In a previous blog, I talked about how the LS-series engines could be viewed as later-model versions of the original small-block Ford with the various similarities between the engine designs. It occurred to me that this corporate copying didn’t stop there and frankly goes back much further. I remember not too long ago working on a Ford 8.8 rear axle with my buddy Tim Moore when we noticed that that pinion shaft diameter on an 8.8 is exactly the same as the Chevy 12-bolt. In fact, the two rear axle assemblies use the exact same pinion bearings. The part numbers are exactly the same. Close still, the GM 12-bolt ring gear is 8.625 inches in diameter while the Ford is 8.80 inches. The main place where they are different is the GM 12-bolt uses 30-spline axles while the Ford originally was 28 and later became larger. Plus, the Fox body car uses a rear coil spring suspension that looks very much like a Ford version of the ’64 to ’72 Chevelle four-link rear suspension. Coincidence? Probably not, but does it really matter? It’s just interesting to see how the manufacturers pay attention to what works. If it’s a good idea, they’ll use it, and we car crafters benefit from that.