I have a 8.8 rear end from a 1984 f-150 4x4, it has 3.55 gears in it right now. My question is would 4.88 gears fit with my stock cover or would i have to get another cover? Also i was told i would have to have a notched pin for that gear in a 8.8. Any help? Thanks alot!

 

You can put 4.88's in an 8.8 axle no problems. Several places sell 4.88's for that axle: www.reiderracing.com www.ring-pinion.com www.precisiongear.com. No need for another cover either. I'm not sure what the 'notched pin' is you spoke of...

 

I think he is talking about grinding the gears to fit the pin in the carrier hole. BTW, does anybody know about the shims on the pinion? Before I tear into one, is it setup like a dana, with shims on the shaft, or is there a crush sleave you have to do? I am doing a farm truck for a friend, but haven't done an 8.8 before. Ted

 

I just put new 4.56 in my 8.8 and it has the crush sleave. When i put mine in it came with shims also, i called the company and they told me how many to use on the pinion to get the pinion spinning freely enough. In my opinion it is so much easier to reuse the old crush sleave as opposed to using a rachet, about 8 feet of pipe and a buddy to crush the new one.