I recently purchased a cover for an 8.8 Ford rear from the US and had shipped to CA and then downunder. I went to install it the other day and then found out that it does not fit my 8.8. I placed a new gasket on it to show the difference in bolt patterns and as you can see they are vastly different. Damn expensive exercise for nothing more than a paperweight. It requires significant rework to come even close to fitting. What differences are there in 8.8 rears?
Maybe compare to the pictures shown here: http://www.summitracing.com/search/...pe/differential-covers/axle-model/ford-8-8-in
That don't look like an 8.8 to me, i think you got the wrong cover, might want to get a hold of whoever you bought it from and make sure.
As you see there are no bolt holes at 12 & 6 o'clock with a big difference in the spacings. I've contacted seller who is to verify what 8.8 it suits. He advised it was 8.8 at time of sale and just recently when I queried why it didn't fit. I was happy to drill 2 holes when I placed gasket over casting.
Looks like a cover for ford ranger 7.5 rearend. See if you can find a gasket for a 7.5 ford, and match it up. The two missing holes may be because of the way it was casted? Was it this one??http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=822330 This pic doesnt have dimensions, but the visual may help.
I had a very similar problem - bought an axle that was allegedly an 8.8" drum braked item. I fitted it to my Modified - making extensive alterations to it and the associated parts. I decided I'd like a finned ally diff cover and ordered up an Offenhauser item. Being in the UK I couldn't swap either the new diff cover or the rear end - and I can't just go down to the breakers and swap it all for a 9" either. I had to work with what I had. My solution is below - basically my axle case was bigger all round than the 8.8" diff cover and this allowed me to make up an adapter plate. I cut all the mounting holes of the cover and welded it to the plate. Works for me.... I then tried to find out what the axle I have actually is - it's not a 7" or a 7 1/2". From my researching, it would seem to be a Ford 7 3/4" - I've seen it described as 8" internals in a 7" case. I don't know.... I posted on here at the time and nobody could identify it with any certainty. Axle is in good order and it fits - that's all I know. Strange that it is bigger all round than an 8.8 though.... More pictures of the rest of the axle here; http://jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=832645 It's all been painted and polished since this picture and looks fine.
Yep. definately the smaller 7.5 and not an 8.8. Tried a few local Ford and Mazda products and spoke to others more knowledgeable than me. Thanks
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