Is there a direct boltin (other than springpads) for an 8.8 rearend for the 61 E100,maybe Granada, also need info on gas tank replacement.

Thanks...Bill

 

The tank is not reproduced, so you will have to find a good used one (which I have, BTW).

The last tank I saw on ebay had a Buy It Now of $130 and it went in the first day.

 

For the gas tank, I used a 65 mustang tank and had the local radiator shop move the fill neck. The straps can be used unmodified, but it makes a much nicer install if you lengthen them slightly. You can buy the mustang tanks for $89 and the shop charged me $25 to move the neck. Get the mustang sending unit too, it will work with you old gauge.

Good luck.

 

Thanks Green, I had thought about using a Mustang, or similar and putting a filler in the bed, but then there's the weight under there.Haven't given up on the center fill idea. Also read/heard that Granada rear was close to right width, don't remember....Thanks all

 

No 1975/82 Ford Granada or 1975/80 Mercury Monarch ever used an 8.8 rear end.

With a 200/250 I-6 or 302 engine = 8 inch rear end.

With a 351W (1975/77 only) 8.7 WER integral rear end.

With rear disc brakes: 9" rear end.

CAVEAT EMPTOR: An 8 inch rear end looks almost identical to a 9 inch rear end.

 

I'm looking for a replacement rear that is wide enough to fit my 61 Merc Econo Pickup. I measured the hub to hub, and it is 62". Seems a bit wide for a car axle? I do have a 75 Granada 8.7", but that one is more like 56" wide, as I recall. Get any ideas, from this or other posts?

 

Just thought I would throw in my 2 bits on the gas tank, since I am in the same situation.

When I took the old tank out of my 61, I noticed that the filler goes into the bottom left corner of the tank, just under the rear pan. It took me about 2 seconds to realize that, if I was rear-ended, and that rubber joining tube was ripped away from the tank, it would spew its contents onto the hot engine of the offender!

The weight on my 61 only covers the rear half of the tank, so if one spins the Mustang tank around, and uses the existing filler, or moved the filler to the middle of the tank, it can be accessed through a hole in the box floor. A bit harder to reach, but safer.

 

61Econopug,
Have you did, or seen this type of installation? This is what I had thought of doing.
Thanks

 

Haven't seen one, but it wouldn't be a big deal to cut a hole through the box, and fit a snap-in lid in it. Not recommended if you are going to be hauling with your truck, but it is a safe bet these babies won't see anything more than a few lawn chairs in the back, to haul to the next show and shine, right!

I was just eyeing up the gas tank from my 75 Granada donor car, today -- it is a rear fill. The Econo tank is 32" wide by 23 " deep, so almost any tank should fit in it. Will have to wait for the snow to melt away, before I can measure it up.

While I was out in the back, I measured a 9" rear end out of a 66 T-Bird, and it is 62" -- a perfect fit for the Econoline! And, with bottom spring perches, it could be used as is, if I wanted to lower the truck! We'll see!

 

Don't automatically assume you have a 9 inch rear end from a 1966 T-Bird.

1966/72 T-Birds offered two 9 inch rear ends. One has a 9 3/8" ring gear.

If the 66 has/had a 428 engine...it is a 9 3/8" rear. If a 390, it could be a 9 3/8" rear.

The Good: 9 3/8" rear ends have 31 spline axles.

The Bad: 9 3/8" rear ends use different axle shafts, carrier and pinion bearings/races, seals, axle and spider gears, R&P's, differential cases than like 9's do.

Beside some 1966/70 cars, the 9 3/8" rear end was available on 1968/72 F100 Camper Specials.

The 9 3/8" rear end was the first Ford rear end to feature 31 splined axle shafts.

 

Excellent info! Didn't realize these 9 3/8" beasties existed! Is there a problem with that axle - ie.buying brakes or drums, or just a warning that they are different from the more common 9" units?

Regarding other axle choices, the Granada rear is 57 1/2" wide, so could be used with some shallow backset rims, to make up for the 3 1/3 " difference. I had measured an 85 Crown Vic, and that rear is 61" - but not leaf spring, so lots of cleanup to use on an Econo.

 

No problem with the axle, but parts may be a little hard to find.

The brake drums and shoes etc are the same either way.

Granada/Monarch 1975/80: Three different rear ends: 8" drop out the usual one, 75/77's with 351W's use the 8.7 WER integral rear end (NOT the same as the later 8.8's).

The only 9's in Granada/Monarchs is if the car has rear discs.

No Ford passenger car used a 9 inch rear end after 1979.

CAVEAT EMPTOR: An 8 inch rear end looks just like a 9 inch.

 

You could also get a later Econo rear. I think starting in '63 the 9 inch was an option on the HD models all the way thru 67.