About the Ford 8.8 Differential
The Ford 8.8 differential is a type of automotive axle manufactured by Ford Motor Company at the Sterling Axle Plant in Sterling Heights, MI. It was first used in model year 1983 Ford trucks and has been a staple of the Ford Motor Company in passenger cars, trucks, and sport utility vehicles for decades. The ring gear measures 8.8 inches, and it is still in production today for a variety of Ford vehicles.
Features and Options
– The Ford 8.8 differential offers a range of options, including the Strange S-Trac helical gear units, Eaton Locker, clutch style differentials, and the full line of Eaton Tru-trac and clutch style differentials.
– It is available with a variety of gear ratios, including 2.26, 2.47, 2.73, 3.08, 3.27, 3.31, 3.45, 3.55, 3.73, 4.10, 4.56, and 5.14.
– The M88 from Moser Engineering is a performance version of the original 8.8″ Ford, featuring improvements over the stock 8.8 housing, such as premium nodular steel, reinforced material, and webbing, as well as 3″ x 1/4″ wall seamless DOM steel tubes.
Applications and Aftermarket Support
– The Ford 8.8 rear end has been used in passenger cars, trucks, and sport utility vehicles, including the Ford Mustang up until the 2015 model year.
– It is a popular choice for aftermarket support, with a wide variety of gears, limited slip carriers, and rebuild kits available from popular sources like Summit Racing, JEGS, and local auto parts stores.
Conclusion
The Ford 8.8 differential is known for its strength, aftermarket parts selection, and its popularity for swapping into a variety of cars. It offers a range of options and gear ratios, making it suitable for various applications and performance upgrades.
If you have any specific questions about the Ford 8.8 differential or its applications, feel free to ask!
Contents
- Why is the Ford 8.8 rear end so popular?
- What Fords have 8.8 rear end?
- Why is the Ford 8.8 so good?
- What’s the difference between 8.8 and 9.75 rear end?
- How do I know if I have a Ford 8.8 rear end?
- What vehicles had 8.8 rearend?
- Are Ford 8.8 rear end strong?
- Is a Ford 8.8 differential limited-slip?
- How do I know if I have 8.8 or 9.75 rear end?
- What is the difference between a Ford 8.8 and 9-inch rear end?
Why is the Ford 8.8 rear end so popular?
Enter the 8.8
Among the options they explored was the Ford 8.8-inch rear end. These units can withstand considerable abuse, as proven for decades by the Ford racing community. And, unlike the 9-inch, the 8.8’s pinion gear doesn’t have the extreme low offset on the ring gear, so it runs more quietly.
What Fords have 8.8 rear end?
Common Applications
- 1986-2014 Ford Mustang.
- 1982-2012 Ford F-150.
- 1982-1996 Ford Bronco.
- 2001-2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac.
- 1991-2011 Ford Ranger 4.0L models.
- 1991-2001 Ford Explorer (Solid axle)
- 1985-2011 Ford Panther platform vehicles.
Why is the Ford 8.8 so good?
The original Fox-body 8.8 used from ’86-’93 can be easily upgraded with better axles, a stronger limited slip with more clutches, and bigger axle bearings to become a very durable yet light rearend assembly. And the best part is you won’t spend a ton of money to get there.
What’s the difference between 8.8 and 9.75 rear end?
Basically if it’s symmetrical then it’s the 8.8. If it’s tapered on one side it’s the 9.75. Both are 12 bolt.
How do I know if I have a Ford 8.8 rear end?
You can identify the Ford 8.8-inch rear by its rear cover. It has a thin metal or plastic 10-bolt cover, and the bolts are 7/16-inch thread. The cover is not quite square, measuring about 101/2 inches high by 11 inches long. The 8.8-inch pinion shaft is 15/8 inches and has 30 splines.
What vehicles had 8.8 rearend?
The Ford 8.8-Inch axle came in a few different vehicles including the: Ford Mustang (1986-2014) Ford Bronco (1983-1996) Ford F-150 (1983-2012)
Are Ford 8.8 rear end strong?
The 8.8 is also lighter than the 9 inch and it takes less power to turn it. If you took a 8.8 and put a 31 spline Eaton Posi in it with a set of 31 spline axles you would have a very good rear end. It would be as strong or stronger than a Chevy 12 bolt.
Is a Ford 8.8 differential limited-slip?
The good news is that many of these 8.8 differentials included the Traction-Lok limited-slip differential option, which can be identified by a large, S-shaped clip pressing against the inside of the side gears. This can be seen only with the cover off; without an ID tag, you can’t spot a Traction–Lok from the outside.
How do I know if I have 8.8 or 9.75 rear end?
On the passenger’s side upper and lower corners, there’s two semi-circular divots that can easily be seen when looking at the cover from straight on. While the Super 8.8’s cover has a bulge for the ring gear, it’s not anywhere near as pronounced as the 9.75’s.
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.