FC 8.8 - Complete IRS Kit w/ Grande Axles & Hubs (uses Ford Inner & Outer Cvs)
FC 8.8 IRS, Complete Differential Mount Kit w/ Grande Axles & Hubs
The Grande version of our FC 8.8 here-in is our strongest FC rear end offering. This version requires no donor Mazda parts as both inner and outer CVs are from a Ford Explorer, with Ronin supplied custom hubs to match.
Why run Ford 8.8 diff? It's a powerhouse, substantially stronger than the factory Mazda rear end and is supported by wide range of gear ratios and LSDs. We specifically utilize parts from a 2002-2005 Ford Explorer for their strength, reliability, and availability. Our kit maintains factory like exhaust clearances.
The FC 8.8 Grande Complete Kit includes
• Front Mount Support Bridge with Side Strap (weld-in)
• Rear Mount Cradle (bolt-on)
• 2x Mazda Subframe Reinforcement Gussets (weld in) to support the vertical link.
• 2x Grande Axle Shafts: 4340 heat-treated axle shafts, these feature Ford splines on both ends with a unique length tailored specifically to the FC.
• 2x EMPI CV boot kit 86-2273 (outer CV joints)
• 2x EMPI CV boot kit 86-2215 (inner CV joints)
• 2x CV spacers: ensure proper spacing between the Ford CV and the Mazda knuckle.
• 2x FC Conversion Hubs: built from heat-treated 4340, these hubs utilize full-length splines for maximum engagement. These hubs maintain the original offsets so your existing wheels and brakes all bolt up.
• Extended 2.5" ARP wheel studs pre-installed (Mazda M12 thread pitch)
• 2x new wheel bearings: High-end bearings (Timken, National, or Schaeffler) ensuring reliability and performance.
• 1x Lower Pinion Isolators – an up-rated isolator that supports the pinion from below
• All Mounting Hardware
• Instructions (hosted online)
Users will source their own:
• Ford 8.8" Rear End (2002-2005 Ford Explorer), the complete center section that uses the single front pinion support.
• Ford 8.8" inner and outer CV joints (from 2002-2010 Ford Explorer axles). Note donor axles must be OEM, not aftermarket or OEM equivalent. Typically this means sourcing used axles from a junkyard or eBay, not just the local parts store.
• A Driveshaft (installation instructions offer various recommendations) -- this will longer than the stock FC driveshaft so reuse is not possible.
• FC rear diff isolators (user's choice of style but we like Mazda Comp or polyurethane)
A few FC specific notes: The single front mount for the 2002-2005 Explorer maintains clearances for the FC’s vertical subframe link. One more major added advantage of the FC grande setup is that won't need the hard to find/expensive outer T2 Mazda CVs that our FC 8.8 standard kit requires.
Performance and Durability
How much power will it hold? We typically recommend the grande version for anyone making 600-1000 hp, as well as for all drag racers and drifters--regardless of power--given they're exceptionally hard on parts. The shafts come with a warranty support program so if you do break one we can get you a replacement at reduced cost (see https://roninspeedworks.com/pages/axle-warranty-support for full details).
Maximize your performance with the Ronin FC 8.8 Grande Complete Kit