Rear End. PLEASE HELP!!

I have a 1970 Maverick with the 4 lug wheels and the puny rear end. We just put a 302 in it and we don't think the small rear end will hold up. I want to put in a bigger rear end but don't want to convert to 5 lug. Will an '80's era mustang rear end fit? If not I need some suggestions...

 

Mustang 2s will fit but they are 5lug why dont youwant to switch?

 

I don't know. I just figured it would be easier to change out the rear end. But if I convert to 5 lug then is there spindles that will bolt right up without changing the suspension?

 

Maverick 4 lugs are 4X4.5 while, I believe, 80's style Mustangs are 4X4.25..so rims will not interchange. I have a 4 lug rear(8") out of a '71 for sale...but the shipping would be a killer. I converted to 5 bolt on the front(still drums) by just swapping a 5 bolt hub with matching brakes and drum onto the 4 lug spindle...worked like a charm!

 

It's not worth it to put a 4 lug in it. Change it over to a 5 lug Mav rear...much easier to find and gives you WAY more wheel choice!

 

What did the 5 lug hub come off of?

 

If you are referring to changing the front to match the rear. Maverick/Comet and Granada disc brakes are a direct swap. You will need to swap the outer tie rod ends and rework the brake lines. You could also swap to 5 lug drums on the front but the disc brakes are a worthy upgrade.

 

When you say 'puny', do you mean it is the little rear with the cover on the back?
If so, just swap in a 4 lug Maverick 8" rear. I am sure several folks here have them laying around.

You don't want the Mustang2 rear. It is pretty much a bolt in, but it has a different lug pattern than the Maverick. Still 4 lugs, but different bolt spacing. It has the Pinto 4 lug pattern, while the Maverick has the classic Mustang/Falcon pattern.

If you already have a 4 lug 8", then don't mess with it if it ain't broke.

 

They are definatly 4 lug, just a different bolt spacing.

 

i have a 8inch in my garage that is 4 lug if you whant to come and get it came out of my 1970 grabber you will just be out gas money if you whant it let me know

brad

 

i have a maverick 4 lug 8" rear end that will bolt right in and stand up to a mild 302. its out of one of my mavs that has a v8. i never had any trouble with it.

 

How much did you want for you 8" rear end Brad?

 

How exactly can you tell if its an 8" or not?

 

Interesting I always thought the 6 cyl spindle was smaller than the v8 one?

 

Assuming a stock rear end here...

In 70 you could have the rear with a removable cover on the back, or an 8" rear I believe. The 8" rear has a solid back which is not removable. The gears unbolt with the carrier from the front.

If you have the little rear, the back will have bolts around it to access the gears, while the front is solid and non-removable.