Reconstruction has begun.

[dhbfaster]

Welcome back Steve!

[SmithKid]

WOW!!!
Glad to see you back, Steve! Also glad the SD isn't gone. Visit us as often as you can.

[BPVan]

Good to see you back Steve, congrats on the expansion

[doghows]

Thanks guys. Hope to make it over for more meetings and shows this year.
Maybe I can finally talk a few of you to coming over to my side for some shows as well.

[dhbfaster]

Steve if I can ever get this thing done I'll be over at least once.

[doghows]

Well it's been a while since I've posted so here is the latest. I picked up a 8.8" rear axle from a explorer a while back and I decided it's time to modify it and put it under the delivery.
I got mine from a 97 and it a 3:73 gear posi with disc brakes and 31 spline axles. And from all my research and investigating the theory is if I pull the long side apart, drill out the spot welds and shorten the tube by three inches that another short side axle with fit perfect and should put me at a 53-54 inch width axle. So I went for it.
Took about three hours from start to the point I'm at now which is to weld the tube back in place. Then I'll chop off all the brakets and get it ready to fit under the delivery.
If I had anything better than an iPad I'd post all the pics at once but it won't let me do it so ther might be a couple posts with pics for you.
This is my makeshift redneck press to get the tube out.

[doghows]

Here she is fresh out of the band saw 3" shorter.

[doghows]

And finally mostly back together. I need to take it to my friends shop and press the tube in about one more inch and then weld her up. Then clean it back up coat it and slam her into her new home under the delivery.

[SmithKid]

Not at all familiar with this particular project, Steve. Are shortened axles available for it?

[Luva65wagon]

Not at all familiar with this particular project, Steve. Are shortened axles available for it?

I was gonna ask the same thing until I read it again. He's using 2 of the shorter axles. Typically you have one long and one short axle to get the pumpkin, which is itself off-set, back into the center of the tunnel. Not sure how that works with two equal-length axles will center this up in a Falcon, but I'm sure we'll hear soon...

... either a:



or a:



or a:

time to get out the and start over.

[doghows]

By removing three inches from the long side tube it centers the diff and you are correct by cutting the three inches it makes the axle the same length as the short side. Rock auto has a short side replacement for $84 and everything else bolts back up.
All I need is the new leaf spring perches then mount it all under the car, set my pinion angle and viola 8.8 posi 3:73 gears and disc brakes all in one shot.

If you look at the last pic the diff is now centered, in the explorer it's offset to one side. I'll measure to be sure but it should be equal length on both sides now.

[Luva65wagon]

Measure center of leaf to center of tunnel and then again from the other side. Not sure if the Falcon is exactly centered. The pinion/yoke center to end of each axle is off-center because it is coming off the side of the ring gear. So the body of the pumpkin housing may be centered with equal length axles, but the center of the yoke is still off-set a couple inches.

Just trying to freak you out until you are home and can measure it. It's a dirty job, but somebody has to do it.

[doghows]

Well I hate to make your head any bigger but..... I measured from backing plate to backing plate and yes the pinion is set off to the passenger side about 1/2". Everything else is pretty must the same side to side.
But I think it's close enough and should be just fine. I've talked with a few guys running theses with no issues so it's all good.
Thanks for making me sweat this afternoon Roger, even though it's plenty hot in my shop!

[Luva65wagon]

Only a half inch? Hmm. Maybe that's all my head grew then.

Just sharing the love, my friend. Just sharing the love.

[doghows]

Roger I did some re-measuring on that 8.8. I think I misunderstood what you were talking about and what I measured.
the pinion is off center on the diff, but I have not test fit it under the car so when I do that it might put the pinion center off more. once I center it up and get the leaf perches where I need them it might be a whole nother ball game. we shall see!!