Moser Engineering M88 installation and other winter mods

[SCGallo2]

- Removed transmission output flange damper
- Installed Bob’s Auto Sports remote axle reservoir
- Installed DSS 3.25” Carbon Fiber driveshaft with direct fit CV
- Installed GiroDisc 2-piece front and rear brake rotors with Hawk HPS pads
- Installed custom Moser M88 rearend with the following options:
33 Spline bolt-in axles with ABS
Sealed axle ball bearing
Eaton Truetrac differential
Richmond Gear 3.55 ring and pinion set
Lucas Oil 85W-140 Plus HD gear oil
7/16" x 20 x 1 3/4" (.480" Knurl/ Disc Brake Stud)
Adjustable Lower Control Arm Mounts
Semi-gloss black powder coat
- Installed OEM 2013-14 rear upper control arm bushing part# DR3Z-5A638-A

The transmission output flange damper removal required use of a hydraulic press. This is NOT something you can do in your garage with a vice, hammer, and punch. The removal had no negative effects; the drivetrain feels lighter and is rotationally smoother when paired with a carbon fiber driveshaft.

I did have to clearance the mounting brackets of the Bob’s Auto Sports remote axle reservoir to fit around my BMR UCA mount welds. The axle vent to reservoir inlet hose routing took some thought to make it long enough to support full axle droop to full compression with clearance around moving parts and hot exhaust pipes.

The carbon fiber driveshaft was mostly purchased as “bling” to go with my other suspension mods since I already had a DSS 1-piece aluminum driveshaft, but it was also planned insurance to dampen a potential increase in NVH due to removal of the transmission output flange damper and OEM rear axle dampers. Minor drivetrain vibrations that I previously had around 70mph are now nonexistent.

The GiroDisc rotors with Hawk HPS pads feel like they have track glue on them after initial bed in and seem to only get better as more material is transferred onto the rotors from the pads.

The Moser M88 rear axle upgrade is a quality piece! My differential came with a spherical upper control arm bearing pre-installed, and I already have spherical bearing rod end lower control arms, so I replaced the upper bushing with a new 2013-14 GT500 OEM rubber bushing since I didn’t know what additional NVH from the new components I would be subjected to. I previously had a poly bushing in this location that performed well, and I would consider using it again in the future. As somewhat expected, the 3.55 gears are singing (like a turbine) between 50-55mph, but it seems to be diminishing as I put more miles on the fresh components, or I am getting used to it; but nothing stereo volume won’t squelch. Additionally, I elected to replace all the OEM hardware as recommended by Ford. The rearend is mostly a bolt-on installation, but the following items were noteworthy during my installation:
- I ordered the Moser Performance aluminum cover/girdle support, but it contacted the panhard bar in the stock location on my car. I had to re-install my Ford Racing low-profile aluminum cover/girdle support which has adequate clearance.
- New M88 rear axle does not have jounce bumper (bump stop) mounts.
- Passenger side brake anti-moan bracket was a very tight fit, but I didn’t have to grind anything.
- Rear brake rotor shields had to be trimmed with tin snips to fit around the axle retainers.
- Panhard bar mount on new rear axle is different than OEM location and requires an adjustable panhard bar, which I already had.
- The Bob’s Auto Sports axle reservoir has enough clearance, but you need to get creative with hose routing around moving parts and exhaust.
- Pinion angle did not change. I do still need to check thrust angle, but it looks unchanged and the car tracks straight.

Years in the making, I am glad to finally rid my car of “rusty butt”. In my opinion, 3.55 gears with a 27” diameter rear tire is the perfect combination for a 2007-10 GT500 street/sport touring car. I have not fully tested the Truetrac’s torque biasing capabilities, but I will once warmer temps promote better traction. I am very pleased with my winter mods and the way they complement other extensive modifications on my car, ultimately making it more fun to drive!

 

[HKusp]

Smokin'.

 

[ShelbyGT5HUN]

I really like how you have customized your car over the years, getting it exactly how you want it. It is a very formidable car!

 

[1 Alibi 2]

Curious why you went with " Richmond Gear 3.55 ring and pinion set " instead of a Ford gear set ??
.

 

[SCGallo2]

I really like how you have customized your car over the years, getting it exactly how you want it. It is a very formidable car!

