Note: This kit is no longer available – Superior Axle is out of business.
About the only real complaint you can make about the Ford 8.8 axle is that it uses c-clips. If you ever break a c-clip or snap an axle, you have to deal with the problem right where the vehicle stands because there’s nothing to hold the wheel to the axle housing. Superior Axle’s Super 88 kit addresses this problem, as well as a couple of others that especially affect people who swap these axles into Jeeps. And of course, their Super 88 kit also includes 4340 chrome moly shafts which greatly improve the strength and reliability over the stock shafts.
The Super 88™ Axle System features a 35% Increase in strength over stock applications. The system fits 1996 and newer Ford Explorer and Mercury Mountaineer housings with disc brakes.
The kit comes complete with the following:
Two USA-made 4340 chrome moly axles. The axles feature a thicker flange and increased radius to the body for a real strength increase for those side hill moments. This design provides more strength than some aftermarket designs that only increase the thickness of the flange.
Two heavy-duty machined axle retainers with spacer rings.
Complete set of 3/4 ton Timken Roller Bearings™ and Seals.
Two C-Clip eliminators.
Ten 1/2-20 threaded studs.
Two axle badges to show your Superior pride.
The Super 88™ Axle System requires some cutting but no welding. On average it can be installed in under 2 hours.
Jim Oaks is the founder of TheRangerStation.com, the longest-running Ford Ranger resource online since 1999. With over 25 years of hands-on experience building and modifying Ford Rangers — including magazine-featured builds like Project Transformer — Jim has become one of the most trusted authorities in the Ford off-road and enthusiast space. In 2019, he was loaned a Ranger FX4 by Ford Motor Company to test and document across the TransAmerica Trail. Jim continues to inspire and guide Ranger owners around the world.