Project V ('66 Valiant road racer) received it's '77 Maverick axle last week. We were able to use the stock driveshaft (904/7.25 axle) with an adapter U-joint. Car runs and drives with no noises so far. 2.79 open diff for now. Eventually will get 3.25 or 3.55 limited slip pig.

Big advantages are that parts are pretty easy to get, weight is lower than an 8.75" axle but still dropout style rear, 4.5" bolt circle, and is stronger than 7.25" axle - up to around 350 HP. They made 4-lug 8" axles too so watch out.

The Mav axle is 56.5" between the wheel mounting surfaces, which is perfect for Mopar offset wheels (like 4.25" backspace on a 7" rim). Weight is 170lbs complete compared with 140 for the 7.25" stocker. 15X7 wheel is almost perfectly centered in the well. We'll be running 17x8 Mustang GT rims, so I ordered hub-centric 1" spacers to account for the huge (5.72") backspace.

For future swaps to run Mustang rims, I will try to get a Granada 8" since it is 58-58.5" total width. I heartily recommend the Mav axle width for Mopar-type BBP wheels.

We dropped the car nearly 2" by getting the aregineering.com front spring perches and using 1" lowering blocks (Summit kit - $21). Installed Poly rear spring bushings from Energy Suspension (Summit - $41). Homemade rear shackles are 1/2" lower than stock. Stock springs (about 120lbs/in) for now.

We rebuilt the Ford 10X1.75" brakes, but will go to discs when time/$$ allow.

We also got a set of 245/45-17 Falken Azenis tires. Should be a big step up from the 8 yr old crispy junk we had...

Testing will commence at VIR roadcourse on the 2/12 weekend...

Happy motoring,

Lou

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Home of Slant6-powered fun machines since 1988

According to the Ford guys, the Mustang II with V8s used the 8" and came stock with 3.55 gears. If you can find one in the yard, that would be a cheap way to get the gear set.

Cool stuff Lou!

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Official Cookie and Mater Tormentor.

I think the Mustang II would be OK, but I believe they were all 4-lug rears. Gears are a good idea though. I've also heard Pintos used the same rear with 3.55s.

Thanks Dennis - more to come!

Lou

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Home of Slant6-powered fun machines since 1988

Yes, the Mustang II has 4 lug hubs, but the 8" center sections are the same and interchange.

Lou, does this mean you'll be ready for a street car shootout at Clay City?

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Official Cookie and Mater Tormentor.

Lou, a '74 Maverick (6 cylinder) showed up in a local junkyard, with what appears to be an 8" rear, 5 lug. It had an axle code of 3, which shows up as 2.79 open differential on the list I found. Is that what you have?