Ford 8.8 IRS conversion
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 5,557
Likes: 9
From: Oquirrh Mountains
St. Jude Donor '09
That's true IFF you have a factory small block car. But it won't be long for this world behind a high tq/hp engine.
I've been considering looking into Fabbing up a ford 9" IRS diff. The 3rd member is STRONG, cheap, and readily available. Three of my favorite words.
The 8.8 is no slouch either, but it would have to be installed into a 'vette or custom carrier. Do you have a source for this?
I've been considering looking into Fabbing up a ford 9" IRS diff. The 3rd member is STRONG, cheap, and readily available. Three of my favorite words.
The 8.8 is no slouch either, but it would have to be installed into a 'vette or custom carrier. Do you have a source for this?
Last edited by Ben Lurkin; Feb 8, 2010 at 02:11 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 7,353
Likes: 72
From: Graceland in a Not Correctly Restored Stingray
Easier to just step up to a well built 12-bolt IRS conversion, IMCO, as I've done. Tom's doesn't do them anymore, but if you don't already know who to call to have one done right, PM me. Should that not be strong enough, there are some Dana 60 IRS setups out there, including the one from Strange which 427Hotrod has. No, they aren't cheap by any stretch of the imagination, but if you really need the added strength you've likely already figured out that high performance comes at a price. Thus the old adage, "How fast do you want to go? How much money do you want to spend?" My $.02
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 2,412
Likes: 3
Easier to just step up to a well built 12-bolt IRS conversion, IMCO, as I've done. Tom's doesn't do them anymore, but if you don't already know who to call to have one done right, PM me. Should that not be strong enough, there are some Dana 60 IRS setups out there, including the one from Strange which 427Hotrod has. No, they aren't cheap by any stretch of the imagination, but if you really need the added strength you've likely already figured out that high performance comes at a price. Thus the old adage, "How fast do you want to go? How much money do you want to spend?" My $.02
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,664
Likes: 0
From: Sonoran Desert of Arizona
I am talking about using the COMPLETE irs setup, not ust the center section.
Yes I know it would require major fab work. I just wonder if the benefits would offset the effort.
NOT for drag use, just a street and autocross toy.
Yes I know it would require major fab work. I just wonder if the benefits would offset the effort.
NOT for drag use, just a street and autocross toy.
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Premium Supporting Vendor
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 4,312
Likes: 70
From: Clearwater FL
Can't comment on the 8.8 IRS. I don't even know what it looks like.lol
Racer
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 435
Likes: 18
From: Florida
What power levels are you dealing with? Is this a manual or auto? I dont think the labor would offset the cost or offer a huge strength advantage. I have wondered if the new 8.625 gears (used in trucks) could be used when rebuilding. Use studs on the housing and upgrade from the stub axles out. There has got to be a way to blueprint the rear and not cost too much..... Would the coilover setup make it easier to install a 9inch since you wouldnt need the spring ledge on the cover? Would that increase strength, not having the spring forces on the cover of the center section?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,373
Likes: 6
From: Baltimore MD
8.8 ford rears suck,they are weak,in the gen 1 lightning group,we are always busting these rears,everybody changes out the rears for some other brand eaton,detroit,ford 9",etc.Its one of the things you do first when you start to mod one of these trucks,stay away.That is if the irs 8.8 is the same as regular solid axle 8.8
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,373
Likes: 6
From: Baltimore MD
But i would not put one in my vette,i would go with something better.
Racer
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 435
Likes: 18
From: Florida
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,727
Likes: 38
From: Fremont CA
Modded early CTSV's are cracking those open like eggs, one guys solution was to swap in a C3 Vette Differential. I wouldn't go there if I were you. Best solution is to convert C3 differential to Tom's Differentials 12bolt spider gears with 30 spline side yokes. GTR1999 (Gary) has some good write ups on this process if you know where to look.
Racer
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 435
Likes: 18
From: Florida
http://www.dutchmanaxles.com/1_irs_centers.html
Has anyone seen this? Seems like this would lend itself well to a 9 inch swap so far as the housing goes.
Has anyone seen this? Seems like this would lend itself well to a 9 inch swap so far as the housing goes.
Pro
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 591
Likes: 7
From: Batavia IL
Funny this topic has just come up, I just about to get started in constucting a ford 9" center section for my 8 second vette. I will be selling my old 12 bolt converted stock vette housing soon when I am finished. I'll make a new thread and post pictures up once I get started.
I already have my third member ordered and other stuff coming on its way, then I will start the fabbing up. I am planning on getting into the 7's with my future set up and I am gonna do it with IRS.
I already have my third member ordered and other stuff coming on its way, then I will start the fabbing up. I am planning on getting into the 7's with my future set up and I am gonna do it with IRS.
Instructor
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 127
Likes: 0
From: Sheffield Alabama
I dont know how to get a hold of the guy. but this is what your looking for.
http://lateral-g.org/members/jennings66vette/
http://lateral-g.org/members/jennings66vette/
