EB 9" vs Explorer 8.8"

[sasdranger]

i would much rather fight the axle getting all the chunks out than have the axle break and walk out before i could get back to camp or somewhere to fix it.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

i would much rather fight the axle getting all the chunks out than have the axle break and walk out before i could get back to camp or somewhere to fix it.

Won't happen if you have disk brakes.

 

[Toreadorranger]

Won't happen if you have disk brakes.

C clip axles have broken the bolts holding the caliper on before, Which still leaves you with an axle trying to leave the housing. Id rather not rely on like two 1/4" bolts to hold my tire on my truck.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

C clip axles have broken the bolts holding the caliper on before, Which still leaves you with an axle trying to leave the housing. Id rather not rely on like two 1/4" bolts to hold my tire on my truck.

If you break all that in one day, you best go hide in your basement for awhile before you get hit by lightning as well...

 

[Toreadorranger]

If you break all that in one day, you best go hide in your basement for awhile before you get hit by lightning as well...

you must not make it to the trails very often.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

you must not make it to the trails very often.

Not until I get my 8.8 put in.

 

[4x4junkie]

I haven't heard many reports of the caliper bolts breaking (not saying it doesn't happen though).

I do believe the wheelbearing on the 9 is only pressed onto the shaft, no? I could see the same things that might break caliper bolts shoving the shaft out of the bearing on a 9 as well (such as if the two pieces of broken shaft jam against each other inside the housing).

 

[Mutant Pony]

If you are going to build a fairly moderate truck with say 35-36" tires and don't ever plan to upgrade The Explorer 8.8 will do nicely. It is easy to work on and has good parts availability.
If you want an axle that will work ok for now but, can be upgraded later, You want the 9".
Upgrade parts for the 9" are everywhere. I've never been to swap meet that didn't have a part for a 9".
An EB 9" could easily have 31 spline axles in it and appear stock. 1/2 ton axles can be cut down and resplined and the third member bolts right in. All of which could be done for about $100.
There is no other axle that has the gear selection of a 9"
Drain plugs and inspection ports can easily be added to the 9"
8.8s do have upgrades but, an 8.8 with every upgrade is only as strong as a mildly built 9"
9" rears can be made full floater. They can also be set up to use lock outs.

 

[badblue]

look up the spidertrax.com they use f450 wheel bearings and used in the rear or front aps with high pinion or low.