Is a Ford 8.8 the same as a Ford 9 inch?

Are Ford 8.8 and Ford 9 inch the Same?
The Ford 8.8 and Ford 9 inch rear ends have similarities and differences, particularly in terms of strength and aftermarket support.
Strength Comparison:
– In stock form, the 8.8 and the 9″ are considered to be the same strength-wise, according to a source from the 460 Ford Forum. However, the 9 inch is noted to handle a huge amount of power, more than an 8.8 can ever handle when built correctly.
– The Ford 8.8 is described as virtually a clone of the Chevy 12-bolt and almost as strong, with the 8.8 and the 12-bolt having identical pinion-shaft diameter and using the same pinion bearings.
Aftermarket Support:
– The 9 inch has more aftermarket support for gear ratios and availability of larger aftermarket shafts, back braces, etc., compared to the 8.8. It is also noted to have more gear choices available, although not as plentiful as the 9″.
– The 8.8 can be fixed with a set of c-clip eliminators, but it may be hard to find anything if stepping up to 35 spline or bigger shafts.
Other Considerations:
– The 8.8 is described as more efficient at rotating the wheels due to its better pinion/ring gear angle.
– The 8.8 is noted to be more versatile than the 9 inch, as it is available in both stick axle and independent rear suspension setups, and is cheaper to source from a local scrap yard.
In summary, while the Ford 8.8 and Ford 9 inch rear ends have similarities in strength in stock form, the 9 inch has more aftermarket support and gear choices, while the 8.8 is noted for its efficiency and versatility.
If you have any further questions or need additional information, feel free to ask!

What Ford has 8.8 rear end?

Ford first used the 8.8 axle in 1983 model year trucks and is still in production for the Ford Ranger and Ford F-Series. It was also used in the Ford SUVs until Independent suspension replaced the solid axle.

How do you identify a Ford 9-inch diff?

9 Inch Ford rear differential
To recognize a Locking 9″ differential, look for a metal tag on one of the bolts that holds the center section to the housing. There is a gear ratio stamped on the tag. For example: The tag will say: 350 for 3.50:1 ring and pinion gear ratio.

What is the difference between a Ford 8.8 and 9 inch rear end?

The Ford 8.8 Rear Axle Is Cheaper Than a 9-Inch
11) The 8.8 is cheaper than a 9-inch, and if you add 31-spline axles, it can be as strong as a GM 12-bolt. The pinion-gear shaft diameter is larger than on a 9-inch and the same size as on a Chevy 12-bolt. 12) Ranger and Explorer axles have a 5-on-412-inch bolt pattern.

What size bolt pattern does Ford use?

1997-2003 Ford F-150 Lug Pattern: 5×5.31” (5×135mm) 2004-2008 Ford F-150 Lug Pattern: 6×5.31″ (6×135mm) 2009-2014 Ford F-150 Lug Pattern: 6×5.31″ (6×135mm) 2015-2020 Ford F-150 Lug Pattern: 6×5.31″ (6×135mm)

How do you identify a Ford 9-inch rear end?

Most 9″ rear differentials will be the open type. To recognize a locking or limited slip 9″ differential, look for a metal tag on one of the bolts that holds the center section to the housing. There is a gear ratio stamped on the tag. For example: The tag will say: 350 for 3.50:1 ring and pinion gear ratio.

What is a Ford 8.8 bolt pattern?

5 x 4.5 Lug Pattern.

Why is the Ford 9 inch so strong?

The Ford nine-inch, introduced in 1957, incorporated all that smart thinking but had distinct advantages. First, there’s the diameter of its ring gear at—you guessed it—nine inches. That’s larger and thus stronger than most contemporaries. Ford engineers increased the angle of the pinion’s teeth, as well.

Why is the Ford 8.8 so popular?

The Ford 8.8 differential is lighter than the Ford 9˝ differential, less expensive to buy used, and with a little modification can be as strong or stronger than a GM 12-bolt differential. The Ford 8.8 is virtually a clone of the Chevy 12-bolt and therefore almost as strong.

How can you tell a Ford 8 inch from a 9 inch?

Case on the back of an 8 inch. Is rounded there is nothing indented on except you have two dimples on either side of the case. Here.

What is the difference between Ford 9-inch diffs?

Ford 9-inch diffs feature larger diameter ring gears which creates additional distance between the centerline of the ring gear and the centerline of the pinion gear, known as hypoid distance. This relationship impacts performance. “The key here is hypoid offset,” says Gus, “The vertical offset from the axle centerline.