So I needed to replace my rear wheel seals in my rear end assembly I got from a junk yard that the guy said was from an 86 f150 (now on an 83 f150, exact fit and gearing) and figured this was the perfect time to install a mini spool. After pulling the spider gears I find the shims that go on the end of the gear that goes over the spline don't fit, the ID of the shim is too small to go around the lip of the corresponding part on the mini spool, so I check the spline fit on the axle and it is a 31 spline axle. Well an 8.8 open diff is an 8.8 open diff and 31 splines are 31 splines so just jam it on in there right? Who needs shims? (says customer service at named online parts store)
Bout an hour later pissed off and covered in gear oil I make the decision that I should have given up an hour ago. It seems the OD of the part that goes around the axle and into the carrier is just to big to slide in there. Everything else seemed to be the right size.

And -named online parts store- seems to think there is only one size of 31 spline ford 8.8 mini spools, anybody have any suggestions on how to ask/find the right mini spool?

I'm kicking myself in the butt cause I didn't measure the id of the shims... before deciding it was going to be at least a week before I got the right mini spool and slapping the spider gears back in and closing it up.... so I hope there aren't too many variables...



I want a mini spool to play in the mud for cheap, the old axle assembly had the gears welded and they won't come out, changed the axle assembly because the pinion nut came off while going 80mph down the highway and the pinion punched a hole in the pumpkin. Ps I need to swap the bench seat now too.

 

8.8" shims for the differential bearings are the same 1983/89 F100/150, Bronco & E150. Also the same as 1979/89 LTD/Crown Vic/Grand Marquis. Part number prefix is D9AZ = 1979 LTD.

There are a gazillion different shims that vary from .241" thick to .307" thick.

The 8.8" pinion bearings shims were only furnished with the ring & pinion kit.

 

thanks for the info numberdummy, but the shims aren't really the problem, it's just what I was trying to use to explain the problem, comparing a shim to a washer, the ID of the shim wont fit around the OD of where it is supposed to go on the mini spool, kind of like trying to put a 1/2 inch washer on a 3/4inch bolt. The OD of the part of the mini spool that fits inside the carrier on the axle shaft side is larger then the ID of the carrier. Let me see if I can dr up a photo to explain better. Im bad with descriptions.

 

here is the best i can come up with atm on a photo the raised portion going to the axle shafts have a larger od than the spider gear and wont fit in the hole in the carrier, everything else seems like it would line up. Are there different sized carriers or something?

 

While you working on the shim issue - a couple of questions...

What brand min-spool?
Also did you check to see if you will need the "C-clip eliminators"?

Also - do you plan to drive your truck on the street, or is this off-road only truck? Because a spool on the street is not good idea, especially if the roads are wet.

Good luck.

 

hey countrybumkin its a jegs brand cause im cheap, it would use the c clips if i could get the thing in the carrier but i can't the shims were an indicator that its the wrong size and I don't know how to say what part of the thing is the wrong size apparently.

I know how this truck handles with a spooled rear end because the axle assembly that came out of it was welded together. this isn't a daily driver this is a toy.

 

Nothing wrong with Jegs (or Summit) brands. I don't know what to tell you on the shim issue. If there is a part number on the mini-spool maybe you can call Jegs Tech line and see what's going on with it.

Could the guy that sold it to you have been wrong about the diff model it came out off - did you see it installed in the other diff?

 

the mini spool is new PN 62911, I have to return it because it doesn't fit, the axle codes match up to an 84-86 bronco, axle codes S808A, 3 55 8 8 5J03

 

You din't say specifically what year, engine, etc., you have, but I plugged in "1984 F150" in Jegs and that p/n did not come up as a choice.
So maybe you need to double check that item against your specific model truck. Good luck

 

thanks, the truck is a combination of several parts trucks/bronco's ranging from 1982 till 94 ish whoever had it before me did some 'modifications'... at least I know the rear end assembly by the tag but parts places don't use that information, and ford mix and matched parts a lot back then I guess. 84-86 bronco could have had an 8.8 or a 9 inch and I even came up with some dana rear ends...

 

I bet the guy on the phone is correct, why do you need shims for the spiders when you are not running the spiders? Don't know about why the spool won't fit, maybe it's for a 9 inch and it got mixed up somewhere. Does the spool have a part number on it?

 

Franklin, the part number is supposed to fit an 86 to 07 8.8 ford axle according to jegs last i checked but I sent a pretty nasty e mail about vehicle fitment so they may have changed that earlier today. I don't think the mini spool needs the thrust washers/shims whatever, apparently the rear end assembly S808A has a different carrier with smaller axle bores that they don't make a mini spool for that I can find, so Ill need a different carrier or axle assembly, if I don't want to find someone with a welder.

After looking through 3 bronco forums I found someone who had the same issue.

 

Have you looked into a Lock Right locker if they even make one for that axle?
I know you wanted a spool but it works Just as good when under power and unlocks when not under power.


I have used one in an AMC 20 axle, both on the street and drag racing with no issues.
As someone pointed out just had to watch out if wet out and more so in a 96" wheel base car with a v8!
Dave ----

 

appreciate it fuzzface, and I can justify 100 bucks on my budget but not 3-400 right now, and I haven't seen one for my carrier either.

 

Ford 8.8" Yukon Spartan Locker - 31 Spline - SL F8.8-31 - Posi Locker Axle -NEW | eBay lunch box locker for 8.8" ford 31 spline about $255. I have been considering installing one of these in place of having a limited slip installed at a shop .They are simple to install and do not use any washers or spacers and include a hardened cross pin .