I have an 83 Imperial (J-body) and I have been looking for a cost effective way to upgrade my 8.25 axle. Currently, it is an open 2.26 unit and of course, has drum brakes. I'm going for a Pro-Touring look and with the wheels I will be using, I don't want an ugly set of drums peaking out from behind the spokes.

With that said, a 87-88 Thunderbird Turbo Coupe 8.8 rear end is 1" wider than my stock rear and I have a line on one for a decent price and it has 3.73 gears, Tru-Trac, and disc brakes. All I should need is to remove the brackets for the control arms and have a pair of perches welded on.

However, I have been getting mixed feedback on what else I would need for the disc brakes. Some people say I need a new master cylinder and/or a proportioning valve, etc. If I need a new master cylinder, what make/model do I ask for at the parts store?

The guys on Moparts mentioned that a few guys on the "Slant 6 board" had 8.8s and that they might be able to help. Well, hopefully this is the right Slant 6 board. I did search and found some posts talking about 8.8 swaps, but they were all units with drums.

You'll want to use a MC from a 4wdb setup, or make sure that the residual pressure valve (IF still used in 83...) has been removed from the rear brake circuit. Worst case, just use the MC you have (RPV's removed) and use an aftermarket prop valve if you need to soften up the rears.

I think the combo valve you've got probably has some proportioning feature, and that may or may not be of any use to your setup. I would start with what you have as a baseline and tune from there. Keep the variables to a minimum.

BTW, sounds like a great project.

Clair

ford explorers are where i have found the 8.8s that i have used and/or stolen parts from....

you need 2 of the short cables off the explorer and it will allow you to use the factory brake cables. (i think they are the cables from the passenger side)

i put one in a 74 Dart and it works well. some of the guys around here who have had problems have put a summit propoportioning valve in for the rears.

good luck.

sb

Hey Clair, just saw your post. Welcome to slantsix.org and we look forward to your wisdom

MJ

the 8.8 axle from the explorer does not have a centered pumpkin. i was thinking of putting one in a jeep put gave when i found out about that. however, a lot of them do have 3.55's and a limited slip diff.

zedpapa

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1970 dodge dart w/225 /6 bored .040" over, holley 390cfm w/vac. sec., compcams 252s, clifford shorty headers w/2.5" exhaust w/flowmaster, f-body 11" front discs, aluminum A-833OD, 8 1/4 w/3.21 SG
soon to have 5 gears!!!