Axle/Diff Question

[MyLittlePony]

Background: I have a 1994 v6 automatic convertible. It currently has a 5.0 302. It was using a 7.5 rear end but was recently replaced with an 8.8 from a 98 GT.

Before installing we noticed this bracket which looks like its supposed to attach to something, but was not on my 94 7.5. My car makes horrible noises from that area when I run over bumps and things, but I cant pin point the cause of the sound. Weve removed everything and rebolted everything just to make sure something wasnt loose but it still makes this noise. I know its not the diff, as since I had to replace my old on, I know what a bad one sounds like.

Anyway, I was wondering if someone could please tell me what this bracket is for.

 

[95-stang]

Looks like the "quad shock" bracket to me tho its been a while since i looked at my rear.

 

[Traidmarx]

Looks like the "quad shock" bracket to me tho its been a while since i looked at my rear.

+1

is it a sqeaking noise that its making?? or like a thumping noise.??

 

[tommybunz]

quad shock bracket for sure

 

[MyLittlePony]

That may fix my problem then. Where would I get these parts? I can only seem to find used ones on ebay. I dont mind getting monroe, I just dont wanna buy a 15yo shock and have the gas either all gone, or gone in a year.

Is it on all 94-98 GTs, or just different model years? I didnt take a pic, but when the wheel was off, it looked like there were mounting hold on the cars unibody itself. Is it not safe to drive with it like that? Ive been taking corners and things slowly.

The sound is a cross between squeaking and thumping. Sounds more like someone didnt bolt up the rear properly and its banging (vibrating) against the car.

I also have 275 10.5" wheels, would a quad shock not fit?

 

[modo]

not having a quad shock will not make any noise. quad shock was there to compensate for wheel hop with the factory 4 link setup. you said it only makes the noise when you go over bumps. are you using stock control arms / bushings?

how do the bushings look? if you are using adjustable aftermarket control arms did you set the pinion angle and find instant center?

i would start by looking under the car to see if the rear is hitting something with the suspension travel. it could be something as simple as the pinion snubber

 

[Traidmarx]

yes also make sure you got all the brackets for the E brake bolted back up too...i made that mistake and took me a week to figure out what the hell was banging on the bottom of my car.

 

[IgottaV8]

I just looked under my car, and it ismost definently the bracket that the quad shocks hook up to. if you can, i'd try putting a juck under the pumpkin and jacking it up and making sure that there is no contact between the axle and body.