what is the best F-150 axle

[superkermit]

I am looking to put an f-150 axle in my 2004 Mazda B2300. I'm just trying to find out what is the best, most reliable f-150 axle out there that also has the most options. Any help would be appreciated.

 

[86ford]

a explorer 8.8 with 31 spline axles is for the most part is just a narrower f150 axle. you do realize if you put a full width axle in your 2wd the rear tires will be mostly outside of the wheel wells and your lug patterns will be different in the front and the rear.

86

 

[superkermit]

yeah i know how wide its gonna be the long travel kit i'm getting is just a bit wider than that and I already have a set of six lug wheels to take care of the other issue. I really want the width of the f-150 axle

 

[alaskan155]

only six lug f-150 is the 04+, 97-04 are 5-lug(not 5.5/97 f250 7-lug, 70s to 96 are all 5 on 5.5

so the 04+(assuming that the 6-lug you got which i dought) leave you with the
31-spline 8.8, sterling 10.5, for 04+

basically f-150 order strength 10.5 sterling, 9 inch, and 8.8 31-spline
aftermarket 9-inch 10.5 8.8.

the 9-inch has a 3rd member, and the 97+ (maybe 04+ not sure, ) 8.8s have disk brakes stock,

the 9 inch is gonna have the most options then the 8.8

 

[Totalled]

'73-84ish 31 spline 9".

 

[Ozwynn]

the 99 and up 9.75"

 

[superkermit]

only six lug f-150 is the 04+, 97-04 are 5-lug(not 5.5/97 f250 7-lug, 70s to 96 are all 5 on 5.5

so the 04+(assuming that the 6-lug you got which i dought) leave you with the
31-spline 8.8, sterling 10.5, for 04+

basically f-150 order strength 10.5 sterling, 9 inch, and 8.8 31-spline
aftermarket 9-inch 10.5 8.8.

the 9-inch has a 3rd member, and the 97+ (maybe 04+ not sure, ) 8.8s have disk brakes stock,

the 9 inch is gonna have the most options then the 8.8

It doesnt really matter what the lug pattern is for the axle. The set of 6 lug rims I have, I got for free so its no loss if I cant use them. I am putting on a 16" LT setup in the front that is about 3-4" wider on the front and instead of keeping my factory axle I wanted to upgrade to a stronger and wider axle that I could build up stronger than my current axle and I wanted to have more options to pick from. I dont want to use spacers!!!! so they are out of the question. I basically want an axle from an F-150 that could hold up to at least 20" of travel and withstand a lot of abuse from about 400+ hp and a locker.

 

[superkermit]

Which axles come with stronger shafts? Are there any problem axles that I need to be aware of?

 

[dave@threat]

It doesnt really matter what the lug pattern is for the axle. The set of 6 lug rims I have, I got for free so its no loss if I cant use them. I am putting on a 16" LT setup in the front that is about 3-4" wider on the front and instead of keeping my factory axle I wanted to upgrade to a stronger and wider axle that I could build up stronger than my current axle and I wanted to have more options to pick from. I dont want to use spacers!!!! so they are out of the question. I basically want an axle from an F-150 that could hold up to at least 20" of travel and withstand a lot of abuse from about 400+ hp and a locker.

Are you linking the truck or getting the Giant 64" kit to get 20" of travel? 400hp and your thinking of running an 8.8" in a long travel truck? You need a 9" with 35 spline axles and a NOD case with that kind of HP. For what your planning on doing stay FAR AWAY from a "Cast center section" rearend. They are junk for desert trucks!

 

[86ford]

Which axles come with stronger shafts? Are there any problem axles that I need to be aware of?

any of the previously listed axles( big bearing 9 inch 31 spline and up, 31 spline 8.8, sterling 10.25, 9.75) will all hold up just fine to tires from 35 inch on down and even bigger than 44s in many cases. as for things to watch out for, the old 9 inch axles came in half a dozen or more different "builds" the original axles are far from as durable as they were the day it was assembled. as for the strongest axle listed, i would say the sterling 10.25 wins but its also heavy enough to be a boat anchor (not to mention the housing is about the same size as a basketball). we need to know your application before we can offer you sound advice.

86

 

[dave@threat]

any of the previously listed axles( big bearing 9 inch 31 spline and up, 31 spline 8.8, sterling 10.25, 9.75) will all hold up just fine to tires from 35 inch on down and even bigger than 44s in many cases. as for things to watch out for, the old 9 inch axles came in half a dozen or more different "builds" the original axles are far from as durable as they were the day it was assembled. as for the strongest axle listed, i would say the sterling 10.25 wins but its also heavy enough to be a boat anchor (not to mention the housing is about the same size as a basketball). we need to know your application before we can offer you sound advice.

86

The sterling axle has a strong ring gear but that's it. The housing will bend for a desert style truck. Same with stock 9" component's. They will also fail under desert conditions...

 

[86ford]

The sterling axle has a strong ring gear but that's it. The housing will bend for a desert style truck. Same with stock 9" component's. They will also fail under desert conditions...

i am not familiar with desert trucks in anyway shape or form. i am much more familiar with trail rigs and mud bog trucks.

86

 

[rusty ol ranger]

9 inch.

Or if you wanna go way back there was a D44 offered for the rear end on certain 69-71 F100/150's.

The sterling axle is a 9.75, not a 10.25, the 10.25 is for 3/4tons and up and was introduced in 83 or 4 i believe, and the 9.75 is a sized down version introduced in 97.

later,
Dustin

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

9 inch.

Or if you wanna go way back there was a D44 offered for the rear end on certain 69-71 F100/150's.

The sterling axle is a 9.75, not a 10.25, the 10.25 is for 3/4tons and up and was introduced in 83 or 4 i believe, and the 9.75 is a sized down version introduced in 97.

later,
Dustin

D44 is not a great idea which is why Ford droppped it way back then.

F-150's had the 10.25 in the 1997 F-250LD (a rebadged reinforced F-150 later known as the F-150 7700 from 2000-2003) They are easily spotted as they have 7 lug wheels...

I think the newer F-150's still use it in the heavier duty trucks.

 

[c_note]

look on race-dezert.com for a built 9". thats your best option especially since theres so many parts for them. i am assuming you dont have a tight budget.