Admittedly, it's designed explicitly for classic Mustangs '64-'73, but you'll soon see that it's a self-contained subframe affair - and in theory (like a classic self-contained Jag rear end) could be adapted for any live axle environment. However, solid rear axle cars aren’t very good through corners. Basically a live axle is more simple and cheaper while … $0.80 - $1.21. Jan 4, 2001 8,252 0 76. A live axle is where the axle tubes and center differnetial is all one assembly, solidly attached to the wheels. The older, live axle Mustangs from before 2015 can be converted with aftermarket parts. Interested in finding out more information on new vehicle releases? Learn the differences between these two rear suspension configurations, and the pros and cons of each. This is aided even more by the series of bushings required to run an IRS set-up. If you’re using your Mustang as a daily driver, autocross car, or track car, you’ll probably favor an IRS. An IRS rear suspension is unique in drag racing. Have you ever seen the go-go dancer at the Yellow Rose in Austin? PCE® Axle Retainer Plate. Edit: of course right after I hit post reply I see that you're in Scotland. It connects to the driveshaft, a component of a vehicle that transmits energy from the engine to the wheels to turn them. An IRS gives a vehicle less unsprung weight, in part because the differential is not bolted directly to the axle. Mustang Rear Axle Housings There are quite a few different styles of housings. Live axle transmits power to wheels coming from the differential. Home » Rear Axles » Pro Race Axles » Pro Race Axle & Spool Package For 1986-1993 Mustang 8.8 Rear End Race Axles, Lightweight Spool, C-Clip Eliminator kit & 5/8″ Stud Kit. Well, the Mustang is what is called a Rear Wheel Drive (RWD) car. © 2020 CJ Pony Parts. Each half of a joint is connected to its corresponding wheels using constant velocity joint (CV). The live axle is in a two half axles both of which are combined with a differential using the universal joint. Now that we have covered which Mustang rear axle assembly went into their specific years, let’s look at what axles are in your Mustang’s rear end. The rear end won’t be upset by bumps that would likely unsettle a solid rear axle Mustang. Come join the discussion about restoration, modifications, NOS parts, troubleshooting, VIN codes, and more! When you’re low on oil, coolant or some other fluid, you may be tempted to just run down to the local auto parts chain store. There are 4 choices for the 2006 Ford Mustang Rear Axle Assembly !!! In fact, both solid axles and IRS have pros and cons, depending on how you use your Mustang. Maintenance wise, a live rear axle is usually easier to keep on the road for the long haul. Today, leaf springs are typically reserved for trucks and vans. This is especially true for vehicles with a lot of front weight bias, like a Mustang. Mustangs made from 1964.5 to 2014 use a solid rear axle set-up. Looking to buy your first Ford? The Mustang is known for going fast in a straight line. But there are certain advantages to having a live rear axle. A live axle is a type of beam axle in which the shaft (or, commonly, shafts connected to move as a single unit) also transmits power to the wheels; a beam axle that does not also transmit power is sometimes called a dead axle. The IRS provides a better ride, and it handles better. Now that we have covered which Mustang rear axle assembly went into their specific years, let’s look at what axles are in your Mustang’s rear end. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. Close, but a live rear axle is what you are calling the solid axle. Nitro Gear & Axle® Axle … This lower unsprung weight is another reason why IRS has better handling characteristics than SRAs. Aaron said, “The Mustang has a solid (or "live") rear axle, so a bump on one side affects the wheel on the other.” Well, some things never change. Completely disassembled and thoroughly cleaned to remove dirt, rust, and old paint All parts to be reused carefully inspected. IRS is no good for drag racing. … Independence seemed … A live axle is a shaft that laterally connects two wheels that are rotated along with the axle. “Live” as in “bouncy”. The Ford 9-inch, GM 12-Bolt and Mopar 8 3/4-inch differentials are all examples of solid rear axles. Ford Mustang 1966, Rear Axle Shaft Flange Gasket by Victor Reinz®. CJ's keeps you up to date with all of the latest news and information. For decades, the Mustang stood out as one of the only non-off-roading vehicles to feature a solid rear axle. It uses disconnected wheels that are able to move independently of one another. Live axle is very heavy. The traditional Mustang rear suspension goes by several names — live axle, solid rear axle, beam axle, and so on. Since the whole axle is rigidly fixed to the wheels instead of suspended by springs, the so-called Unsprung Weight is very high. This is especially true for vehicles with a lot of front weight bias, like a Mustang. Looking back, it also impacted the performance on my old 2001 