Just picked up a 97 f150 will the 8.8 out of it be the same as my 96 f150.
Its 3.55 gearing same as mine. Thanks

 

Wheel bolt pattern is different and I don't know if the axle shafts are interchangeable. Wondered about that myself.

 

I just tried one of the wheels and it bolts on my 96. So the bolt pattern is the same

 

The bolt pattern is darn close, but there are differences:

Ford F-150 Bolt Pattern Guide Reference BoltPatternGuide.net

1954-1996 F150s use a 5 x 5.5" (139.7MM) pattern
1997 to 2003/4 F150s use a 5 x 135MM pattern.

I would not swap rims on those two different generation 8.8" axles.

 

Ya I tried the spare and I worked but none of the others do. So I'm guessing its from an older ford.