Rear axle different Shelby Z/Shelby?

[lametec]

Is the rear axle different between an '87 Shelby Z and an '89 Daytona Shelby (TII, big brakes and all that jazz)?

I'm particularly wondering about the "sway bar" size. Shelby Z's are 28mm solid bars, correct? Is the Shelby any bigger?

Basically I'm putting a complete '89 suspension on my '87, and I'm wondering if I should just bolt the new spindles onto my old axle, or if I should swap out the axle too. If the axles are the same, then it'll be easier to keep the stock one.

How about the bushings for the two axles, are they the same?

Is the panhard/locating/stabilizer bar the same length for the two? I didn't think to keep the trailing arm off the '89. I'll be using the '89 springs.

[capev86]

i have an 89 shely rear axle and an earlier shelby/cs spec axle. they are the same except for 2 changes by 89

1: larger bolt/sleeve in the front trailing arm bushings
2: screw holes for disc brake caliper hose support bracket

i had to make these 2 mods to my earlier axle to use it w/ the 89 shackles and 90 spirit es rear disc on my 89 spirit es!

the 89 shelby axle is getting saved for my baby: 86 k wagon w/ all the works!

[lametec]

I was aware of the bracket holes. I figured those could easily be drilled and tapped.

Guess I'm keeping the stock axle, then. At least for the time being. Maybe I'll sandblast and paint the '89 axle to put it on some sunny day with some new bushings and braided brake hoses. :)

Thanks for the input!

[banger68]

I thought the 86 C/S had the solid rear sway bar, and the 87-89 were hollow. Are the 87-89 solid aswell?

[capev86]

should be. the 87 daytona shelby z T2 had the 86 cs suspension package as standard equipment. i don't see why they'd go to a hollow bar with that 1-1/4" bar on the front...not a good idea!

[lametec]

Was there a suspension difference between TI and TII Shelby Z's?

[banger68]

Was there a suspension difference between TI and TII Shelby Z's?

No, just got a T1 and an auto. The supension and brakes were all the same between the two.

[capev86]

the later base model cars w/ the cs package were a bit different. i hear the AGB option only got the big brakes and an es spec suspension (auto tranny), whereas the AGS equipped cars also had the shelby/cs spec suspension with the best engine package and the 5spd!!!

[ShelbyZD]

Just for the record.. it's my understanding that regardless which axle you use, they still flex. Rear anti sway bars are a nice addition. :)

[capev86]

yes, but i don't like the ground clearance on them. i wish they bolted to the front of the beam axle instead of underneath it!

[Anonymous_User]

I have found hollow rear axles on Shelby Z's. I have found solid rear axles on base Daytona Turbo's. I don't know if they were changed out some time in their life or what, but you'd be best to look before assuming what you have.