Capri Atlas rear end info needed.

I picked a Capri driveline, no need for the V6 engine/four speed trans, but the Atlas rear end had been narrowed and was the perfect width for my project. The car is due for a Mustang 5.0/AOD installation, the Atlas rear end has a perfect (for what I need) 3.09 gearing but I'm wondering if it's strong enough.

Just regular highway driving, maybe a little around town, not going to abuse it and kind of hoping that the automatic trans will soften the blow to the rear end and make it last.

Any idea if this rear will hold up to average "old man" driving to and from?

Thanks—

I am a multi Capri owner and know of a number of Capri's owner that have done V8 swaps. Some have changed the rear to something else but the Atlas is good behind a street driven 5.0L V8. Short of serious drag racing or hard launches on wide sticky tires it will hold up fine.

There are different diff's available, factory clutch type limited slip and of course Quaife makes one that fits. Team Blitz which runs ads in Grassroots sells parts for the Atlas rear along with Capri parts.

I feel it's as strong as the 7.5 that Ford used behind many V8 Fox Mustangs so take that for what it's worth.

"Team Blitz which runs ads in Grassroots sells parts for the Atlas rear along with Capri parts."

Thanks for this !! Would you have any contact info for them? I need brake parts and a seal for behind the yoke.

I also grabbed up a 7.5 Bobcat rear end at the same time as getting the Capri parts. Not as narrow as the other but complete and in good condition and I can always fit fender flares to cover the tires. Given your knowledge in this, would you recommend that I stick with the Atlas or move onto the 7.5"?

I'm not married to either so if you think that the 7.5 is the better choice, I'd love to know.

Thanks again !

The 7.5 is not "better" but parts availability is better. There is a factory LS for the 7.5 and many ratios in OEM from 2.87 up to 4.10 (Look at Ranger PU's). Brake parts for the Atlas should not be an issue. You could adapt many other drum brakes by modifying the backing plates or you can upgrade to rear discs. IF you check at RockAuto under Capri you may be surprised what they still have in stock for the OEM Capri brakes. Also I did a quick Google search and EBay has many parts for this axle too.

Atlas axles were/are the standard axle for serious stage rally Escorts, so bits should eternally be available, since people will always rally the MkII Escort.

FYI someone posted on the Yahoo Capri Groups some parts "for sale". One item was an Atlas axle. If you pick it up it will cost you beer money. I thing the poster lives in the NY/NJ area.

Thanks for the additional info !

I ought to join the Capri Yahoo Group anyway. Like to check out the rear end and I still have the V6 engine and four speed that I'd like to sell as well. Better that the engine/trans go to someone who needs, knows, and understands these things. I mean, it fits the TVR and Mustang II, but it came out of the Capri . . .