Introduction
This article discusses the differences between the 2010-2011 Ford Ranger 8.8-inch axle and the 8.8-inch axle used prior to 2010.
Comparing The Axles
Comparing (2) Ford 8.8-Inch axles:
- 2010 28-spline Ford 8.8-Inch big bearing from a 2WD regular cab with a 2.3L automatic
- 2004 28-spline Ford 8.8-Inch small bearing
Both are open differentials.
The 2010 differential does not have a tone ring at the ring gear.
For 2010, if you find a big bearing, it isn’t necessarily a 31-spline. I don’t know what a 2010 4WD has.
Comparing a 2004 8.8 28 spline small bearing drum vs 2010 8.8 28-spline big bearing disk (below). Note the ends are very different, and the 2010 has no hole for ring gear tone ring. The 2010 is 1/2″ narrower. 57-1/2″ flange to flange. When you put the disks on it’s 58-1/4″ between wheel mount surfaces.
Above: The 2004 axle has the ABS sensor on differential. The 2010 axle has a tone ring at each wheel. The unused hole in the 2010 axle does not line up where a tone ring would be.
Center of 2010 disk measures 3/8″ thick.
Above: The center thickness of the disks is freakin’ huge at 3/8″. They are approx 1/4″ thicker than drums. So, put the thick disks on the narrow 2010, and it equals the same width (track width) of the 2004 with drums.
The 2010 disks are 11-9/16″ diameter, 3/4″ thick, and vented. That’s a lot of brake power for a regular cab 2WD.
How I measured overall width, the cross pin is inserted between shafts:
Comparing the widths. The blue tape is where the bearing rides, that’s the 2010 axle
Above: The 2004 width measures 58″. The 2010 (with tone ring) width measures 57-1/2″. The 2010 is 1/2″ narrower than the 2004 to compensate for the added width of the disc brakes (2010-2011).
2010 short side axle
2004 short side axle shaft at 27-3/16″
2010 long side axle shaft.
2004 long side axle shaft at 30-1/16″. It’s about 1/4″ longer than the 2010 long side axle shaft at 29-13/16″.
Contributor
This information was documented and submitted by TRS forum member By: pjtoledo
See The Original Submission:
About The Author
Jim Oaks is the founder of The Ranger Station (TRS), one of the longest-running Ford Ranger enthusiast communities on the web. He has spent over three decades owning, modifying, repairing, and driving Ford Rangers on the street, trail, and overlanding routes.
Since launching TheRangerStation.com in 1999, Jim has documented thousands of real-world Ranger builds, technical repairs, drivetrain swaps, suspension modifications, and off-road adventures. TRS has been heavily referenced by enthusiasts, mechanics, and off-road builders looking for practical, experience-based information.