The question is, on a Ford 8” rear, when swapping an open gear to a trac loc does the l/s axle need to be shortened? Swapping an 8” center section in a Maverick from an open 3.00 to a trac loc 3.50. It went smooth until I tried sliding in the driver side axle. Looks like I’m about 1/4” too long. To be clear, the trac loc was already built, just swapped one center section for the other. I had both units side by side and didn’t see any difference. The open gear is a ‘72, the trac lock is a ‘75. Didn’t think it made a DIFFerence since the doner car had a 68 Mustang housing. Hoping that’s the problem. Thanks.
I'm interested in the answer to this one. Have a 3.55 locker in my 8" and the drivers' side tire has 1/4" more fender clearance than the other. If your hunch is correct........... Joe
did you check that the splines in there are aligned on that side? The track loc has two pieces in the side with the clutch: the side gear, and the clutch hub. They each have splines, and if it's not assembled correctly, or got bumped, the splines won't be aligned, and you can't install the axle. The fix is to turn the axle with a lot of torque, a small amount, to align the splines. Then slide in the axle.
Yep, I was afraid of that. Thanks squirrel. Joe, my axle won’t install, so I can’t bolt up the retainer plate. So I’d say your extra clearance is something else. It’s actually very common to see this type of stuff, from the factory. I’d check to see the rear didn’t shift on you, just to be safe. You could loosen the perches (leaf spring car) and shift it over 1/8”, it should go. If it’s a cruiser (not a racer), and if it’s that noticeable, the easiest fix I’ve done is to get a 1/4 wheel spacer on the other side to even it out. It’s no indication of the quality of the resto or if it was whacked hard, “factory tolerance”. Next cruise night take a really good look at some of the other cars, you’ll be surprised what you see.
Yep, I was talking to another Comethead and he told me his rear suspension was the same. Just double-checking one source. Actually checked the U-bolts yesterday (loose) when I got it on a lift to replace shackles. PO had installed wrong shackles (1/2" too wide) and axle housing had walked a bit. The correct shackles snugged everything up and straightened the springs. Just measured spring to backing plate (both sides). Same distance. Joe
Yeah, so at least it was a fairly easy fix. And common for our V8 powered econoboxes. So if you eyeball it and it looks off, you should be able to tweak it back. Turns out my splines weren’t aligned on the left side. Which throws me, because it came out of a driving vehicle and went right on the shelf untouched till I put it in the Maverick. So I got the big prybars out and grunted like Tim Allen until it popped in.
I'm going to have to put that one back in my memory bank. I knew that from years ago but it has been a long time since I worked on one. Just wondering if it could be a case where it would be prudent to install the left axle first before installing the right axle? Turning the right axle to be able to reach the retainer bolts/nuts might cause the inner and outer pieces to get out of line.
I have a Detroit locker for an 8" and the axle shafts swap back and forth between open and the locker. Years algo I had an 8" that I swapped the LS in and used the same axles. I believe Squirrel is correct, you need to a line the splines.
Thank you, brother It's a 10 footer, showing a bit of age and some goofy hijinks I've been shaking down for the last year. Who knows, the original shackles may have snapped and replaced with later ones due to unavailability. The Falcon guys are helping us a bit in that area, finally. Joe
Had the same problem with my 9". The splines were not aligned so I took a large bar between the lug bolts and turned the axle just enough to align the splines. You are just slipping the clutch plates a very small amount.
'63 1/2 factory 260, T-10 4 speed, 3.55 locker early bird 8". Solid roller transplant under the hood. Merc version of original Falcon Sprint. Not many around. Black one running B/G in SEGA I really dig. Need to talk to that cat one day if I can get a chance, see what he's up too. Thanks! Joe
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