How To:   8.8 Rear End Swap

By: V6Sprout

Page 3

Step 20:

Remove the top few bolts from the differential cover and bolt on the brake line bracket. (94-95 models only) Also reinstall the junction box on the passanger side axle housing.

Step 21:

Now we can go ahead and reinstall the braking system.  First thing you have to do is put your rotor back on the axle.  Next we can reinstall the caliper mounting bracket, you will notice though that it might not line up correctly with the rotor, it will not go over the rotor, you will have to space out the bracket using washers, I used 3 washers per bolt for a total of 6 washers per wheel.  You will have to space the bracket out about 1/2 inch or so, you will have to determine the exact amount when you install the bracket, basicaly the bracket should be over the rotor and have an equal amount of space on each side of the rotor.  Tighten the bolts down as tight as you can, one of the bolts came loose on my car but after I re-tightened it, I have not had a problem since.  Now reinstall your brake pads, do not forget the rattle clips on the ends of the brake pads.  The place the caliper over top and bolt it on.  Notice though that the bolts for the caliper can be hard to start threading, the shaft that they run through has a flat side to it, make sure this lines up with the flat side on the caliper.  Tighten these bolts down to spec.   Finally reinstall the bracket for the brake lines right by the shocks behind the caliper bracket.

Step 22:

Now you can go ahead and reinstall you rear sway bar if you car was equipped with one, if not then you should bolt the E-brake bracket back onto the lower control arm on each side, if you are doing installing your sway bar don't forget to attach the E-brake bracket when you install the bolts.

Step 23:

Now you can remove the jack stands from under the rear end if you have not already done so.  Put your wheels back on the car and tighten down the bolts till they are snug, we will tighten then down completely once the car is lowered off of the jack stands that are supporting the entire car.

Step 24:

Now is the time to lower the car off of the jack stands, when doing this make sure that the shocks are lined up with the holes in the trunk, when this is done tighten down the top ut of the rear shocks to spec.  Now tighten down your wheel lug nuts to spec, yes to spec, they should always be tighten to spec.  Not everyone does this but it is reccommended!

AND THAT'S ITS, YOUR DONE!  ENJOY YOUR NEW 8.8 REAR END!

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Next take the jack stands and position them underneath the car.  Take the rear end and rest it upon the jacks tands under the car.  Using the floor jack once aagain level the rear end by jacking it up near the front.  Try to line it up as best you can with the control arms and other components.  The first part to reinstall will be the driveshaft.  Bolt it to the rearend using the four bolt and tighten them down to the proper spec.  Next we can attach the upper control arms to the rear end.  When inserting the bolts make sure you have the head of the bolt facing outwards towards the wheel.  Tighten these bolts down to spec.  Next we have to reinstall the springs.It is very important that the springs are installed the same way they were removed, the end coil has to be facing the same way it was when it was removed, this won't be hard though since the rubber piece that the spring sits on will be indented from the spring so it should show how the spring sat on the lower control arm.  Once the spring is loosely in place than using the floor jack, jake up the lower control arm until you can install the bolt.  Make sure the head of the bolt is facing INWARDS this time and the nut is facing outwards towards the wheel.  This will be a lttle tough to line up.  Once its in then tighten the bolt down to proper spec.  Next we can install the shocks, bolt it to the rear end first.  We will attach the shock at the top after we lower the car.  Once again make sure the head of the bolt is facing inwards and the but facing outwards.  Tighten this down to spec.

Step 25:

Step 26:

The last and final step is to replace the speedometer gear.  If you raised your rear end ratio then you will probably need a different speedo gear.  If your 8.8 rear end is equipped with either 3.55 gears or 3.73 gears then you will need a 23 tooth speedo gear.  This gear is located in the tranny.  You will have to jack up the front of the car to gain access to the speedo gear.  On the drivers side of the tranny near the tail end you will notice a wire going to the tranny.  There you will find a connector, disconnet it.  You will also notice a metal clip held on by a bolt, remove this bolt and pull off the clip.  Now you will be able to remove the plastic housing out of the tranny.  Once this is done you will see the gear on the piece that you pulled out of the tranny, pull off the stock gear and replace it with the new gear.  Reinstall everything in reverse order of how you took it off.