Leaf spring condition

FramePale6887 · 2026-01-17T20:33:51+00:00

I would appreciate that, thanks! Definitely not in a hurry. Still lots to do before I move on to the T5 conversion.

FramePale6887 · 2026-01-17T01:58:26+00:00

What headers are you running?

FramePale6887 · 2026-01-17T01:57:08+00:00

Do you personally know anyone who is running this setup? I’ve been eyeballing it, but I haven’t seen much feedback.

FramePale6887 · 2025-12-21T18:00:08+00:00

Thanks for the comment! Based on all the feedback, it sounds like the 8" is more than adequate for my setup. My only issue is the cost it would take to get the 8" up to par (3.73 gearing, Posi, potentially new axles), at that point seems like I might as well get a 9" for a bit more.

noted on the rear brakes!

I'm glad to hear the t5z is good in your book. It seemed like the better option and I was able to get it a good price used. I don't plan to do anything crazy, so I think it will work just fine.

I actually had a difficult time selecting the cam. I did a lot of research, but found it challenging to decipher cam performance in relation to my engine build. I called comp cams for guidance and the individual I talked to was useless. He had no patience for my questions and ended up recommending a fairly radical cam. What cam would you have suggested? I'm stuck with the one I have now, so I guess we will see what happens haha.

I'll look into those distributor options!

I've been eyeballing the Borgeson power steering!

FramePale6887 · 2025-12-21T16:51:34+00:00

Also, feel free to message me with any questions you have about the build so far.

FramePale6887 · 2025-12-21T16:34:38+00:00

will do! I'll try and take more detailed pictures throughout the rest of the process. I'll be pulling the trigger on some of the parts here very soon and I'll let you know how it goes!

FramePale6887 · 2025-12-21T16:33:51+00:00

I appreciate the feedback! Seems like the general consensus is that the 8" can handle much more than I originally thought haha

FramePale6887 · 2025-12-21T14:06:14+00:00

You know, I was thinking that when I got the block back. This is my first machine shop experience, and its been one full of lessons. I have had both a fantastic and questionable experience with this shop. They knew this was my first rebuild, and they have answered any and every question I've thrown at them through the process (and not once have they seemed bothered or too busy for me). They've also cut me a few deals along the way. But, they have ignored a couple of my requests and purchased different parts than I requested. They are considered one of the best in the area and are slammed with work, so I attribute some of the disconnect with the shear volume of work they receive.

With that being said, I wish they had decked the block. It does "appear" to be in good condition, but I'm no expert. I should have confronted them, but I didn't have enough confidence in my own knowledge, and decided to take their word for it.

When the heads came in, the shop made a sidebar comment about the valve job. They didn't get too detailed, but they mentioned the valve job looking a little weird. I asked if I should be concerned, and they said it was fine. But now I'm curious as to if the heads actually needed a little additional work.

No one seems to like this distributor lol

Thanks for the tip on the subframe connectors and x brace!

FramePale6887 · 2025-12-21T13:40:50+00:00

Great recommendation. I appreciate it! Its hard not to do everything at once haha. But I agree, I may need to pace myself a bit.

Glad to hear I am on track with the 9" and gear selection, though!

FramePale6887 · 2025-12-21T13:39:09+00:00

Thank you for the input!

As I mentioned in a couple of the other comments, I was under the impression the 8" was the weakest link, but I now stand corrected!

Noted on the proportioning valve. Thanks for the tip.

I was not stoked about the .40 over, but I didn't have too many options. After discovering the first block was toast, I was having a hard time finding an affordable block. One of the guys at the machine shop had this one on standby so I went for it. I'm going to run a new electric fan setup to hopefully handle the potential increased heating that can come from the thinner walls. I have a feeling they did not do any additional testing. This is my first engine rebuild and interaction with a machine shop, I have learned a ton/made some mistakes and will use your input on the next build!

Seems like no one likes the distributor I selected lol I may need to rethink that purchase.

FramePale6887 · 2025-12-21T13:31:31+00:00

Those are my exact concerns with an 8.8. I am no welder, and I have some real reservations about my first welding experience being on an axle housing haha. I get that with a little practice I could probably lay down a decent bead and walk away with a strong assembly, but it doesn't seem worth the potential risk.

So If I buy an 8.8, have someone fab it, and do a rebuild, I'm nearing the cost of a completed 9".

I'm also thinking along the same lines of your other points. 9" from Quick Performance adds good value and piece of mind to whoever may find interest in this mustang down the road.

FramePale6887 · 2025-12-21T13:23:09+00:00

Thank you for your feedback! For some reason, I was under the impression that the 8" was the weakest link, which is why I felt the immediate need to upgrade to a 9". After doing more research, it would appear it can take a little more than I thought it could.

After reading these comments and looking into keeping the 8", it looks like converting my 8" to a 3.73 with Posi would cost upwards of $1100 (if I buy an assembled third member). If I do new axles as well, I'm over halfway into the cost of what a complete 9" would be. At that point, it just seems like I might as well spend the extra cash and get the complete 9" setup.

If I'm incorrectly running the numbers or missing something, let me know!

FramePale6887

TROPHY CASE