Thank you Sir! It was really difficult to justify the expense of a new rear axle or updating the old one according to my specs when there was nothing obviously wrong with the old part other than it was an eye sore. With general support for our platform phasing out, rising costs due to inflation, and political agendas starting to limit consumer choice and availability, I decided to pull the trigger and just get it done. I am very particular about what I install on my car, always threading the needle on performance enhancement vs. driveability, trying to avoid going too far that driving isn't enjoyable anymore.

 

[SCGallo2]

Curious why you went with " Richmond Gear 3.55 ring and pinion set " instead of a Ford gear set ??
.

Great question and good point to bring up. I just checked the block for 3.55 gear set on the online order form, not generally concerned with potential whine from that ratio. Moser has a disclaimer that states that they have multiple vendors that supply their build components, and their priority is strength, performance, and durability. I knew that there was a risk that the gear set would whine, and with the differential break-in complete it is acceptable to me in my application. The new rear axle has tighter tolerances than what I removed, and overall I have LESS drivetrain noise and clunking.

After more research and hindsight being 20/20, Moser does also install Ford Performance parts, so it would not be unreasonable to contact them directly to specifically request their gear set, subject to availability of course.

 

[PC03GT]

Nice setup. After building my 8.8, with all the time and expenses I would of definitely just went this route.

 

[SCGallo2]

Nice setup. After building my 8.8, with all the time and expenses I would of definitely just went this route.

Thanks! Unless you can do all of the work yourself, the cost of parts and labor to restore, modify, and rebuild easily put you in the ballpark of the cost of a new M88. I had less down time, and I still have a used rearend that I can sell to offset the expense.

 

[PC03GT]

Thanks! Unless you can do all of the work yourself, the cost of parts and labor to restore, modify, and rebuild easily put you in the ballpark of the cost of a new M88. I had less down time, and I still have a used rearend that I can sell to offset the expense.

Yeah, I was about 3500 or so when it was all said and done.

 

[SCGallo2]

I have put 500 miles on this new setup and have been able to do some WOT testing with my car. I did re-install the OEM rear axle dampers to see if that would tone down the gear whine a little; even though it didn't affect the whine, it did deaden random axle noise, so they are staying on. Performance wise, I lightened the drivetrain and added a little more gear, so my car accelerates quicker as expected. The TrueTrac differential is working because 2nd gear will dead hook on a good asphalt surface in 60-70*F outside air temps, where previously my car would spin or at least haze the tires with the same amount of anti-squat dialed in via rear upper and lower control arms. Overall, the performance improvement is definitely noticeable, not night and day different, but the new mods met my expectations.

Rear axle reservoir hose routing:

 

[me32]

Looks real nice

 

[Vinnie_B]

Any updates on the noise issue @SCGallo2

 

[SCGallo2]

Any updates on the noise issue @SCGallo2

For those that don't know, I posted this in another thread:

"I just did a 10 hour each way road trip to Ponies in the Smokies, meeting up with my good friend Pete and his wife. During the trip, my car developed a loud metal on metal scraping sound from the drivetrain when cool, and it changes with speed. After about 5 miles of driving, the scraping sound goes away and everything seems normal."

My rearend is still not back together, but I am fairly certain I know where the noise was coming from and what caused it. The passenger side axle bearing saw some heat. During disassembly, I noticed that the retainer plate was installed with the open end facing rearwards, which I now know is incorrect. In its incorrect orientation, I believe that it put uneven pressure on the axle bearing shim, which in turn put an uneven side load on the axle bearing, causing it to fail prematurely. The retainer plate needs to sit flush on the brake caliber bracket, and mine was not. I will own this failure due to my incorrect retainer plate installation. I had a local machine shop remove the old bearings and install fresh sealed bearings and press rings from Moser onto both axles... just haven't been home to finish reinstallation. I got lucky... the bearing never seized. I have spent $200 in bearings and machine shop labor for this repair so far. I should have my car back on the road by the end of this week to confirm that the issue is resolved.

 

[Vinnie_B]

For those that don't know, I posted this in another thread:

"I just did a 10 hour each way road trip to Ponies in the Smokies, meeting up with my good friend Pete and his wife. During the trip, my car developed a loud metal on metal scraping sound from the drivetrain when cool, and it changes with speed. After about 5 miles of driving, the scraping sound goes away and everything seems normal."

