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View Full Version : Bolt-In Ford 8.8 Rearends for GM and Ford Applications



BulldawgMusclecars
06-26-2012, 12:02 PM
As some of you may already know, Bulldawg Musclecars built its first prototype 8.8 rear for '68-'72 GM A-Body applications for Project Sabre, and we're planning to make it a production piece as soon as we get set up in the new shop (we're in the process of moving this week). These rears are being based on the 8.8 Ford Explorer rear. Some other applications (still in development) may use a different housing. Most of these come from the factory with a Traction-Lok differential, either 3.73 or 4.10 gears, disc brakes, and 31 spline axles. Unlike some other aftermarket 8.8 rears, ours will accept any control arms..stock or aftermarket.

Why an 8.8? Well, for one, they are very strong, even in stock form. They are also very common, have great parts availability, they are relatively lightweight, and more efficient than a 9". Depending on options chosen, we'll be able to beat the price on other typical aftermarket rear ends by a considerable margin.

We're planning to offer these in various stages including :

-bare housing with all brackets installed
-bare housing with all brackets installed, with factory axles re-drilled for a GM pattern and your choice of studs
-complete housing with axles, used Traction-Lok, new bearings, used (inspected) gears
-complete housing with axles, rebuilt Traction-Lok, new bearings and gears
-complete housing with aftermarket axles, your choice of differential and gears, new bearings

Some units will have to be narrowed slightly to fit (G-body, for example), and of course we'll offer any unit narrowed to your specifications. We'll also offer different housing ends, for those wanting to use something other than the Explorer brakes, or to get away from C-clips.

So far, the '68-'72 units are ready to go, but the others will be in the works soon. '64-'67 A-body is up next, then G-body. After that, we'll work on leaf spring applications (F & X, '55-'57 Chevy, '64-'66 and '67-'70 Mustang). Any feedback or questions are appreciated. We're still working on pricing, but we can get you a quote if you have something in particular in mind. For quotes, email us at [email protected]. Thanks!

Zee
08-13-2012, 03:21 PM
Cool idea. Too bad I have a bunch of money tied up in my 10 bolt. If I had it over to do again, I would be on the 8.8 thing in a heartbeat as it would make a disc conversion with e-brake a ton easier.

LowFast
08-13-2012, 03:31 PM
I have a narrowed explorer 8.8 in mine, FYI the Wilwood 2 piston D154 rear caliper kit does fit the explorer ends, for those looking for a nice floating rear caliper.

acegto
12-12-2012, 07:28 AM
How much for a "-complete housing with axles, used Traction-Lok, new bearings, used (inspected) gears" for a 72 GTO???

CodexGigas
12-19-2012, 02:12 AM
Let Me Know when You Guys get the Rearends for G Bodies up and Running.

Kenova
12-19-2012, 06:33 PM
Any plans for the third gen F-body ?

Ken

BulldawgMusclecars
12-20-2012, 05:12 AM
How much for a "-complete housing with axles, used Traction-Lok, new bearings, used (inspected) gears" for a 72 GTO???

I'll PM you with a quote. Do you want that with the existing Ford pattern, or GM? Brakes?

BulldawgMusclecars
12-20-2012, 05:14 AM
Let Me Know when You Guys get the Rearends for G Bodies up and Running.

Will do.

BulldawgMusclecars
12-20-2012, 05:15 AM
Yes, 3rd and 4th gen F-body are on the list as well.

srh3trinity
12-20-2012, 11:24 AM
I am still interested in a Second Gen Firebird setup. People keep telling me to build up my 10 bolt, but these 8.8's have a lot to offer. Are you welding on BBF ends? GM bolt patterns on the axles?

BulldawgMusclecars
12-20-2012, 01:36 PM
We can build them to suit. Some people choose to stay with the Ford pattern (such as Project Sabre), since they are ordering custom wheels anyway, or we can change that too. They can be built with BBF ends, and we're even considering doing a full-floater version (using GMR parts). We can build them pretty much however you want.

BulldawgMusclecars
12-20-2012, 01:59 PM
We can build them to suit. Some people choose to stay with the Ford pattern (such as Project Sabre), since they are ordering custom wheels anyway, or we can change that too. They can be built with BBF ends, and we're even considering doing a full-floater version (using GMR parts). We can build them pretty much however you want.

GeoffP
12-20-2012, 06:37 PM
Double post there Joe! You should post some pics in this thread...

acegto
12-20-2012, 08:30 PM
I'll PM you with a quote. Do you want that with the existing Ford pattern, or GM? Brakes?

I'd go with the GM pattern. Gonna run Corvette brakes on all 4 corners

srh3trinity
12-20-2012, 08:56 PM
I would be open to a PM'd quote with GM bolt pattern and big bearing Ford ends. Also planning on running C6 Z51 brakes.

Alpina
12-28-2012, 09:28 AM
How much for a "-complete housing with axles gm bolt pattern, used Traction-Lok, new bearings, used (inspected) gears" for a 1967 Buick sportwagon

Blevinator
01-06-2013, 10:07 PM
1st Gen F Body application soon??