Rear Axle Delima

Discussion in 'General Maverick/Comet' started by RACINGLASSMAN64, Nov 25, 2003.

  1. RACINGLASSMAN64

    RACINGLASSMAN64 Member

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    HI EVRYONE BEEN READING SOME OF THESE MESSAGES AND IM HOPING YOU GUYS CAN HELP I HAVE 2 70 MAVERICKS ONE IS A 48K ORIGINAL 250 I6 THE OTHER A PARTS CAR MY QUESTION IS THE REAR ENDS ARE DIFERENT ONE HAS A REMOVABLE COVER THE OTHER DOESNT BOTH HAVE 4 LUGS I PLAN ON DOING THE 302 CONVERSION CAN I USE ONE OF THESE AXLES OR IS IT NOT FAVORABLE IF NOT WHAT CAN I USE THANKS FOR ANY HELP YOU ALL CAN GIVE
     
  2. courier11sec

    courier11sec Member

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    Axle.

    Use the one without the removable cover and please turn off your caps lock.
    The one with the cover is weak and parts are not as easily available for it.
     
  3. RACINGLASSMAN64

    RACINGLASSMAN64 Member

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    sorry about the caps and thanks for the info being a 4 lug i should be able to get 5 lug axles for it i would assume?
     
  4. Country Mav

    Country Mav Die-Hard Ford Guy!

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    Hey, welcome to the board! Don't worry, these guys know what they are talking about. You've got questions, they've got answers. If your interested in the engine swap, here is a list that I put together that might help you out. By the way, yes yo can get 5 lug axles for the car. Most mavericks after 1972, and all stock V-8 mavericks had them. (I think that's right) Good luck! Country Mav

    Here is a quick list of what it took for me to perform the swap last month. I also included some things that helped me in the project. If you have any questions, just ask. I may have left something out, so if you see something missing, feel free to add to this thing. Country

    Hope this helps someone

    200 I-6 to 302 V-8
    SWAP LIST

    PARTS YOU WILL NEED

    302 V-8
    302 MAVERICK motor mounts
    302 frame mounts
    V-8 Engine cross-member
    Double hump transmission cross-member
    V-8 Power steering bracket
    Longer Power Steering Hoses
    V-8 Alternator bracket
    V-8 Starter
    250 I-6 or small block ford V-8 bell-housing
    250 I-6 or 302 Maverick radiator (Although I got away with using the 200's radiator)
    Fan Shroud (not necessary, but unless you are using an electric fan it will be missed)
    V-8 Pulleys -Power steering/crankshaft/fan/water pump
    Front sump oil pan (Double or rear - sump pans won’t work without frame modifications)
    V-8 throttle cable (optional)
    V-8 wiring harness ( or just build one)
    V-8 kickdown linkage


    I-6 PARTS THAT CAN BE USED IN THE SWAP

    Throttle Cable
    Power Steering Pump
    Alternator
    C-4 transmission (any C-4 should work, as long as the bell-housing is changed to a V-8 bell-housing)


    SOME (HOPEFULLY) HELPFUL ADVICE

    When doing this swap, you CAN, I repeat, CAN retain the stock 6 cylinder springs. In keeping the I-6 springs, you car will sit lower in the front. I kept the I-6 springs in mine, and have NOT noticed the handling to be that bad. I DO recommend, however, that you take the car and have it aligned. This is strictly left up to you. Another thing that I did, was use my stock 200 ci I-6 radiator in the swap. I did have it re-cored, (which I would recommend that you do) and it works fine. I used a 160 degree thermostat, and I cruise at anywhere from 150 - 190 degrees at 70 and 80, depending on the weather. If you want to run cooler, use a bigger radiator or have an aluminum radiator built. I have also used two different fan setups on this engine, a 16 inch electric fan, and the block-type straight fan off of my 200 I-6. Both worked fine. I have the electric fan on a toggle switch, so I can continue cooling the radiator after killing the car. I DO NOT use both fans at once. I just tested both of them. Personally, I like the electric fan better as it has a built-in shroud, and can continue to run after switching the car off. As far as the transmission goes, I got one from Auto Zone for $430.00 with a 15 month unlimited mile warranty. I would recommend buying one or having yours rebuilt instead of just bolting the I-6 C-4 right on in there. It probably won’t last. It will work though with the V-8 bell-housing.


    THIS REALLY CAN BE DONE !!!

    It has been said that you could not have long-tube headers and retain the automatic shifter on the column. It can be done. I did it. What I will say is that the stock shift rod will have to be bent to fit from the selector on the transmission itself to the column shift lever on the firewall. It will just be trial and error, but if you keep trying, you will eventually get the angles bent right to fit around and through the headers. One thing though, I had to manufacture a drop-bracket for part of the power steering (Bear with me, it is late and my mind is blank, - it looks like a shock lying on its side) because the shaft was rubbing on the header. I just cut a piece of iron and drilled two holes in it- one to bolt to the car, and the other to bolt to the power steering piece that was rubbing. This lowered the piece (sideways shock thing) about 1 ½ inches. Plenty to clear the header. This was basically all that it took to enable the use of headers with the column shift auto.



    Please keep in mind, that these things worked for me, and should work for you. If I left out any parts, just put ‘em on in there. If anyone else has some advise on this swap, feel free to add. I’m sure that I left something (s) out, but I hope that this will help some of you who are wondering what it would take to do the swap. Keep in mind though, this stuff ain’t just gonna jump right in there. Be prepared to spend a little time, and effort, if not some money to do it right. It’s worth it though. Hope this helps – Country
     
  5. RACINGLASSMAN64

    RACINGLASSMAN64 Member

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    thanks country mav thats some awsum information i never thought about the header verses automatic column dilema i plan on using headers with side pipes the motor thats in the car now is the 250 i6 i was told that tranny would bolt right up to a 302 but that it isnt a very strong transmission
     
  6. M.A.V.

    M.A.V. Yep,my real initials.

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    You cannot swap the axles from a 5 lug Mav into a 4 lug type 8" rear end . The 4 lug axles use a smaller bearing and the ends of the housing are TOO SMALL for the 5 lug axle (larger bearing ) to fit. You will have to swap the whole 5 lug axle housing into your car. Its not a big deal to do.;)
     
  7. Country Mav

    Country Mav Die-Hard Ford Guy!

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    Yes on the tranny

    It will bolt up, it's just up to you whether you use it or not. If it is slipping now, get another one. Just be sure and keep your bellhousing, as it will work on the 302. If you have any questions along the way, just ask, and someone here can answer them. Later, Country
     

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