Brand F 9" vs 8.8
 

I am putting a brand F rear end under a brand D truck. That will be dropped like a bad habit.


The 8.8 has a factory traction loc, and 3.23 gears. It will get 9" ends with drum brakes.

The 9" is just a complete rear nothing special.

Both axles will be narrowed to fit 15x10's with 295/50r15 under the bed nicely. The get 4.11 gears likely.

If I go cheap the 8.8 is good for 500hp with 31 spline axles.

If I go all in the 9" is good for 800 with 35 spline axles.

The truck will just be a run about, and hauler for up too maybe 1000 pounds max. Occasional tower maybe twice a year all with in 10 miles.


Would the 8.8 be sufficient.

Re: Brand F 9" vs 8.8
 

Yup, you will be fine.

Re: Brand F 9" vs 8.8
 

I've had a 8.8 out an Explorer in my 98 Wrangler with a LS6/4L60E swap for over 15 years and have had zero issues. Not 500 hp but has worked well.

Re: Brand F 9" vs 8.8
 

How big a tires are you running?

Re: Brand F 9" vs 8.8
 

The only thing I don't like about the 8.8 is the C clips it uses to hold the axles in. If it were my truck, I'd put the 9" in it.

Re: Brand F 9" vs 8.8
 

The 8.8 will get 9 inch ends.

I am a fan of the o for its brute toughness, and I love the 8.8 like the 10+12 bolt since they require less HP to drive

Re: Brand F 9" vs 8.8
 

I'm running 32" tires. Just put on new Goodrich All Terrains. The Explorer 8.8 has disc brakes as standard so even if you broke a c-clip the caliper would hold the axle in. Not saying it be would be great I don't think the axle would come out.
Pics of my Wrangler. It's been a great swap.

Re: Brand F 9" vs 8.8
 

Got it, great idea :)

Re: Brand F 9" vs 8.8
 

With the Explorer axle, the axle will not come out as the disk brake set-up has a 3/16" plate that bolts to the housing stopping the axle from walking out should the c-clip break.

Re: Brand F 9" vs 8.8
 

Yep, got it :)