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Hi I have a 1995 full size Bronco that I am doing a axle swap. I installed a straight front dana 44 axle with lockers and 410 gears, out of my buddies rolled 78 Bronco. I want to now install the 9 inch dana 44 rear axle out of it into my Bronco. I know I am going to have a issue with the vss that is on the 8.8 because of the auto trans, but can I get a bypass kit and where. or does any one know how to do this with out a kit. thanks it will be more of a mountain toy but I still will like to drive it on the road occasionally.
Last edited by JCCOTE; 08-12-2014 at 08:40 PM.
Reason: forgot a couple things
If you're wheeling hard enough to need a solid front then a 9" is a good upgrade to get away from the C-clips.
As for dealing with the VSS, many pre 92 rigs have a VSS that is combined/in line with the speedo cable on the tail housing. Swap in a early(87-91) transfer case to get the speedo output they are rather cheap and common then use that VSS. If you have an electric shift TC this gives you a chance to go manual while you're at it. http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/2...-003.jpg%20alt=
Ah the transfer case. Thank you. I bet I can find one of those. I am a hour away from moab so ya we put pur vehicles to the test. But I still like to cruise around town in them as well.
the weakness with the 8.8 is more with the tubes/pumpkin rotating so welding the tubes to the center section fixes that. both axles are 31 spline. I have wheeled my bronco pretty hard and have never had issues with the 8.8. I also rarely hear of anyone loosing their axle due to a C clip failure. the Axle shaft itself would be more prone to failure.
in the end its your call. your rear driveshaft will need modified or see if there is the correct pinion flange too allow the 9" to hook up to your current stock shaft.
the weakness with the 8.8 is more with the tubes/pumpkin rotating so welding the tubes to the center section fixes that. both axles are 31 spline. I have wheeled my bronco pretty hard and have never had issues with the 8.8. I also rarely hear of anyone loosing their axle due to a C clip failure. the Axle shaft itself would be more prone to failure.
I've seen a lot more C-clip failures then tube failures, but yes that's an issue.
Yes both have truck versions that are 31 spline. Torque strength is an interesting comparison between the two. The 9" tends to be just slightly stronger in relation to torque application due to the unique pinion design, the third bearing and that it's lower. This does however tend to make it prone to overheating.
Axle shaft failure is a point in favor of the 9", not because the 9" has stronger axles stock, but three other reasons. Because of the bearing and axle retention design the 9" is much safer when an axle breaks, because on the 8.8 the bearing is the race this tends to wear and stress the axle, and aftermarket axles are much more available.
This all favors the 9" for JCCOTE purposes, in a pickup that was hauling loads the 8.8 might have a slight advantage do to the heating issue but in that case they really need a 10.25.
Originally Posted by Kemicalburns
in the end its your call. your rear driveshaft will need modified or see if there is the correct pinion flange too allow the 9" to hook up to your current stock shaft.
No need to bother with the driveshaft or yoke, conversion U-joints are commonly available. Conversion U-joints are one size on one bar and a different size on the other.
It really is a very easy swap, done it a couple times. The brake parts even swap, all but the backing plate. So JCCOTE if your brake parts are in better shape swap them, or at least hang onto them for when you need them.
A stock 9" is actually rated for less than a stock 8.8. They are very close though.
You see people put a 9" on as an upgrade, its not a stock one though. A 9" has many advantages over the 8.8. It also has some weakness's the 8.8 doesnt have. But as with anything, there is a solution. Currie makes a very nice 9" with braces for about $4500. It truely is an upgrade over the 8.8. They actually make them so they are as Heavy Duty as a D60. Theres also some very nice stuff from Ruff Stuff that is just as nice.
08-12-2014, 08:36 PM