My rearend is still not back together, but I am fairly certain I know where the noise was coming from and what caused it. The passenger side axle bearing saw some heat. During disassembly, I noticed that the retainer plate was installed with the open end facing rearwards, which I now know is incorrect. In its incorrect orientation, I believe that it put uneven pressure on the axle bearing shim, which in turn put an uneven side load on the axle bearing, causing it to fail prematurely. The retainer plate needs to sit flush on the brake caliber bracket, and mine was not. I will own this failure due to my incorrect retainer plate installation. I had a local machine shop remove the old bearings and install fresh sealed bearings and press rings from Moser onto both axles... just haven't been home to finish reinstallation. I got lucky... the bearing never seized. I have spent $200 in bearings and machine shop labor for this repair so far. I should have my car back on the road by the end of this week to confirm that the issue is resolved.

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Thanks for the update @SCGallo2. Hey Man it's a honest mistake. Glad to hear it's nothing really serious and hopefully its resolved after the new bearings.I can definitely see the heat build up in the bearing. Guess it could of been alot worse if that bearing seized. Hopefully the reinstall goes smoothly....

 

[1Kona_Venom]

Thanks for the update @SCGallo2. Hey Man it's a honest mistake. Glad to hear it's nothing really serious and hopefully its resolved after the new bearings.I can definitely see the heat build up in the bearing. Guess it could of been alot worse if that bearing seized. Hopefully the reinstall goes smoothly....

Honest mistakes cost lives in aviation.
I feel for Steve because a person pays what he paid to have it done and just bolt it in. Is the vendor gonna help Steve out?


@SCGallo2 , I still laugh.......
"Steve keep your car away from me on the road, people are looking at me thinking my car is broken!"

 

[SCGallo2]

Honest mistakes cost lives in aviation.
I feel for Steve because a person pays what he paid to have it done and just bolt it in. Is the vendor gonna help Steve out?


@SCGallo2 , I still laugh.......
"Steve keep your car away from me on the road, people are looking at me thinking my car is broken!"

You're so dramatic...
No, but it's all good. That's modding, right?

That was some funny shit, but damn it was embarrassing to have a great looking, powerful hotrod with an annoying squeal. I didn't make eye contact with anyone on the road.

Here are the axle retainer plates in correct orientation. I had to install 1.2mm shims in between the retainer plates and the caliper brackets, due to inset bolt holes on the caliper bracket, in order for the retainer plate to sit flush on the caliper bracket and putting the proper preload on the bearing shim. The rearend and brakes are back together now. It should be ready to drive in the morning.

Drivers side:

Passenger side:

 

[SCGallo2]

Well Gents... this is my sad face . It was NOT the suspect axle bearing. While still on jack stands, I let the car idle in second gear for about 3 minutes, and the rearend started squealing like a stuck pig. I crawled under the car, and it is definitely coming from the pinion area. I will be having a discussion with Moser Engineering and will be figuring out the next steps. I'll likely be removing the rearend and taking it to a trusted shop for diagnosis and rebuild.

 

[Vinnie_B]

Well Gents... this is my sad face . It was NOT the suspect axle bearing. While still on jack stands, I let the car idle in second gear for about 3 minutes, and the rearend started squealing like a stuck pig. I crawled under the car, and it is definitely coming from the pinion area. I will be having a discussion with Moser Engineering and will be figuring out the next steps. I'll likely be removing the rearend and taking it to a trusted shop for diagnosis and rebuild.

Man....I'm really sorry to hear about this ongoing rearend issue @SCGallo2. I really hope Moser does the right thing an assumes responsibility of the time and costs this has burdened you! Do you think the axle retainer plate miscue could of caused this issue?

 

[Vinnie_B]

Honest mistakes cost lives in aviation.
I feel for Steve because a person pays what he paid to have it done and just bolt it in. Is the vendor gonna help Steve out?


@SCGallo2 , I still laugh.......
"Steve keep your car away from me on the road, people are looking at me thinking my car is broken!"

I sure hope he gets compensated for this issue Pete! At minimum they should have a new replacement sent out to him!

 

[SCGallo2]

Do you think the axle retainer plate miscue could of caused this issue?

I don't think so. It will need a full tear down and inspection. With the sound it is making, some abnormal wear should be visible.