What Rear Axle Does A Mustang Have?

The Ford Mustang is one of the few vehicles that has used both a solid rear axle and an independent rear suspension in the modern era. For decades, the Mustang stood out as one of the only non-off-roading vehicles to feature a solid rear axle.

What kind of rear end does a Mustang have?

Most common Factory gears for 1979-2022
If you own any 1979 to current Mustang, it came equipped with one of the two Ford rear ends – Mustang 7.5” rear end or the Ford Mustang 8.8” rear end.

What Mustangs have the 7.5 rear end?

All ’79-85 Mustangs featured the 7.5 rear ends.

What differential do Mustangs have?

As mentioned, most Mustangs come equipped with a limited-slip differential from the factory.

Does the Mustang have a live rear axle?

Background. Since its introduction in 1964, the Ford Mustang has been fitted with a live rear axle. The original plan was to have an independent rear suspension (IRS), but Ford discovered that $100 could be saved per car by using a live axle instead.

What Fords have the 8.8 rear end?

Common Applications

• 1986-2014 Ford Mustang.
• 1982-2012 Ford F-150.
• 1982-1996 Ford Bronco.
• 2001-2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac.
• 1991-2011 Ford Ranger 4.0L models.
• 1991-2001 Ford Explorer (Solid axle)
• 1985-2011 Ford Panther platform vehicles.
• 2012–Present Ford F-150 (Super 8.8, depending on engine and other options)

Do all Mustangs have a solid rear axle?

Which Mustangs Use a Solid Rear Axle? Mustangs made from 1964.5 to 2014 use a solid rear axle set-up. The notable exceptions are the SVT Cobra models from 1999-2004, which used an independent rear suspension. These rare performance models are tough to find (and some have even been converted to solid axles).

How strong is a 8.8 rear end?

This rearend is lighter than a 9-inch and is as strong as a 12-bolt (except for the axles), and many Mustangs came from the factory with Traction-Lok limited-slip differentials.

What did the 8.2 rear end come in?

First of all, the 8.2-inch 10-bolt rearend came in Chevy and B-O-P (Buick-Olds-Pontiac) versions; for our purposes, that means it was found in ’62-67 Chevy II/Novas and various Novas, Chevelles, and El Caminos through the ’72 model year.

What does 1 2 3 mean on a Mustang?

N – Neutral. D – Drive. 3 – Third gear 2 – Second gear 1 – First gear. O – Overdrive (if equipped)

Do all Mustangs have limited-slip differential?

Modern Mustangs come with some version of a limited-slip differential, but this hasn’t always been the case. Older Mustangs often came with open differentials, which can lose traction in slippery conditions.

What’s better ifs or solid axle?

Long story short, it’s harder to lift wheels on a solid axle vehicle than it is on an IFS or IRS vehicle. Solid axles come with other downsides such as less ground clearance due to the pumpkin (differential housing), costly parts and the challenges around correctly adjusting camber.

Is IRS better than solid axle?

An independent rear suspension doesn’t necessarily perform better than a well-designed solid-axle setup. This is especially true for vehicles with a lot of front weight bias, like a Mustang.

Do Mustangs have rear sway bars?

Mustangs have two sway bars, one in the front and one in the back. The factory sway bars are non-adjustable. Sway bars are an excellent complement to a set of control arms in terms of overall handling prowess.

How do I know if I have an 8.8 or 9.75 rear end?

Also you can tell by the diff cover shape. There’s pictures online. Basically if it’s symmetrical then it’s the 8.8. If it’s tapered on one side it’s the 9.75.

Is the Ford 8.8 a good axle?

Although not serving up the same beef as the respected Ford 9-inch, the slightly smaller 8.8-inch has held its own as a good medium-duty wheeling axle, especially when used on lighter rigs. The axleshafts have been available in 28- and 31-spline counts.

Why is a Ford 9-inch rear end so good?

The Ford 9-inch is desirable because it has a removable carrier, which allows quick rear end changes. Many racers carry an extra carrier assembly with a different rear end ratio so they can try different combinations on the same day while at the track.

Is solid rear axle better for drag racing?

Form a performance standpoint, a live axle is still a very effective solution, and there’s a reason why a lot of drag racers prefer a solid axle over an IRS setup. It’s easier to get power down at launch especially when running large, sticky tires like a Nitto NT555 RII street legal drag radial.

Do Mustangs have open differentials?

All S550 Mustangs arrive with a limited-slip differential. This allows for better power transmission to the pavement. A standard open differential has no way to limit power from a slipping wheel and transfer it to the wheel with traction.

Why are solid rear axles better?

Benefits Of SRA
Solid rear axles are lighter weight than independent suspension because they lack the engineering required to keep both wheels separately stable. A solid rear end saves weight by not needing the overengineered suspension equipment in the back.

How much HP can a Ford 9-inch handle?

“They’re good only to 400hp max,” says Tom at Tom’s Differentials. “Anything above that should use today’s beefed-up, redesigned, nodular-iron aftermarket cases. They’re good to 800 hp, if built properly.