GT. One of the biggest knocks against the last Ford Mustang was its solid-rear axle. If one wheel dips down, the other will rise up. Converting other solid axle Mustang models is definitely possible, but will require a bit more work. What reason could they possibly have for doing that to the rear axle? For decades, the Mustang stood out as one of the only non-off-roading vehicles to feature a solid rear axle. These are questions that enthusiasts ask every day; check out this section for guidance on your next mod! With vibrations and bumps transferred throughout the entire rear suspension, cars with live axles can feel unsettled through turns. The traditional Mustang rear suspension goes by several names — live axle, solid rear axle, beam axle, and so on. As the Ford Mustang approached its 50th birthday in 2014, the question of live rear axles vs. independent suspension was top of mind among many. Independent rear suspensions don’t suffer from the ride quality issues that solid rear axles do. The differential allows the wheels to spin at different speeds. So, my plan is to strip it down and clean it up a bit. The car hit the drag strip during the Spring Break Shootout 2015. 2006 Mustang GT in Torch Red C&L Intake, Evolution Performance Tune, Borla Axle Backs, Hurst Shifter, 4.10's, JBA Long Tubes, Prothane Engine Mounts, Steeda UDPs, FRPP Charge Motion Delete Plates The opposite is IRS, independent rear suspension. A live rear axle certainly isn’t a deal killer for me. Unlike the 2014 Mustang, the 2015 and other S550 models have an independent rear suspension. This is especially true with high horsepower cars. Or a mechanical engineer will call it a ‘prime mover’. In the May issue of MM they discuss the new concept 2005 Mustang. You can never ask too many questions. Live axle transmits power to wheels coming from the differential. Ford Mustang 2007, Remanufactured Rear Axle Assembly by Replace®. I have a 2005 Mustang GT i just bought and i am completely baffeled as to why Ford did this. Road irregularities are less jarring … You can still use an IRS Mustang for drag racing. This axle design is simple, easy to implement, and easy to repair, but it has some significant drawbacks. The IRS unit is not live... you often hear of guys who drag race their Cobras swapping the IRS for a live axle to get rid of the wheel hop. For 2005, The S281 Mustang’s sold axle rear suspension has new three-link architecture with a lightweight, tubular Panhard rod providing precise control of the rear axle. The Mustang used a rear leaf spring set-up for the initial two generations. Ford Mustang 1967, Rear Axle Shaft Flange Gasket by Fel-Pro®. Mustangs are fun to drive on the street, but even more fun on the track. I notice its the only thing car critics can ever negatively say about the newer model Mustangs. However, even with its well-designed performance suspension, good launches can still be an issue. I have a 2005 Mustang GT i just bought and i am completely baffeled as to why Ford did this. I don't know if I would call it a live rear axle (like in an older Mustang) as they are not drive wheels. But here are the facts. This makes the pre-2014 Mustang stand out as the go-to performance car for those that want a solid rear axle. And besides, the Mustang has always been more of a sports car or pony car than a true muscle car. Jan 26, 2003 #13 I believe you can put a whole lot more power onto that type of axel though the … Mustang Rear Axle Housings. Some argue that the Mustang joined the modern era when it finally switched its old solid rear axle set-up for independent suspension. Basically a live axle is more simple and cheaper while irs is better able to handle a non uniform surface. Even cheap economy cars today tend to use torsion beams, which are regarded as semi-independent. They came from Ford with 31 spline axles in their IRS rear … The rear axle came out a while ago, and it was clear it needed help. That weight needs to transfer to the rear tires so they can grip the road during power-down, but it takes time to travel through the springs and … Vibrations are also transmitted from one side to the other. A new Rear Axle Assembly with steeper 3.73 gears will give you more low end grunt off the line for lower ET's, perfect for street, road or race use.Fully Assembled. … The car hit the drag strip during the Spring Break Shootout 2015. What is it? But the other Mk7's have independent rear suspension. It all comes down to how a car shifts its weight backward when it accelerates. Correct... A live rear is a SOLID rear axle as opposed to an independent. A Mustang’s rear axle is one of the most important parts when it comes to actually using your horsepower. A solid axle is what most of us are used to in the classic car world. Apart from trucks, vans, and SUVs, you won’t see many vehicles with solid rear axles these days. Which Cold Air Intake offers the most power? Designed to deliver trouble-free, consistent performance Right for your vehicle and lifestyle. The two styles of suspension are vastly different, yet