Ford 9in
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 9,182
Likes: 12
From: Gateway to the West
You can't unless you relocate the VSS or you have completely gutted the driveline in favor of a non-computer-controlled engine/transmission. The 9" never had a provision for a VSS (Vehicle Speed Sensor) and the PSOM, (Programmable Speedometer/Odometer Module... basically, your speedometer and odometer), E4OD, cruise control, and ABS systems ALL need the VSS to function properly.
On the other hand, if you have gone backwards and put a "computerless" engine/transmission setup into it and you don't care if the PSOM, cruise control, or ABS systems work, you can remove the VSS and swap in which ever rear axle you like.
On the other hand, if you have gone backwards and put a "computerless" engine/transmission setup into it and you don't care if the PSOM, cruise control, or ABS systems work, you can remove the VSS and swap in which ever rear axle you like.
Junior User
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 53
Likes: 0
From: Cape Cod,Massachusetts
I have never broken a 9" in any of my Broncos and I plowed with all of them '66 '74,'78 and my '93.
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 9,182
Likes: 12
From: Gateway to the West
A plow truck with a wheel base that short is asking for trouble. With all the added weight over the front axle the rear one works overtime just trying to keep from slipping. I'll stand by the 8.8 because I've trailed, crawled and towed with every 8.8 I've ever had and never had to do more than inspect gears and replace dirty oil.
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Junior User
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 53
Likes: 0
From: Cape Cod,Massachusetts
I am not trying to start an argument, the 8.8 is a good rear, we use them in the Mustangs and Cobra replicas with excellent results. I just find that with a large tire, say, over 35" they just don't seem to hold up as well as the 9". There's a reason all the Chevy guys use to put Ford 9" in their race cars. 
The weight is actually only over the front axle when the plow is up. I've plowed with Broncos my entire life starting with my '66. The short wheelbase is perfect for parkinglots that pickup trucks are too big for. Again, the only problems I have ever had are with the 8.8's.
P.S. My 9 inch has a drain plug on the bottom and a filler cap on top of the housing.
The weight is actually only over the front axle when the plow is up. I've plowed with Broncos my entire life starting with my '66. The short wheelbase is perfect for parkinglots that pickup trucks are too big for. Again, the only problems I have ever had are with the 8.8's.
P.S. My 9 inch has a drain plug on the bottom and a filler cap on top of the housing.
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Brett Foote
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 9,182
Likes: 12
From: Gateway to the West
As with any piece of equipment, one's experience with it will dictate one's opinion of it.
If the short wheel-base has worked for you, thats great. In practice, a longer wheel-based vehicle is usually more stable as a plow vehicle.
Indeed, the 9" can be drained and filled without the need to open it. So can the 8.8. The only point I was making is that the 8.8 gearset may be inspected without removing the entire third member due to the removable cover that the 9" does not have.
If the short wheel-base has worked for you, thats great. In practice, a longer wheel-based vehicle is usually more stable as a plow vehicle.
Indeed, the 9" can be drained and filled without the need to open it. So can the 8.8. The only point I was making is that the 8.8 gearset may be inspected without removing the entire third member due to the removable cover that the 9" does not have.
The Southernmost Mod
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 6,902
Likes: 21
From: Caracas, Venezuela
I just opened my 8.8 to replace the gasket and oil... Did everything just fince, changed the oil, sealed the differentical nicely (with grey RTV)... and forgot i wanted to replace the tone-ring 
. I remembered just now, and i even have the new ring!.
Now back to the subject: my 8.8 has been through a lot and it has survived quite well, just now the differential was 1qt. low on oil.
. I remembered just now, and i even have the new ring!.Now back to the subject: my 8.8 has been through a lot and it has survived quite well, just now the differential was 1qt. low on oil.
Moderator
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 7,987
Likes: 104
From: Boise, Idaho
Over on fullsizebronco, the general consensus is that, while the 8.8 is plenty good, the 9" is simply stronger. There's no disrespect for the 8.8, just that the 9" is hands down the superior of the two and if you have the option, always choose the 9". You might find 1 guy in 20 that doesn't agree.
About the only reason mentioned on the positive for an 8.8 is the easier access and disassembly for repairs and upgrades.
About the only reason mentioned on the positive for an 8.8 is the easier access and disassembly for repairs and upgrades.
The Southernmost Mod
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 6,902
Likes: 21
From: Caracas, Venezuela
Yes, i've seen this on some mags. too, they say the 9" is just stronger (and has a bigger off-road aftermarket too), anyway i would get a Dana 60, i thinks it's stronger than both of these.
Junior User
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 53
Likes: 0
From: Cape Cod,Massachusetts
There are pros and cons to both. You both mentioned some on the 8.8. With an 9 inch, you can pull the axles w/o draining the fluid or touching the internals, nice if you have to change an axle bearing, etc... You can also have multiple third members set up with different gear sets/differntials that can be changed quickly vs the 8.8.
I think cost was the deciding factor in ford going to the 8.8 after using them in these trucks for years.
I think cost was the deciding factor in ford going to the 8.8 after using them in these trucks for years.
Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 14,285
Likes: 12
From: Bend,OR
dont bother with either and just drop in a sterling 10.25 fullfloat rear axle. it has the rear abs sensor/tone ring and is a very stout rear end. you can then change your front TTB outers to 8 lug setup cheap and be good to go.
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