8.8 c-clip eliminator

[97BlackBetty]

Alright so i was reading through a new book, Differentials-Identification, Restoration, & Repair, By Jim Allen and Randy Lyman. First of all, wow this book rocks! Anyways i was reading about the axles that we all have in our vehicles and i found an intersting mod available for the 8.8. It states, "9-inch Bearing Ends- In order to get past the c-clip issue for racing rules or just peace of mind, some will modify the 8.8 housing to accept the pressed bearing axle ends of the Ford 9-inch (which are being reproduced). The Ford 9-inch 31 spline and the 8.8 axle are nearly identical. You can buy the axle ends and install them yourself, if you are so equipped with the necessary tools, or a company like Mark Williams or Currie can do it or sell you a housing so equipped."

I was just curious if anyone has attempted or done this modification. I have an 8.8 completely torn down now, awaiting money for gears and lockers, and was curious how easy or well worth it the upgrade would be. You know since its not in the truck and would be much easier to do it now, rather than later.
Justin

P.S. If you've done it, Pics would be GREAT

 

[Sasquatch_Ryda]

Companies like Moser sell c clip eliminators, we installed a set on out mustang drag car.

 

[95XL]

Alright so i was reading through a new book, Differentials-Identification, Restoration, & Repair, By Jim Allen and Randy Lyman. First of all, wow this book rocks! Anyways i was reading about the axles that we all have in our vehicles and i found an intersting mod available for the 8.8. It states, "9-inch Bearing Ends- In order to get past the c-clip issue for racing rules or just peace of mind, some will modify the 8.8 housing to accept the pressed bearing axle ends of the Ford 9-inch (which are being reproduced). The Ford 9-inch 31 spline and the 8.8 axle are nearly identical. You can buy the axle ends and install them yourself, if you are so equipped with the necessary tools, or a company like Mark Williams or Currie can do it or sell you a housing so equipped."

I was just curious if anyone has attempted or done this modification. I have an 8.8 completely torn down now, awaiting money for gears and lockers, and was curious how easy or well worth it the upgrade would be. You know since its not in the truck and would be much easier to do it now, rather than later.
Justin

P.S. If you've done it, Pics would be GREAT

+1, I've been wondering the same thing...

 

[Blackdog]

Been wondering too. Do it and post a step by step procedure (with lots of pictures).

 

[97BlackBetty]

Well as soon as the money comes along i guess ill be trying it and doing a write up. Ill have to head over to the local 4x4 shop though, im guessing a press is gonna be in order? But hey if anyones done this i kinda wanna know what the finished product looks like first!

 

[97BlackBetty]

Well I called Mark Williams Enterprises and talked to a tech there, he told me that to do this you need to cut off the axle tube ends on the 8.8 and weld on the ends of the 9 inch, you also need custom axle shafts made. Unfortunately it doesnt look like im going to be doing this swap, seeing as how im in college and money is really tight.

If anyone knows of a source though for 8.8 c-clip eliminators though, i would be very interested.
Justin

 

[4x4junkie]

I don't see much need for it myself.

#1, broken axles are quite rare on the 31 spl 8.8"

#2, if you have disc brakes on it, it's not gonna come out anyway.

 

[Evan]

I don't see much need for it myself.

#1, broken axles are quite rare on the 31 spl 8.8"

#2, if you have disc brakes on it, it's not gonna come out anyway.

+1

A c-clip eliminator is almost always going to be a waste of time and money on a 31 spline 8.8. Has anyone on here actually had a c-clip related failure on this axle? I'd guess the answer is no.

 

[Sasquatch_Ryda]

If you're looking for a kit, Moser makes one

 

[crawlin91]

not sure on this one but I though I read something a while back in a post that its not a great swap for a wheeler because it weakens the side tolerances of the axle or something like that. More for drag cars. if junkie and evan say there is no need than I believe them, they seem to know their rbv's.

 

[Will]

Has anyone on here actually had a c-clip related failure on this axle? I'd guess the answer is no.

Most modifications people make are pointless. This falls into that category. It preys on people's minds though.