they both serve the same purpose. I found that the live-rear axle did impact the Mustang’s handling performance as well. Someone please tell me they had some kind of justification for a live rear axle … If you're a fan of the car, you'd be familiar with the fact that the latest version of the Mustang with the live rear axle actually performed very well on the track. A live axle is where the axle tubes and center differnetial is all one assembly, solidly attached to the wheels. Hy-Tuf axles are optimized for Drag Race use … With a solid axle, this roll also means a loss of traction, as both wheels are not getting equal grip on the road. The 2005-2010 V6 Mustangs with a Ford 7.5 rear end used 28 spline rear axles whereas the 2005-2010 V8 Mustangs with 8.8”rear ends used 31 spline rear axles. Unlike the 2014 Mustang, the 2015 and other S550 models have an independent rear suspension. 2006 Ford Mustang Rear Axle Assembly. There are quite a few different styles of housings. In most classic muscle cars, the general look that everyone longs for is a staggered wheel setup and a raked look with the rear being slightly higher off the ground than the front. They greatly reduce noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) entering the interior of the car, unlike a solid rear axle. A solid rear axle can use leaf springs or coil springs to absorb bumps in the road. The IRS unit is not live... you often hear of guys who drag race their Cobras swapping the IRS for a live axle to get rid of the wheel hop. There are modifications to mitigate wheel hop in your S550 that will make you much more competitive on the drag strip. Before deciding whether or not this magnetic suspension is right for you, find out more about how it works and what the benefits are. Upgrade the performance of your Mustang with a Ford Racing Rear Axle Assembly. Live axles, also known as solid axles, are still alive and well in light truck and some SUV applications, but even modern muscle cars like the Mustang, Camaro and Challenger now feature Independent Rear Suspension (IRS). A Mustang’s rear axle is one of the most important parts when it comes to actually using your horsepower. Another exception is the one-off 2018 Cobra Jet Mustang, which uses a solid rear axle despite being an S550. Solid Rear Axle. I know to the semi-motoheads or the casual car enthusiasts out there, there's no argument that an independent rear suspension is better. I know the Roush 380R (2002) and SVT Cobra both do as well as the GT and prementioned Mach1. The axle assembly moves independently of the rest of the car, but the wheels attached to the axle move together. How Does Independent Rear Suspension Work? Want to read up on a particular model before make a purchase? Solid axles are excellent for straight-line acceleration, where lots of power needs to be transferred to the rear wheels. On a high-horsepower car, that time dela Learn what mods you can install to increase your performance on the autocross course. In contrast, the solid rear axle is what most of us are use to and is more economical for Ford to produce. Mustangs that are 2015 model year and newer use independent rear suspension. For drag racers, a solid axle is the better set-up. Axles in a floater assembly do not contribute to the rigidity of the rear end and place the entire load on the housing. This robust construction makes solid rear axles stronger than IRS systems. Pro Race Axle & Spool Package For 1986-1993 Mustang 8.8 Rear End Race Axles, Lightweight Spool, C-Clip Eliminator kit & 5/8" Stud Kit $ 744.00. All those clips and spring, yuck. My post was talking about NAR vehicles so may not apply to … Each wheel can move independently. What reason could they possibly have for doing that to the rear axle? From what I've heard, the new mustang (GT & V6 models) will keep the live axle… The Ford Mustang is one of the few vehicles that has used both a solid rear axle and an independent rear suspension in the modern era. This means that they can adapt to road imperfections without transferring motion from one wheel to the other. Solid axles are simple in design, consisting of left and right straight axles, plus a rear differential. 0 # 2484698147. $0.85 - $1.19. The center … A live-axle rear end setup has the control arms pushing and pulling on the chassis, causing the rear tires to get planted into the ground as the body separates to help achieve that traction. Part Number: P2000FM8658. The aforementioned 1999-2004 Cobra Mustangs use IRS as well. Live axle is pretty rare in sports cars these days. I know this post doesn't directly address your original question ED, but it's interesting to … This is because any imperfection on the road that upsets one side of the car will be transferred to the other. The Ford Mustang is one of the few vehicles that has used both a solid rear axle and an independent rear suspension in the modern era. The 10 1/2” Live Axle rear end is designed to withstand loads that can destroy many drag racing rear ends. You also get superior cornering ability because