinking roll with 1slo5.0's advice on this one and hit up a local junk yard or the classifieds section... What about tire's rubbing, extending brake lines, and it looking like it's straight out of a LowRider mag?

Chris951 · May 17th, 2009, 11:25 PM

my old fox had a rear from a 96 cobra. only issue I had was it being wider and the tires rubbing on the fender. But getting a wheel with different backspacing will rid you of any rubbing

1slo5.0 · May 18th, 2009, 09:26 AM

Originally Posted by Unf6Stang

can we use the control arms from the stock 4-cyl. with the 8.8 rear end from the cobra? If the tires are just going to sit out wider there shouldn't be a problem.

It will physically bolt up and the control arms a such will work. The 97 Cobra rear end is not any different from the base model 97 GT rear end. You will have tire rub issues though. Different offset wheels will cure that problem.

May 17th, 2009, 06:21 PM	#1
Unf6Stang Newbie 1998 Mustang Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 23 iTrader: 0 reviews	1980 rear-end swap The current project is a 1980 originally a 4-cyl. that has been pretty much gutted and now has a 351w sitting in the engine bay running at the moment. The question is, I have a '97 cobra rear-end that I would like to swap out with the stock 4-lug rear end. Will it match up exactly? Or will I have to get new control arms and such? New control arms are in the mix to purchase and install but are not a high priority and since they are quite easy to install, they can wait. Any help on the issue is greatly appreciated since I have never swapped a rear end before this should be a great learning experience. Thanks for the help and advice.

May 17th, 2009, 08:36 PM	#4
1slo5.0 MM Ninjas! 1990 Mustang LX 9.36@143 mph Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: North Fond du Lac, Wisconsin Posts: 11,375 iTrader: 1 reviews	94-98 Mustang rear axles are 3/4" wider on each side than 79-93 rear axles. You would be better off getting an 8.8 from an 86-93 V8 Mustang. __________________ My daily driver has 16 cylinders and 4400hp @ 1000 rpm.... ***1988 Mustang GT - Stock....almost

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May 17th, 2009, 08:35 PM	#3
Unf6Stang Newbie 1998 Mustang Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 23 iTrader: 0 reviews	but I HAVE a 97 cobra rear end, how hard would it be?

May 17th, 2009, 08:39 PM	#6
Unf6Stang Newbie 1998 Mustang Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 23 iTrader: 0 reviews	can we use the control arms from the stock 4-cyl. with the 8.8 rear end from the cobra? If the tires are just going to sit out wider there shouldn't be a problem.

May 17th, 2009, 11:25 PM	#8
Chris951 Hardcore Enthusiast 1991 mustang 5.0 Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Mesa, AZ Posts: 1,938 iTrader: 0 reviews	my old fox had a rear from a 96 cobra. only issue I had was it being wider and the tires rubbing on the fender. But getting a wheel with different backspacing will rid you of any rubbing

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