[bkatrenak84]

ok i got a 81 that was originally a 4 banga and as converted to an 89 5.0, it has a 7.5 rear in it which makes all kinds of odd noises at take off turning etc etc im going to do an 8.8 swap but was wondering if i need a different driveshaft as some say, ive been looking all over but there is no exact answers so im looking for some before i get my car ripped apart because it is my d/d right now so i need it back together in a day basically so i need the obvious rear end and what else?? new u joints? new driveshaft?

[FastStang91Lx]

same driveshaft, and new u joints is cheap insurance. new fluid for the 8.8 rear and ford traction lok additive.

[bkatrenak84]

yeah i figured new joints would be in the item list only to make sure they're good lol, while im at it, i have a TON of questrions, car is 81 with 81 dash, is it possible to get a center console from an 88 to fit? or do i need to change out the dash wiring and all to make it all work together?

[FastStang91Lx]

I don't think that the center console out of an 88 will line up to anything on the 81, if that's what you are asking, but if you wanted to swap out the dash and console, yes, you would have to switch out the wiring too. Could be had out of a 4 banger donor car too.

[bkatrenak84]

Well basically i want to change the dash completely along with the center console, the guy i got the car from started an 88 swap...body engine etc etc but the interior was thrown together and well frankly sitting in the car drives me nuts cause its HIDEOUS lol so i would need wiring for basically the cluster and hvac right?? and the headlight wiring is the same or different?

[FastStang91Lx]

I've never had a pre 87, so I couldn't tell you exactly, hopefully some of the other four-eyed fox fans will jump in on this also. But I would be willing to bet that it's all different. Ideally, if you had the donor car infront of you, you could pull and swap parts one by one, so to speak, so that you get the placement of everything correctly. If you had some good wiring skills, I'm sure you could use somethings and adapt them, but it surely would be easier if you had all the correct things.

I would search for the cheapest piece of sh*t that you can find in your area, or even the junkyards to find the things you need. You may also even need to drill some fresh holes for somethings, etc. I wish I could help you better on this part, but I'm really of no use.

[bkatrenak84]

i dont think that theres too many 4 eyes owners left out there, im actually contemplating taking my car and trading it straight up for an 88 that needs a paint job and some love on the interior, he says the car needs an alternator paint and some moron painted some of the interior the ugliest colored blue i have EVER seen he wants 1500 for it ,however its a real efi 5.0 car so the wiring wont be messed up like mine is.....

[FastStang91Lx]

Could easier in the long run for ya. Would hate to see ya get burnt on it, though. Otherwise 86er, Mustank, and 86Notch are three I can think of off hand. You could try pm'ing them.

[bkatrenak84]

yeah the kid is having second thoughts now lol he said it need paint and very minor tlc to make it perfect, so he says i have yet to see an 88 that is "perfect" unless it has 3k original on it lol, however im gonna stick with my car and if no one has done it ill run to the project with a positive attitude and convert form an 81 interior to FULL 88 interior even though i hate wiring i can figure out how its done