I R S,(rear end), Question, as a donor....

What every one here is saying about the strength of the Mark 8 rear end is about the same as i have heard. We have done 2 other cars with mark 8 rear end already. One was a 51 merc with a supercharged ford dohc 5.4 motor that is driven very little(show car thing) But when it was being built we had to see what all the fuss our customer was making about his big money motor. The motor ran strong but i was xspecting alot more but it had no problum smoking the rear tires.

 

I belive the Tb & Cougar are cast iron and not alum

 

You do not want to use the differential from a '04-07 CTS-V. They are weak and will commonly break in stock CTS-V's that haven't been abused. The '04-06 GTO IRS is also not that great of a choice, either. Parts for both are expensive and uncommon; they're also completely different than the differentials used in the Corvettes, Camaros, etc.

Stick with something more common like the Ford 8.8 IRS differentials, C4 Corvette, or 9"-based aftermarket.

 

I got got back from Pick-N-Pull I pulled the rear suspension out of a 97 Lincoln Mark VIII with 72,000 miles car was wrecked in the front. I spent $200 for the complete unit. Here are some photos it measures about 58 inches from rotor to rotor

 

The Ford 8.8 is a good diff, also used in IRS late model explorers.

 

Thank you there, vtwinpartss.............One more question.......The parking or emergency brakes on those,,,,,,,,,,actuated through the caliper, or a small "drum" brake inside the disc?????

I'm liking the looks of the Lincoln stuff more and more.............

I am guessing that all the other 8.8 stuff will fit this as well?????( limited slips, lockers,a wide range of ring and pinions, etc.....)

Thank you so much for the detailed pics and info, sir.

 

It is throught the caliper.
and yes all of the 8.8 stuff will fit inside as well
I like that it is not a jag setup and the fact that it already had airbag cups on the lower a arm

 

Thank you sir!

 

So. Caddy out. 8.8 in? Will there be a build thread? I'm giddy with excitement!

 

How would you manage that, run a v drive set up?

 

Yes, I am thinking the Ford is the way to go, but that Caddy unit sure looks COOL!

Simmer down a little, now........I don't have the van yet..........YET, being the operative.........It will come, Gr***hopper................

 

I think you will be happy you chose the 8.8, lower cost, more durable and much more availability of parts than the Getrag.
Here's a website with installion pictures into a older Ford truck, may get some ideas there. http://www.team321.com/InstallIRS/TEAM321TruckIRSInstall.html

It is very unlikely the IRS you have is a traction lock, almost all Lincolns are "open". The side gears on the IRS rear axle are slightly different than a standard one, they have an angled bevel since they don't use C-clips. A non-IRS differential will work but you may have difficulty getting the axles to come out.

Right now the wheel bolt pattern is a weird 5 lug on 4.25" bolt circle to change to 5 lug on 4.5" bolt circle you can use Mustang Cobra IRS hubs from Ford Racing (big bucks) or get yours redrilled for the 4.5" pattern http://www.geocities.com/stus_cobra/irs_machining.html.

See here for some brake options http://home.comcast.net/~dlfraleigh/Article.html

 

Thank you, Bluebolt, for the added info...................Very helpful!!!!!!

 

Make front and rear motor plates that mount both motors toghter. Then attach sprokets to the flyweel end of the crankshaft. Then couple them toghter by a chain.

 

Go chuck go!

 

Your welcome. I have learned a lot about the Ford IRS because I am helping a buddy stuff a Ford 302/T5 and Lincoln 8.8 center section in a Mazda Miata. Not a HAMB friendly car for sure but still a sneaky little hot rod

 

Sounds as if he will be steering with the throttle most of the time!!!!!!!

YEE HAW!!!!