**Disclaimer -- I'm still researching this stuff, others here might be Ford IRS experts....**
If you're looking for Ford stuff, there might be some cheaper / lighter alternatives that would handle about any HP you throw at it (I hedge on that last point after seeing that SBC 1000 hp "locost" on eBay yesterday).
I'm planning to use a first-gen (2000-2002) Lincoln LS rear assembly in my locost -- at least that is my intention as I make plans to go pick it up. I'm paying like $200 for the entire rear end assembly -- diff, frame bits, control arms, brakes, the entire rear assembly, etc. This unit is an 8" Ford I believe -- making it the unloved step child that makes it "locost". The rear track numbers lead me to believe it would work for a +4 build -- will know more when I measure things. From the factory it was designed for 260 hp. This rear end was used in Jaguar S-types as I recall and the 2002-2005 T-bird. Chances are it's gonna be a 3.58 rear, although it might be a 3.31, which would be close to the engine donor's 3.23. There are some with an aluminum rear diff covers -- I hope to get lucky. Ring Gear Diameter: 8.000, Spline Count: 28
Here is one comment from a Jag forum: "Gen 1 housing will fit a Ford 8.8 trac lok and with 8" stock gears." I hope that is correct. If that isn't true, eventually I'd go to my second pick, which is an 8.8" rear end from the second-gen (2003 - 2006) LS rear end. Most are 3.58. This was designed for 280 hp in the Lincoln. There is also a Lincoln Mark VIII IRS too, which I hear is aluminum. Seems to be oodles of parts and support for this one. I see that it gets used for various IRS conversions.
This doesn't mention earlier Ford Thunderbird SC IRS systems....
At any rate, if you want IRS, and want a Ford, there are alternatives. Given that these are designed for 4000 pound (give or take) vehicles with HP of 280 (give or take), it should be good out of the box for most of what we'd throw at it. Unless of course you've got a 1000 hp motor, like in the eBay ad....
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_________________ *************** Geek49203 aka Tim Wohlford Louisville, KY Hayes front, S10 +2 rear, Lalo body.
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