Hey fellas,
I'm wondering what the opinions are on the strength of the 8.8 rear axle.
Also, what spline shafts would my 8.8 have in my 95 F150?

From google searches, I've learned the 8.8 has the following to offer...
-8.8" ring gear diameter (uh...duh)
-1.625" diameter pinion shaft (9" is 1.313" for comparison)
-Actually lighter and slightly stronger than a 9"
-The tubes like to spin in the center section under heavy stress, weld the tubes and you're good to go
-The diff. cover is referred to as tin foil, heavy aftermarket covers are available.
-Axle shafts are 1.31" diameter
-C-clip axle retention method
-The carries is weak under stress, replace with a full-carrier Detroit or weld the carrier

Judging from the search, they seem to be stronger than a Dana 44 as far as specs go. Some have had issues with 31's, while others are successfully running 36's with welded tubes and full-carrier Detroit's.

For my needs, I'd like to beef up this axle to withstand the abuse of towing approximately 6k pounds, running 31" tires, 4x4 truck pulls a few times each fall, some wheel spin in the dirt, and doing all this living behind a stock 352 FE (but may get some attention someday)

What have other FTE members done to their 8.8's?

 

I'll also add that I read that Dana named their axles by the maximum tire size.
For example, Dana 44 maximum tire size is 44" and Dana 30 max tire size is 30".
Since the bearngs, axle shafts, and tubes of the 8.8 are significantly larger than the Dana 44, I'd say the 8.8 can handle a large tire.

This link has some excellent information.
8.8 Axle Facts and Swap info - Ford Explorer Ranger Enthusiasts "Serious Explorations"®

 

Mine is getting welded tubes, Detroit, JBG or Moser axle shafts, 4.10 gears, TA Performance girdle or Mag Hytec cover, and maybe a couple other little odds and ends. It is behind a pepped up 302, has 33" tires, will be abused as a DD, mudding, mild rock crawling, etc.

 

Well truck wise I know a few guys runnin 35s on stock 8.8s. And we run a 1300hp fox body on 8.8 with strange axles and spool.. tubes not welded and it holds up to a 4000 stall off the trans brake so in any stock truck I don't see you breakin it lol

 

Oh and get rid if the crush sleeve on the pinion. Take it out and measure it then have a piece of aluminum machined to replace it. Heavy loads can cause it to crush more and leave slop in the pinion bearing

 

something like this? Two Piece Solid Spacer

I planned on using that instead of the crush sleeve.

 

Thanks for saying how Dana named thier axles, pretty interesting

 

Yep. I usually setup the rearend then pull it apart to get the exact measurement but imbsure that's good enough

 

NOi, NO, NO!!!!!!!!!! Dana DID NOT name there axles like that! A D44, can not handle a 44 inch tire, 35 is almost the max on a stock D44 A D60 can not handle a 60 inch tire. If it could, why do I keep breaking mine with 44s on it!? You can't take everything you read as Fact. I wouldn't think a 8.8 is stronger than a 9 inch. Mainly due to the 9 having a 3rd bearing on the pinion.

 

It will have 31 spline axles , i use the 8.8 with the tubes welded , detriot true trac , 456 gears , superior alloy axels with 3in hardend studs with long open end lugs , trickflow cover with girdle , with 315-60-15 drag radials for 2 years with no problems , they hold up very well....Lew

 

any 44 inch tire would tare a dana 44 apart !! and if that was true then would a dana 60 be good for a 60 inch tire , d70 for a 70 inch tire and how about a dana 80 = 80inch tire ?? what kind of lift kit would that require ??

the 8.8 r&p is beefier than a 9 inch is and in stock form stronger IMO

 

Haha wow thats funny

 

what do you exactly mean ?

 

That I believed it!

 

Yeah, that's one of the dumber things I've heard. Be careful what you believe from google searches.

A 8.8" is not stronger than an 9". No way, not even close.