What size axle for 351w?

[bobbywalter]

8.8 just fine....

 

[Snoranger]

I’d go with an Explorer 31 spline 8.8 with disc brakes.

 

[35Remmy]

Thats what im running. Explorer 8.8, 31 spline Moser axles, welded tubes, disc brakes, Ford Performance traction lok, 4.10's, 35" tires.....363 stroker (still finishing truck).

 

[rusty ol ranger]

It's gonna be a sleeper 2wd I want it to look sorta stock

I just need something that will be able to handle the 351w

If its a stock or stockish 351 riding on "sleeper" tires (as in, not big fat drag slicks) an 8.8 will be fine

Like i said, ford used them behind 351s from the factory....even in the gen 1 lightnings.

 

[don4331]

The "average" Ford 9" from back in the "glory" days had 28 spline axles and bearings equal/less than those found in the 7.5. Ford had no problem putting those axles behind 351w's in sleds that weighed a lot more than our Rangers.

And the 31 splines axles/Daytona pinion support/WAR cased 9" differentials have same axles*/bearings as an Explorer 8.8. And Ford had no problems putting those axles behind big blocks.

The 8.8 gets into trouble when you exceed 4.0:1 gears - with only 1.5" hypoid offset, you get into partial tooth engagement. The 9" with its 2-1/4" hypoid offset is much better suited for deep gears.

Of course, the aftermarket caters more to the 9". You can get stronger cases with bigger bearings that supports 35 spline axles, etc. I won't recommend the Mark Williams 35 spline axles for either 8.8 or OEM 9", the carrier walls get too thin - you start counting on the bearings to hold things together and that is cutting things too fine. But, Eaton will sell you a 33 spline differential for your 8.8, and Moser/Dutchman/etc will sell you matching axles, should you have concerns/pockets deep enough.

So, a moderate 351w with moderate gears (4.11 or higher), and street tires in a Ranger would probably be fine with a 7.5 - assuming judicious use of the skinny pedal; 8.8 should be fine.

*Ford 9" axles are cut with 45° splines, while 8.8" are cut with 30° splines, so would be about 20% stronger, but OEM 8.8 axles are manufactured from 1050 steel (need more carbon to be able to harden the bearing journals), while OEM 9" are manufactured from 1039 steel, which gets 15% back.

 

[19Walt93]

I used an 8" Mustang II rear end with a Yukon limited slip. I got some custom 5 lug axles from Currie and the 10" Ranger brakes off my junk 8.8 bolted on like they were made for it. My 351 is basically a stock 95 F150 engine with an Offenhauser dual port manifold, a 600 Holley, and 66 LTD exhaust manifolds. If I was going to thrash on it I probably would have built a new 8.8, but I don't plan to drag race it and I had all the parts to build the 8 inch except the axles and a bearing kit.