Brand F 9" vs 8.8

[Ziegelsteinfaust]

I am putting a brand F rear end under a brand D truck. That will be dropped like a bad habit.


The 8.8 has a factory traction loc, and 3.23 gears. It will get 9" ends with drum brakes.

The 9" is just a complete rear nothing special.

Both axles will be narrowed to fit 15x10's with 295/50r15 under the bed nicely. The get 4.11 gears likely.

If I go cheap the 8.8 is good for 500hp with 31 spline axles.

If I go all in the 9" is good for 800 with 35 spline axles.

The truck will just be a run about, and hauler for up too maybe 1000 pounds max. Occasional tower maybe twice a year all with in 10 miles.


Would the 8.8 be sufficient.

[MySons68C20]

Yup, you will be fine.

[LS short box]

I've had a 8.8 out an Explorer in my 98 Wrangler with a LS6/4L60E swap for over 15 years and have had zero issues. Not 500 hp but has worked well.

[Ziegelsteinfaust]

Originally Posted by LS short box

I've had a 8.8 out an Explorer in my 98 Wrangler with a LS6/4L60E swap for over 15 years and have had zero issues. Not 500 hp but has worked well.

How big a tires are you running?

[Rickysnickers]

The only thing I don't like about the 8.8 is the C clips it uses to hold the axles in. If it were my truck, I'd put the 9" in it.

[Ziegelsteinfaust]

Originally Posted by Rickysnickers

The only thing I don't like about the 8.8 is the C clips it uses to hold the axles in. If it were my truck, I'd put the 9" in it.

The 8.8 will get 9 inch ends.

I am a fan of the o for its brute toughness, and I love the 8.8 like the 10+12 bolt since they require less HP to drive

[Rickysnickers]

Originally Posted by Ziegelsteinfaust

The 8.8 will get 9 inch ends.

Got it, great idea

[Joyridin]

Originally Posted by Rickysnickers

The only thing I don't like about the 8.8 is the C clips it uses to hold the axles in. If it were my truck, I'd put the 9" in it.

With the Explorer axle, the axle will not come out as the disk brake set-up has a 3/16" plate that bolts to the housing stopping the axle from walking out should the c-clip break.

[Rickysnickers]

Originally Posted by Joyridin

With the Explorer axle, the axle will not come out as the disk brake set-up has a 3/16" plate that bolts to the housing stopping the axle from walking out should the c-clip break.

Yep, got it

[LS short box]

I'm running 32" tires. Just put on new Goodrich All Terrains. The Explorer 8.8 has disc brakes as standard so even if you broke a c-clip the caliper would hold the axle in. Not saying it be would be great I don't think the axle would come out.
Pics of my Wrangler. It's been a great swap.