GM Vs Ford Axles

[Fabricator]

Hey all im wondering what would be the best bang for my buck by getting either a posi gm 12 bolt rear or getting a ford 8.8 or 9.75 and putting a locker in it. what do yall think?

 

[kryptonitecb]

8.8 short base, I would only do a gm axle if it was a 14bolt or D60. The rest aren't worth it.

Sent from the road while ignoring traffic

 

[RangerSVT]

Imo, no gm axle is worth getting...

SVT

 

[3.0ranger1227]

Ford 9.

If you do go with an 8.8 make sure it's 31 spline. A ton more options with the 9 though, except for one certain locker that they don't make for a 9.


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[85_Ranger4x4]

The Ford 9.75 is a really good axle but you will find options limited for it.

 

[shane96ranger]

Imo, no gm axle is worth getting...

SVT

X1000000000

Why do you think GM guys run a Ford 9 inch?

 

[Fabricator]

Thank you all for your input I would go with a Ford 9inch but I can't find one anywhere near my price range. I get my axles from the u-pull it yards and I saw a gm 12 bolt with a posi in it with disc brakes for 60 bucks. So far ive only seen one Ford 9inch and it was gutted the next morning I went up to get it. So do yall think I should wait for a Ford 9inch or go with somethin that is on hand now?

 

[Snoranger]

So do yall think I should wait for a Ford 9inch or go with somethin that is on hand now?

How much power do you plan on making?
What size tire do plan on running?
What are you building?

No one can tell you what axle to use without knowing what you want to do.

 

[shane96ranger]

The 8.8 is a very capable rear end. It is Fords second most versatile differential IMO. I've owned several over the years, and they are rock solid reliable. You can get one out of a 95-01 Explorer with disc brakes, and they have 31 spline axles. Also, a limited slip is an option - so you may get lucky and locate one. The only drawback is that it will require some fab work.... but from your user name (and considering you had the GM 12 bolt listed as an option) I doubt that is an issue.

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[RangerSVT]

What Shane just said, but another good option would be to use a Dana 60 full float and adapt disc brakes to it. The 8.8 is a good axle, like Shane said, but after I snapped an axle shaft and was dead in my tracks, I highly prefer a full float axle...

SVT

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

What Shane just said, but another good option would be to use a Dana 60 full float and adapt disc brakes to it. The 8.8 is a good axle, like Shane said, but after I snapped an axle shaft and was dead in my tracks, I highly prefer a full float axle...

SVT

The Sterling 10.5 is a good choice too, I would pick it over a D60 actually.

 

[RangerSVT]

Yes, the sterling's are another great choice, but traction devices (lockers and spools) are hard to find and are quite pricey. 60's are plentiful and traction devices are abundant and affordable...

SVT

 

[shane96ranger]

What vehicle used the Sterling?



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[RangerSVT]

F250/350 from 86-13. 86-97 was the sterling 10.25, 98-13 used the 10.5. The 10.25 used drum brakes and was 8x6.5, the 10.5 uses disc and is 8x170mm...


SVT

 

[shane96ranger]

Thanks SVT.

Hey, when you broke an axle, what made you stranded? I thought I read somewhere that the caliper would hold it in there well enough in an occasion like that. Or were you using a drum?

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