I'm not quite finding past topics on this, so I'll sort of post another one.

I have a 98 F-150, 4.6 with the 3.08 rear-end. I'm interested in changing to 3.55 or 3.70 for towing purposes and would like to have disk brakes. I'm aware of the changes I'd need to apply the disk brakes, hoses and master cylinder probably, but I am not 100 percent sure on bolt-on of the full rear-end assembly?

I'm assuming that the bolt and shock mounting for 97 through 2003, F-150's trucks and 150 Crew-cab are the same, insofar as the physical mounts and hardware?

I've run across several rear-ends from 2000 to 2003 that would suit my application, but need to double-check from anyone who has experience doing such a swap.

Scotchale
98 F-150, 4.6, Ex-Cab, Long-bed.

 

I assume you have a 8.8 rearend. You would need to make sure you get the 8.8 with disc brakes?
I'm new to this forum, but right now I'm working on shop truck (01 F150 4x4) and it has 9.75 rear with disc brakes.

I'm not sure how different things are between rears? Companion flange size? Ubolts?

 

Probably so on the 8.8. It's been years since I've done any sort of major changes to a vehicle...last experience was Toyo 4x4's and a 69 Mustang, but I've only used F-150's "as-is", so I'm not fully familier with what's swappable on these. I bought this 98 because of the need for a long bed hauling plywood frequently, but still wanted the ex-cab. Ran across this one a year ago, so picked it up and chunked my useless 2000 150 with the V-6.

thanks.

 

uhh, Did not know that the 4.6 came with the 3.08, thought it was the 3.55 or 3.73. thought the v6 got the 3.08 rear.

Learned something new....

 

Besides the difference in the 8.8 and 9.75, you'll need to plan for the bigger wheels studs on the newer trucks. Your old wheels won't fit.

Besides that, I can't offer much. I've driven the trucks with rear disks, I really didn't notice any better braking from them.

 

I'd forgotten about the larger wheels on the 2000 up series.....duh..after having a 2000 F150 for a couple of years. Yeh, 3.08, according to the tag hanging under the rear end cap. I'd planned on getting newer rims anyway along with the newer tires that are now due. As for the rear disks...maybe slightly better braking, but in comparison to the 2000, the disks as parking brakes work better than the drums...IMO.

Anyway, my curiosity gets the best of me, so I may try the swap in a few weeks.

 

If you tow a lot, and even if you don't, you might want to read what others are reporting with 4.10s on stock tires. I have yet to find an unhappy owners who's done this.