8.8 or???

[Forumboarder]

i have a 8.8 axle but i was wondering how stronge it really is. im not really looking for a big swap maybe just something easy, and strong

 

[Beanmachine7000]

I've heard stock for stock it's about the same as the 9"... Of course there is alot more aftermarket for the 9"... Strong enough, that the only time I've really seen people swap out 8.8" rear axles (for reasons other than bolt pattern) is when they go to D60's...

 

[Sasquatch_Ryda]

All depends on if its is 31 spline or 28 spline

 

[93Ranger4x4]

You can easily switch to 31 spline if needed, just need to find an explorer 8.8 and steal the axles and carrier and such out of it.

 

[blackbronc]

i have a 8.8 axle but i was wondering how stronge it really is. im not really looking for a big swap maybe just something easy, and strong

You will probably never hurt an 8.8 with a 2.9. Even with 28splines. A 9" is measurably stronger than an 8.8. Not because of the spline count but rather the 3 bearings on the pinion as opposed to 2 on the 8.8. 8.8 was designed for more efficient power transmiision than 9". Due to the lower pinion of the 9 it has a greater loss to friction. Something to the degree of 5% according to Summers Bros Racing IIRC.

 

[GBranger04]

what size tires are you running? probably nothing big enough to worry about your 8.8 if you have a 2.9L. i don't know much about the strength of them but i have heard of guys swapping their axles Out and putting the 8.8 In.

 

[Sunk]

You can easily switch to 31 spline if needed, just need to find an explorer 8.8 and steal the axles and carrier and such out of it.

No, you'd need to get the whole axle and swap that in. The 31 spline axles use larger shafts that don't fit in the 28 spline housings, and I think the carriers are different. Only the gears are the same.

 

[4x4junkie]

You will probably never hurt an 8.8 with a 2.9. Even with 28splines. A 9" is measurably stronger than an 8.8. Not because of the spline count but rather the 3 bearings on the pinion as opposed to 2 on the 8.8. 8.8 was designed for more efficient power transmiision than 9". Due to the lower pinion of the 9 it has a greater loss to friction. Something to the degree of 5% according to Summers Bros Racing IIRC.

I think that's debatable... the 9 may have 3 bearings, but the 8.8's pinion shaft diameter dwarfs the 9's (and has a much wider bearing spacing), it doesn't really need a 3rd bearing. The 8.8's pinion spline is bigger too. But like was said, a 9 can be built up stronger than the 8.8 with enough money.

You can easily switch to 31 spline if needed, just need to find an explorer 8.8 and steal the axles and carrier and such out of it.

Yeah, the Explorer shafts won't fit. You can get custom 31 spline shafts with bearing journals sized to fit a 28 spline housing however.

 

[93Ranger4x4]

not even with a c-clip elimnator kit and a spool?

 

[86ford]

not even with a c-clip elimnator kit and a spool?

THE SHAFTS ARE BIGGER AROUND! the 28 spline 8.8 runs the SAME shafts as a 7.5 does. The 31 spline 8.8 ONLY has the ring gear in common with it's smaller brother the 28 spline 8.8. the 28 spline 8.8 is a glorified 7.5. The spool and c-clip eliminator CAN NOT fix the big shaft small bearing problem. Read up and used good info or STFU.

86

 

[93Ranger4x4]

ctfd, just asked a question, no need to get all pissy about it. Was wondering because the 8.8 i've got is the exact same size as the 8.8 in an explorer i used to have.

 

[Sasquatch_Ryda]

The tubes on a 28 spline 8.8 neck down to 2.75" compared to the 31 spline 8.8's tubes are a continuous 3.25". I don't think you could get away with using a c clip elim. kit simply because of the difference in tube size.

 

[93Ranger4x4]

Ahh ok, i see what your sayin. Could have sworn the 8.8 i've got(from an 02 ranger) didnt "neck down". have to take a look at it tomorrow in the light, but thanks for clearing that up.

 

[Sasquatch_Ryda]

Did it happen to come out of an FX4 ranger? if so they came with a 31 spline 8.8 from the factory for the offroad package.

 

[93Ranger4x4]

no it came out of an 02 2wd extended cab 4.0 5spd. I'll have to take a look at it tomorrow before i leave for work. Havent been out in the garage since it got cold, but i could have sworn it didnt neck down but it might.