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Rear end information needed

Discussion in 'The Hokey Ass Message Board' started by Zac, Jun 29, 2009.

  1. Zac
    Joined: Oct 30, 2008
    Posts: 4

    Zac
    Member

    So.... the local scrap yard has a ford 8.8 out of a Mountaineer, 3.73 posi, for $250. But, the drive shaft is offset to the passenger side. Is there anyway the rear end could be used in a 1950 Chevy pickup? I've always been more of a body guy than mechanic so im a little :confused: over this. I realize some type of a pinion angle is required to prevent vibes, but I'm not sure that side to side would be considered acceptable. Any information would be much appreciated.
     
  2. Ghost28
    Joined: Nov 23, 2008
    Posts: 3,195

    Ghost28
    Member

    My nine inch is out of an early bronco and is off set. And I'm gonna run it the way it is. Should not be a problem as long as you tunnel is wide enough...ghost
     
  3. Zac
    Joined: Oct 30, 2008
    Posts: 4

    Zac
    Member

    I'm just wonder how much is too much, it measure out to 4.5 inches offset to the passenger side. That seems like an awful lot to safely run, and have it to reliable.
     
  4. if the the offset 8.8 worked fine for many miles and teats in a Mountaineer , why would you think it being offset should all of sudden cause a problem? unless the driveshaft won't clear the underside of your pickup running at an angle...but what i have seen of AD pickups i can't image that would be a problem
     
  5. Zac
    Joined: Oct 30, 2008
    Posts: 4

    Zac
    Member

    Well the rear end is out of a awd/4wd mountaineer. So it had the offset rear end factory because the transfer case. So it really didn't have an offset drive shaft. But in my truck it won't have a transfer case, thus the drive shaft will be on an angle, unless I move the engine to the right 4.5 inches :D
     
  6. Ghost28
    Joined: Nov 23, 2008
    Posts: 3,195

    Ghost28
    Member

    That's 2 inches more offset than I have on mine, and yes I would rethink using it cause it will definately exercise the needle bearings in your universals. don't offset your motor for the sake of the rear end you can find another rear assembly for around the same price...ghost
     
  7. trash hauler
    Joined: Oct 7, 2007
    Posts: 24

    trash hauler
    Member
    from lake tapps

    you could try it the worst that could happen is vibration its a 8.8 with 3.73 posi you will not lose $$$ you can always resale it .........but ford got it right with the slight off set for proper needle bearing movement so your u-joints last longer and grease better!!! thats my 2 cents
     
  8. enjenjo
    Joined: Mar 2, 2001
    Posts: 2,767

    enjenjo
    Member
    from swanton oh


    Why not offset the engine? Most GM engines are offset to the right, in some cases up to two inches. Also Ford Vans, F series pickups, Dodge trucks ect, ect...
     
  9. REM/Mo
    Joined: Feb 24, 2008
    Posts: 281

    REM/Mo
    Member
    from Missouri

    Are you sure the t-case in the Mountaineer has an off set tail shaft. Most t-cases have the output shaft in alignment with the transmission output shaft. I am not familiar with specifics of the Mountaineer AWD.

    A lot of trucks have an off set pinion because it allows both axles to be the same length It does not matter in a truck like it would in a car where there is a center hump in the floor for the d-shaft which needs to be centered.

    Just some thoughts
     
  10. Diavolo
    Joined: Apr 1, 2009
    Posts: 824

    Diavolo
    Member

    Offset shouldn't be an issue. As long as there is no binding, a little offset (either up and down or left to right) is necessary for the proper operation of the u-joints. There have been many many vehicles come out of detroit with offset built in to ensure proper u-joint operation. Just check for binding and clearance and let it be.
     
  11. Babyearl
    Joined: May 23, 2008
    Posts: 610

    Babyearl
    Member

    I agree.
     
  12. Zac
    Joined: Oct 30, 2008
    Posts: 4

    Zac
    Member

    Sounds good guys! Like I said earlier, I was aware that an offset/pinion angle is desired to prevent DS vibrations. But I wasn't sure if 4 inches would be overkill, and cause issues later down the road. I would really hate to replace the u joints every few hundred miles :p I guess I'll go with it, since its such a good deal. If something happens, I can easily remove it and get my money back out of it at any point. I really appreciate everyones input, it has really eased my mind!
     

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