Today I have fully assembled the 8.8 and got it painted and bolted in. Had to do something I didn't really want to do, but no way around it. When you re-gear a 8.8 to 4.88s, you either have to buy a notched cross pin(not recommended)/or grind about a 1/16" off of 2 teeth on the ring gear. Wasn't thrilled to take a grinder to my new ring and pinion. I had no choice.
After I played the spider gear puzzle I realized my cross pin doesn't fit. Time to call up my ford guru and get some ideas
After several attempts of grinding just barely and trying to install the pin, this is how much had to come off.
Back on all four tires. My RC springs had settled 2" almost. I'm liking the new stance so far with these BDS springs. Can't wait to tackle the front.
I was told not to worry, the pinion doesn't mesh with the ring gear where I ground it down and no damage will be done. My ford guru has been messing with blue ovals longer than I have lived so I hope he's right. Lol
Once the 8.8 got bolted down, I started brake line fabing. I had enough line to make the short hard line, but was 2" short for the long one. Another trip to the store for me. I also have to replace my calipers(rear). They sat too long in the elements. I can't compress them enough to put the brake pads in.
Rear is almost finished. One more hard line, new calipers, get some bolts for pinion flange, and have my drive shaft cut down. I'm so ready to spin it around and tackle the front.
|