Hey all,
I just picked up a 93 notchback that has been converted from a 4 cyl car. I just bought a set of gears for it but now that im looking at the rear end im curious as to whether or not its an 8.8 or not. The car does have trac loc but im just scared that it might not be a 8.8. Any sure signs to tell the difference? I looked around a little but couldn't find a clear answer. Thanks

 

8.8 covers are squares with rounded corners. A 7.5 has a flat top and bottom but round sides to it's cover. If there's a tag still under one of the cover bolts, the second line tells you what gear ratio then what size it is. For example, 2 73 75 is a 2.73 in an open 7.5 and a 3 L 27 8 8 would be a 3.27 in a limited slip 8.8. Also, look at how the rear shocks bolt to the axle. If the bottom shock bolts are perpendicular to the car(left to right), then it's an 8.8. If they bolt on parallel with the body(back to front) then it's a 7.5. The 7.5's also do NOT have brackets for the quad shocks. And I have never seen a 7.5 with a traction loc differential in a late model Mustang from the factory. They are all open. If you still aren't sure I can take a picture of each if you need it.

 

perfect I just went out and checked and I have the mounts for the quad shocks and the diff cover is square with rounded corners. thanks for the help

 

No prob. I used to make a living converting 4 bangers to V8's. Enjoy the toy.