Why is the Ford 8.8 so good?

The Ford 8.8 rear end is highly regarded for several reasons. Here are some key points:
Strength and Durability
– The Ford 8.8 rear end is known for its strength and durability.
– It is often compared to the GM 12-bolt rear end, which is considered a strong and reliable axle.
– With the right upgrades, such as bracing, 35 spline axles, and a spool, the Ford 8.8 can handle high power applications.
– Many people have reported success with the Ford 8.8 rear end, even with high horsepower engines.
Versatility and Availability
– The Ford 8.8 rear end is available in both solid axle and independent rear suspension setups, making it more versatile than the Ford 9-inch rear end.
– It is commonly found in Ford Mustangs, Ford F-Series trucks, and Ford Rangers, and it is still in production today.
– The Ford 8.8 rear end is cheap and easy to source from local scrap yards, making it a popular choice for many projects.
Aftermarket Support
– While the Ford 8.8 rear end may not have as extensive aftermarket support as the Ford 9-inch rear end, there are still plenty of aftermarket parts available for it.
– Upgrading the axles to 31 or 33 spline, installing a rear girdle cover, and welding the tubes to the center case can further enhance the strength of the Ford 8.8 rear end.
In summary, the Ford 8.8 rear end is highly regarded for its strength, durability, versatility, and availability. With the right upgrades, it can handle high power applications and is a popular choice for many projects.
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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.

How strong is a 8.8 Ford rear end?

This rearend is lighter than a 9-inch and is as strong as a 12-bolt (except for the axles), and many Mustangs came from the factory with Traction-Lok limited-slip differentials.

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.

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.

How much HP can a Ford 9-inch handle?

“They’re good only to 400hp max,” says Tom at Tom’s Differentials. “Anything above that should use today’s beefed-up, redesigned, nodular-iron aftermarket cases. They’re good to 800 hp, if built properly. The next step beyond that would be the high end, completely redesigned, Mark Williams billet-aluminum housing.

WHAT WILL 4.10 gears do?

Is 4.10 A Good Gear Ratio? 4.10s are a great gear ratio for sports cars who want more acceleration and higher torque. The only downsides with 4.10 gears is that you will get decreased fuel mileage and a lower top speed.

What is the best rear end for drag racing?

The dependable 9 inch Ford rear end has by far the widest application reach. Strange offers an impressive array of internal performance parts, Ford 9 inch spools, ford 9 pinion supports, and ford 9 gear sets to build industry-leading complete drag racing rear ends.

What gear ratio gives more torque?

lower gear ratio
A higher gear ratio is good when you need more acceleration to cruise your vehicle, whereas a lower gear ratio provides more torque to get the vehicle moving from a resting position.

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.

What’s so special about a Ford 9-inch rear end?

The iconic Ford 9-inch has been the go-to diff for hot-rodders since day one. The brilliance of the unit is its ability to hold power, its quickness in changing gears, its vast range of available gear ratios, and the ease in which it can be setup. Shop our Ford 9-inch differential products here.