Rear Axle Girdle

[valleyman]

Those of you who have installed a rear axle girdle and stud kit, anybody experienced any problems with leaks? I want to install one (probably from TA Performance) but would like to know if I need to expect a less than oil-tight situation in the future if I opt for this particular "extra insurance." Thanks.

[FordNut]

Check out this thread: (hope the copy-paste worked right)

http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/showthread.php?t=3436&highlight=silicone+leak

[MI2QWK4U]

Lidio swapped my stock one for the Motorsport model, its been a while and no leaks.

[Zack]

Mine leaks.
I know a few other owners with leaking covers as well.
It is more like a 'seep' than a leak though.

[Dennis Reinhart]

This is why I dont use them I really don't see the need unless you are making high RWHP you can install the stud kit with out the cover, which is a good idea I now carry them, but I have not done the cover because they are prone to leaking and I cant justtify the cost. Now the Cobra Motor I am installing in this o4 we are hoping for 600 to the tires, it will require a better set up with the rearend as well as the controll arms.

[joflewbyu2]

just be sure to retorque the cover's bolts to 15-20 ft lbs after 1 week of driving around. This stops most leaks. I would only install the cover if you are doing the stud kit too.

[valleyman]

Thanks, all. Exactly the kind of info I was looking for to help me decide whether or not to do this install.

[Glenn]

Anyone have a new or used "SVO" engraved rear axle cover. I very much would like to get one. They are out of production and replaced by the Ford Racing engraving one. Jegg's catalog even shows an "SVO" cover, but it is a Ford Racing cover. I know I just received it in the mail, even after I told them to double check before shipping.

Glenn

[SergntMac]

Anyone have a new or used "SVO" engraved rear axle cover. I very much would like to get one. They are out of production and replaced by the Ford Racing engraving one. Jegg's catalog even shows an "SVO" cover, but it is a Ford Racing cover. I know I just received it in the mail, even after I told them to double check before shipping. Glenn
It's my guess that the difference between the SVO and FRP girdles may be linked to the leaking reported here. Like MI2QUK4U, I have the Ford Racing girdle, and neither of us have leaks. However, I understand what "want" feels like with this car, and I respect your want of an SVO girdle. May I suggest that you post an offer for a "trade" on one of the other dotnets, like www.MidwestFords.com and likewise, I am positive someone will take you up on your offer.

[Haggis]

Has anyone change their rear end besides just going to larger gears? Maybe a new rear axle or new posi gears for extra reinforcement, do we need this? If so should I do this before I put on the Girdle and stud kit or does it make a difference? Thanks.

[SergntMac]

The only rationale I can think of to upgrade rear end internals, is breaking something. If you install the stud kit and girdle now, you shouldn't have any problems with the rear end.

If you do break something, or tolerances get too loose over time, there are a few differentials to pick from. I opted for the Auburn HP diff and before anyone says it, it IS rebuildable, but only by Auburn. The Auburn Pro is close in quality and performance, but the Pro requires 31 spline axels. You could consider an Eaton build, or, a Thorsen, which is a different kind of posi. There are also electric lockers out there for the 8.8, but a lot of this is pricey and overkill in our applications. The Auburn was cheaper than rebuilding the OEM unit, and an improvement over that. I'm happy.

Again, a little insurance now, and you won't worry about problems later. BTW, if you're hard on your MM, or you have added more power, do an inspection every 12K or so. Once these parts do begin to wear, they wear at an accelerated rate.