LocostUSA.com

I havent started my build beyond my build table but I am working on some preplanning for my build. The plan is to use a ford 8.8 rear end with miata hubs for the rear suspension but im at a loss on how to get those two pieces to go together safely. Its a very beginner question but Id like to know if this is feasible or if I need to alter my plans.

Not a beginner question. To use the miata hubs and track requires having the hubs broached, machining spacers to go between the hub and outer cv shoulder, and custom length axles. FF5 sells complete 18 inch axles but I bought a pair years ago and they were garbage. A very poor fit. I resold them to someone who didn't care. If you have axles made, then you will need new boots and can reuse joints. It is hassle. The spline engagement is not very good at the hub either. There have been problems with the nuts backing off too. I am not an advocate.

I'd use a full width tbird 5x4.25bc IRS with fabbed arms and adapt to match 80s crown vic spindles at 5x4.5bc. Rear suspension is less sensitive to spacers/adapters and can help tire to body clearance.

_________________
Miata UBJ: ES-2074R('70s maz pickup)
Ford IFS viewtopic.php?f=5&t=13225&p=134742
Simple Spring select viewtopic.php?f=5&t=11815
LxWxHt
360LA 442E: 134.5x46x15
Lotus7:115x39x7.25
Tiger Avon:114x40x13.3-12.6
Champion/Book:114x42x11
Gibbs/Haynes:122x42x14
VoDou:113x44x14
McSorley 442:122x46x14
Collins 241:127x46x12

Might be worth a call to Keith Tanner at Flyin Miata to see where they source the axles for their V8 conversions. The lengths for a V8 Miata could work if you built to that track width or their supplier could make axles to whatever size you like with the 8.8 inner CV and Miata outer.

_________________
Bill J
442 Locost - in progress
Mid-engine Beetle - In Progess
'12 GTI - Daily
'01 Chevy Cargo Van - Workhorse parts hauler

V8 roadsters sells a kit and they will sell you hubs and axles.

Lots of folks are using the getrag diffs now due to lower cost. I am probably going to be one of them.

The real question is do you have the HP capability to need this? It gets expensive fast with the axles and broached hubs being about $1800

Probably not since ill only be running around 240hp

That's a relatively mild Turbo Miata hp level, so the stock (1. diff/axles/hubs would work just fine. Particularly on a much lighter car.

_________________
Bill J
442 Locost - in progress
Mid-engine Beetle - In Progess
'12 GTI - Daily
'01 Chevy Cargo Van - Workhorse parts hauler