Is there any difference between the rear axle of a lightning and the rear axle on a standard f150? (Other than the gear ratio of course)

 

I was told they have a thicker axle tube or a beefier center section housing

 

After some more research it sounds as if they also had cooling fins on the diff cover. Might be good for towing applications. I found one but it is about 8 hours from me so I am trying to decide if I want to pay the $200 shipping. Finding a 4.10 rear axle is proving more difficult than I thought it would. But getting this axle with the price of shipping would still be $200 cheaper than having a shop regear my current axle.

 

Cooling fins on the bottom of the center section.

 

IMHO it's not worth the premium price for a Lightning rear axle. Yes,it has a factory 4.10 but the asking price is plenty high in most cases. I have owned two Gen 1 Lightnings so I know their L-specific parts are priced like they are made of gold.

If the price is reasonable...go for it. Otherwise do the gear change yourself or find a decent shop.

 

I found an axle that would cost me $370 shipped as opposed to $600 for a shop to regear my existing axle. I need to check on how many miles the axle has on it though. If it has 300,000 miles on it, it wouldn't be worth it because it will probably need rebuilt and wouldn't save me any money.