Common Applications
1986-2014 Ford Mustang.1982-2012 Ford F-150.1982-1996 Ford Bronco.2001-2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac.1991-2011 Ford Ranger 4.0L models.1991-2001 Ford Explorer (Solid axle)1985-2011 Ford Panther platform vehicles.2012–Present Ford F-150 (Super 8.8, depending on engine and other options)
Is the Ford 8.8 a good axle?
Although not serving up the same beef as the respected Ford 9-inch, the slightly smaller 8.8-inch has held its own as a good medium-duty wheeling axle, especially when used on lighter rigs. The axleshafts have been available in 28- and 31-spline counts.
Are Ford 8.8 rear ends strong?
This rearend is lighter than a 9-inch and is as strong as a 12-bolt (except for the axles), and many Mustangs came from the factory with Traction-Lok limited-slip differentials.
Are all Ford 8.8 rear ends the same?
First appearing in 1977, the 8.8 is found in almost all Ford V8 cars from ’86 on, and in V6 Rangers and Explorers. There are 24 different Fords that offered the 8.8 rear axle. The weakest points of the 8.8 are the 28-spline axles (1.18 inches in diameter).
Are all Ford 8.8 carriers the same?
Moderator Emeritus. The gears are all the same for Ford 8.8s. The carriers usually come in two different sizes, depending on gear ratio. The spider gears must match your axle spline count as that’s where they attach to the carrier.
How do you tell the difference between a Ford 8.8 and 9?
There’s an easy way to tell an 8-inch apart from a 9-inch. All of the 8-inch case nuts can be accessed with a socket. In contrast, on the 9-inch, two nuts on the bottom at about the 6 and 7 o’clock positions cannot be accessed with a socket and require a wrench.
How do I know if I have an 8.8 rear end?
You can identify the Ford 8.8-inch rear by its rear cover. It has a thin metal or plastic 10-bolt cover, and the bolts are 7/16-inch thread. The cover is not quite square, measuring about 101/2 inches high by 11 inches long. The 8.8-inch pinion shaft is 15/8 inches and has 30 splines.
How much HP can a 8.8 handle?
Dead stock (31 spline version, which is what the Explorer has) it can handle up to about 400 rwhp as long as you’re not on DR’s or Slicks. As soon as you go to those, you have to weld the tubes at a minimum.
What’s the best rear end for drag racing?
Ford 9″- The Ford 9″ is definitely the most popular of the rear ends in drag racing. It offers good strength characteristics and the largest variety of gear choices. The thirdmember type center section allows a racer to have multiple gear ratios available and is much easier to change than a rear loading type rear end.
How much power can a stock Ford 9-inch handle?
They’re good to 800 hp, if built properly. The next step beyond that would be the high end, completely redesigned, Mark Williams billet-aluminum housing. “It’s the same deal with common production 28-spline axles.
How do I know if I have a Ford 9 inch rear end?
Many enthusiasts will tell you to look for the two dimples in the rear cover to determine if the unit is a 9-inch, but this is not always true. Ford also had an 8-inch third-member rear end that had a dimpled cover. The best test of a 9-inch carrier is to try removing the two lower carrier case bolts.
How can you tell the difference between a 7.5 and 8.8 rear end?
The top and bottom of the 7.5-inch gasket are straight with rounded sides. The 8.8-inch gasket has flat sides, top and bottom, with rounded corners.
Is Posi the same as limited slip?
Despite the fact that a lot of folks confuse the terms “posi” or “Positraction” with “limited slip,” the fact is that the two are basically one and the same. Today, all positive traction systems are referred to as limited slip systems.
