was the rear end of an 88 f-150 an 8.8,if so how hard would it be to swap it to 9 inch from a 74

 

From what I hear, pretty hard. The mechanical aspect should be easy, but isn't your speed sensor on the top of the 8.8"? Your speedometer, then by default your computer, wouldn't have any signal if you didn't have a place to put the sensor. At least that is the way it is with the 1993's.

Best,

 

I think the '88's still used the transmission mounted speedo cable (according to Chilton's anyway), but there is the RABS sensor on the diff. ( I know that's what's used for the speedo on the newer trucks as well as the ABS.) The speedo would still work but the RABS wouldn't.

 

i read u can swap a 9er in but will need to tap it for the speedo cable and if the truck has ABS u'll need that sensor as well...why not just beef up the 8.8? wont cost much more then beefin up the 9er, just those darn C-clips

 

The swap is not going to get you anywhere, the 8.8 is a very very good axle.

 

As mustang said, the 8.8 will serve you better than the 9" in most aspects, it is just as strong. You can swap the 9" in with ease. You will lose your antilock, but the old system never worked that good anyway. The speedo is cable driven on an 88. The only problem I do see is the spring pads, if I remember correctly the the leaf springs are closer together on the pre 80 models of F series. If C clips are your only concern just buy the eliminator kit for the 8.8, then you have the easy axle change of the 9.

 

The 8.8 is a strong axle, stock it can easily handle 37's and some serious horsepower (mustangs use them). You can also easily modify them, get rid of the C-clips, put a new diff cover on that supports the bearing caps, and if you want they do make a full floater conversion kit, but I havn't seen it around in awhile.

 

More & more people are realizing that the 8.8" is every bit as strong as the 9" (if not stronger) and has MUCH more parts available; not only in aftermarket, but also used/reman. The 9" can't be made to work with the ABS (according to Currie), so stick with an 8.8". If you don't mind redrilling your front hubs/rotors, you can swap in a late-model 8.8" with disks and change to the '97-current F-150 16" rims. That's what I'm doing as soon as my 15" tires wear out.