vibrations aren’t transferred from one side of the car to the other. So what’s the difference between a solid rear axle and independent rear suspension (IRS)? Someone please tell me they had some kind of justification for a live rear axle before i lose all hope in Ford, thankyou. Check out this section for in-depth guides for your next vehicle or part purchase! -- Automobile Magazine "On the road, the Mustang's chassis and suspension deliver both an insulated ride and controlled handling. A forum community dedicated to vintage Ford Mustang owners and enthusiasts. I notice its the only thing car critics can ever negatively say about the newer model Mustangs. Each is a viable way to configure the rear suspension, even though many consider solid rear axles to be outdated. Still, even with coil springs, the Mustang was often criticized for its “ancient” rear suspension technology. Filters (373 Items) Sort By: 2006 Ford Mustang Rear Axle Assembly . Swapping a 2015+ Mustang IRS for a solid rear axle is extremely rare, but not unheard of. TDI's have torsion beam rear. Become an expert of the trade by checking out the Beginner's Corner. The Mustangs main Race focus is straight line and a Sild rear axle just works better for that and its cheaper as well. It will help you get power to the ground, meaning better launches. This technology stabilizes the rear axle as the wheels move, particularly during hard cornering. The IRS provides a better ride, and it handles better. Mustang Independent Rear Suspension Pros and Cons. The notable exceptions are the SVT Cobra models from 1999-2004, which used an independent rear suspension. Unfortunately, the Mustang GT also has a live-real axle. If the axle is also the driving axle, it is called Live Axle. "To keep costs low, the Blue Oval’s Bean Counters decreed a continuation of the Mustang’s live rear axle. JavaScript is disabled. To give it an edge at the drag strip? Since its introduction in 1964, the Ford Mustang has been fitted with a live rear axle. Which exhaust sounds the deepest? Aaron said, “The Mustang has a solid (or "live") rear axle, so a bump on one side affects the wheel on the other.” Well, some things never change. Though IRS is the more modern and advanced system, it does have drawbacks. My colleague, Aaron Gold, commented on this feature last year in his review of the 2007 California Special GT Mustang. A solid rear axle, or SRA, is also known as a live rear axle or beam axle. The 2005-2010 V6 Mustangs with a Ford 7.5 rear end used 28 spline rear axles whereas the 2005-2010 V8 Mustangs with 8.8”rear ends used 31 spline rear axles. The mustang finally switched over to irs with its most recent model. Whether it is changing your oil or basic winter maintenance, CJ's has the answer for you! more of a sports car or pony car than a true muscle car, modding your Mustang specifically for autocross, modifications to mitigate wheel hop in your S550, Generally worse and less predictable handling, especially over imperfect road surfaces, Transfers vibrations from one side of car to the other, Better overall handling with more predictability, Harder to launch from a stop and worse for drag racing, Can’t take as much abuse as solid rear axle. This will allow me to cut the tubes and use the old ends again in the narrowed … They devised a short-long-arm rear suspension system that could bolt directly in place of the four-link live axle setup that had been used on Mustangs since 1979. If you want to give your Mustang better on-road manners and handling, you can upfit it with an IRS system. To give it an edge at the drag strip? Direct OEM replacement for a proper fit Ensures reliable sealing performance. Choose Your Option. $1,160.13 - $1,414.29. An IRS rear suspension is unique in drag racing. Someday, I may want lower gearing, but … For those that are absolutely dedicated to drag racing, this is one way to give your pony the launch characteristics and durability you want. What that means is that the power goes from the engine, through the drivetrain into the rear axle of the car in order to produce momentum so we can travel on down the road. Check out CJ's tech articles to find out more specific information. Was it to make it more cost effective? Live axle is pretty rare in sports cars these days. The Strange Live axle provides superior resistance to bending loads in comparison to full floater axle assemblies. The axle assembly moves independently of the rest of the car, but the wheels attached to the axle move together. In fact, this set-up virtually guarantees a crap ride and significant traction loss during hard cornering. 7.5" ring gear (3.31 ratio) ABS 7.5" ring gear (3.31 ratio) Without ABS 8.8" ring gear (ABS) 3.31 ratio 8.8" ring gear (ABS) 3.55 ratio. Well, the Mustang is what is called a Rear Wheel Drive (RWD) car. Admittedly, it's designed explicitly for classic Mustangs '64-'73, but you'll soon see that it's a self-contained subframe affair - and in theory (like a classic self-contained Jag rear end) could be adapted for any live axle environment.