Wilwood 8.8 - Making it work?

[mccombs]

So I recently ordered this wilwood 8.8 kit not knowing that all 8.8 are created the same: http://www.wilwood.com/BrakeKits/BrakeKitsProdRear.aspx?itemno=140-7146

After doing some research it looks like all 8.8 brake options suck.

Is it worth modifying the parking brake plate to fit the right bolt pattern or should I look for alternative options?

 

[4.0B2]

so that's for the 27 spline and you have the 30 spline?
is your 8.8 a ranger or explorer 8.8?

if you just recently purchased it, can you not send it back? after spending $700+ on it; i'd either be sending it back for refund/exchange or making it work.

 

[5speedin2.3]

I'm assuming he ordered the kit for an F150 with the 5x5.5 bolt pattern and not the 5x4.5 kit.

 

[4.0B2]

I'm assuming he ordered the kit for an F150 with the 5x5.5 bolt pattern and not the 5x4.5 kit.

oh yeah, forgot about the fullwidth 8.8.



I'd just find a fullwidth 8.8 to build in that case. go good and WIDE!

 

[5speedin2.3]

After going to the link and reading, I'm not sure exactly what he is talking about. It looks somewhat universal.

This is from the website.
"
Ford Ford Mustang 1983 3.8 Liter w/o Handling Package
Ford Ford Mustang 1979 4 Cyl & 6 Cyl, except Turbo
Ford Ford Mustang 1979 4 Cyl Turbo
Ford Ford Mustang 1982-1983 4 Cyl Turbo Only.
Ford Ford Mustang 1987-1992 4 Cylinder, 2.3 Liter
Ford Ford Mustang 1993 4 Cylinder, 2.3 Liter, Disc Rear
Ford Ford Mustang 1993 4 Cylinder, 2.3 Liter, Drum Rear
Ford Ford Mustang 1984-1986 4 Lug Wheels, 3.8 Liter w/o Handling Package
Ford Ford Mustang 1984-1986 4 Lug Wheels, except 3.8 Liter
Ford Ford Mustang 1979 8 Cylinder
Ford Ford Mustang 1980 All
Ford Ford Mustang 1981 All, thru 10/21/80
Ford Ford Mustang 1981 All, 10/22/80 thru 11/13/80
Ford Ford Mustang 1982 All, except 4 Cyl Turbo
Ford Ford Mustang 1981 All, from 11/14/80
Ford Ford Mustang 1983 Early, except 4 Cyl Turbo
Ford Ford Mustang 1983 Late, except 4 Cyl Turbo or 3.8 liter
Ford Ford Mustang 1983 w/ Optional 10" Rear Brake, except 4 Cyl Turbo
Ford Ford Mustang 1982 w/ Optional 10" Rear Brake.
Ford Ford Mustang II 1974-1978 All
Ford Ford Pinto 1974-1980 All
Ford Ford Pinto 1971-1973 Disc Brake Front Spindle.
Ford Ford Pinto 1971-1973 Drum Brake Front Spindle.
Mercury Mercury Bobcat 1975-1980 All
Ford Ford Mustang 1984-1986 SVO w/ 5 Lug Wheels, Disc Brake Rear
Ford Ford Mustang 1987-1993 V-8 Spindle Only, 5 lug
Ford Ford Mustang 1993 V-8 Spindle Only, 5 lug, Disc Brake Rear
Ford Ford Thunderbird 1987-1988 Turbo Coupe, 5 lug"

 

[mccombs]

It's actually an explorer 8.8 (3.73 gears). This is going into a ranger for a v8 rebuild.

I'm committed to the rear end because it's already been refreshed with new seals, bearings and I've welded in the shock mounts and perches.

I went back and the bolt pattern isn't even close. The bracket is the same shape as a mustang but the holes are in completely different positions.

I'll probably just send it back but what are my options for brakes based on an explorer rear end? I can only find stock kits.

 

[Snoranger]

I'll probably just send it back but what are my options for brakes based on an explorer rear end? I can only find stock kits.

Option #1: Stock 95+ disc brakes.

Option #2: custom build it yourself.

 

[mccombs]

Option #1: Stock 95+ disc brakes.

Option #2: custom build it yourself.

So for Option #2. Would it be worthwhile to just keep the kit I have, seal the holes and redrill the mounting holes in the right position?

 

[kryptonitecb]

Option #1 is easier and to rebuild an Explorer 8.8 with disk brakes will cost as much as your recent kit purchase.

Sent from the road while ignoring traffic

 

[Snoranger]

So for Option #2. Would it be worthwhile to just keep the kit I have, seal the holes and redrill the mounting holes in the right position?

Is the axle offset the same? (the amount the axle sticks out from the mounting flange.) I dont think it is.

 

[mccombs]

Option #1 is easier and to rebuild an Explorer 8.8 with disk brakes will cost as much as your recent kit purchase.

Sent from the road while ignoring traffic

Not trying to be cost effective, looking for performance brakes over stock stuff.

This rear end came with disk brakes but they were trashed so I'm looking for alternatives/performance.

 

[mccombs]

Is the axle offset the same? (the amount the axle sticks out from the mounting flange.) I dont think it is.

I'm not sure, I'll guess I'll measure and this will be my deciding factor.

Thanks guys.

 

[mccombs]

For what it's worth. I can't believe there aren't any performance bakes for 8.8 explorer rear ends...

 

[kryptonitecb]

You can call up wilwood and order calipers that fit your dimensions and specs.

Sent from the road while ignoring traffic

 

[mccombs]

You can call up wilwood and order calipers that fit your dimensions and specs.

Sent from the road while ignoring traffic

Yes but would I be able to get a set of calipers that bolt up to the OEM parking brake plate?

If that's the case I see it easier to modify the kit I ordered, if the backspacing is the same.

I can't believe no one has run into this before. Has no one put performance brakes on an explorer 8.8?