47-55.1 51 gmc

[ts3342]

Have a quick question starting a truck build and I am rounding parts.Thinking about using a 8.8 rearend. Does anyone see a problem with the pinon offset.I could also narrow it but then I think it might be a little to narrow.

[MiraclePieCo]

Chevy guys sure seem to have trouble understanding Ford rear ends - this question arises repeatedly in Chevy forums. Chevy guys never seem to notice that SBC heads are offset from one another, or that TH350 trans cases are asymmetrically offset to the passenger side.

No, there is no problem whatsoever in using a Ford rear with an offset pinion/driveshaft. Have fun and keep us apprised of your progress!

[mr48chev]

YEA, I didn't have to say it this time.

As MiricalPieco it isn't the least bit of an issue but Chevy guys tend to have a hemorrhage at the thought of the driveshaft angling off to the side a tad. Just about every full size Ford car or truck has that that drive shaft angle since 1957 without the slightest issue and the U joints might actually last longer than the ones that are on straight back to center driveshafts. The needles get to work over a larger area instead of just riding in one spot.

The only issue might be on a real low rig with a tight drive shaft tunnel where you don't have a lot of room to the sides. You see that on some bagged or hydraulic suspension rigs that are set up to lay frame.

[MiraclePieCo]

Originally Posted by mr48chev

YEA, I didn't have to say it this time.

As MiricalPieco it isn't the least bit of an issue but Chevy guys tend to have a hemorrhage at the thought of the driveshaft angling off to the side a tad. Just about every full size Ford car or truck has that that drive shaft angle since 1957 without the slightest issue and the U joints might actually last longer than the ones that are on straight back to center driveshafts. The needles get to work over a larger area instead of just riding in one spot.

The only issue might be on a real low rig with a tight drive shaft tunnel where you don't have a lot of room to the sides. You see that on some bagged or hydraulic suspension rigs that are set up to lay frame.

Ha ha, I once built a channeled Model A hot rod with a huge trans tunnel and extremely tight interior space. To make more room for the driver I fudged the engine 1-3/4" to the passenger side, pointing the engine and trans right at the 9-inch pinion. I don't think anyone ever noticed.

[ts3342]

Thanks never really built many fords.My concern was using 4 link and bags and also clearance around the driveshaft.

[jweb]

Originally Posted by ts3342

Thanks never really built many fords.My concern was using 4 link and bags and also clearance around the driveshaft.

A parallel 4 link won't be a problem. If you plan to use a triangulated 4 link you will have issues with the angled bars hitting the offset rear end housing.

[65blackfleetside]

I used one out of a 97 explorer. 373 posi, disk brakes. I just bought new rotors and had a machine shop drill them to the chevy bolt pattern. It works perfect for me with the offset since I am running an S-10 tank S10 frame and rear leaf springs on my '51 build

Here is some helpful info on the the metal tags that Ford uses to identify gear ratio etc:

3L73= 373 gears L means Limited slip.
If no L than its an open carrier.

410= 4.10 open
4L10= 4.10 Limited slip
94-99 mustangs have the 31 spline axles and they are not offset like the explorer.
Most 91-2001 Explorers use the 31 spline 8.8.

Mercury mountaineer and Explorer 1995-2001 used the 31 spline with disk brakes.

There is a weaker version of the 8.8 which if i remember correctly its 28 spline.

I pulled my 8.8 from a local pick and pull for $150 bucks

[ts3342]

Thanks for information called local yard they are going to see what they got and get back to me.Also planning on running a parallel 4 link with a Panhard bar.

[b-mac]

My triangulated 4 link w/ offset 8.8.

[mr48chev]

The issue isn't reliability or strength. It's guys who just can't handle the thought of the driveshaft running back in an absolute straight line be it Ford 8 inch, 9 inch or Explorer rear. Figure most of those Explorers get well past 200K before they hit the wrecking yards and I for one have never heard of drive shaft issues with them in stock form.
B-mac's photo shows there isn't a clearance issue with the 4 link under the truck.