I'm finally ready to put the rear end into my 50 Merc but am worried about the offset. I have the leaf springs and everything but the sway bars, as I'm not going to use them. Long ago saw on here the 8.8 would work without any alterations but can't find it now.anybody done this, need some help finding the thread or just that "it can be done"
I put a Mustang 7.5 rearend, ( really it's just a smaller version of the 8.8) in my '35 Plymouth, and it's offset. Works great
Wife has had some health issues, liver transplant so since aug 16th the old Merc has set. She is doing well and the Merc is back on. The guy putting the rear end into my Merc is worried about the offset, I told him it will work but he's not sure. So need some input to show him someone else did it AND IT WORKED!
Ask the guy who is worried about "the offset" to explain why it apparently worked in the Explorer and why he thinks it won't work in your car. The Explorer driveshaft at the transmission/transfer case was on the centerline of the vehicle and the driveshaft angled down and sideways a bit, just like it will in your car. All the u-joint "sees" is one angle. Imagine the driveshaft like a clock hand. The clock hand can be at 6:00 (straight down) or it can be at 5:00 (angled slightly). The driveshaft could be "clocked" at any position, up, down or sideways, it makes no difference. If this was a 4x4 rig with a steep angle, or extremely short driveshaft, the u-joint operating angle could exceed it's normal range. None of that is present in your Merc. Best wishes to your wife for a continued good recovery. Ray
He's probably worried about the tunnel and I would be, too, only because the Merc has a shallow narrow tunnel in the back. Nothing some sheetmetal work can't cure, but that work should be done before the rear gets installed.
^^^^^^^that makes sense and is a perspective I had not considered when reading and responding to the OP's post. Ray
Seems that installing the rear package would go first so that if the work was required then you would know how much was required. Now, if someone with a Merc that has done this swap would jump in and tell us the details... .
That's was my reason for this thread, still hoping someone will see it and respond how it went. I've seen it on here before but can't find it when I need it. And 73RR you wouldn't believe how bad this build has been. But the rear end swap will complete the mechanical work. Next interior and paint, gonna drive the **** out of it this summer though. Paint and interior are winter things.
Well, of course it would have to be temporarily installed in a mock-up, but if Bounder is bringing it to a mechanic expecting a final install, there might be some surprises.
...I might believe you...I have seen plenty of projects where everything that could go wrong does. Good luck on the finish work! .
Explorer rear is about 59" wide I think I cut 3" out of the wide side and used 2 short axles on a different project
Running a 9" with the 3" offset. 4'' block in rear,with a full spring pack. NO modifications to tunnel what-so-ever. Doesn't hit the bump stop=but I'm not launching the car. One thing I did for myself was use the stock diameter driveshaft size (new driveshaft),but increased tubing thickness. Of course went with solid joints,and a beefier yoke...... My driveshaft guy asked many q's regaurding useage of my car. I have no fitment issues,no whacky angles,nor any crazy vibes at all. One thing I did do was set correct pinion angle while flipping the spring perches with the blocks. I can still pull an inch of block,and still be in the ballpark without issue. Now- if your loosing springs from the pack,and lowering, once the pack is a lil more loose,contact could possibly be made. There have been post's regarding this,but I can't find it,or i'de share it with you. I would say run it,but, keep in mind the diameter of the shaft in the tunnel,and how things move up and down. Good luck.-Kid
Very nice package ya got there Kid! Great colors. Now, what is up front that required a 9" out back? .
Stock unit is a Dana 41....very similar in appearance, but not as strong as a 44, especially later 44's. Ray
The Jalopy Journal
