Ford 8.8 Rebuild or Replace?
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Elder User
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 904
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From: Pittsburgh
Ford 8.8 Rebuild or Replace?
So I found out what was causing a clunk in the rear of my truck, and it is being caused by the excessive end play in the axle shafts. They both can pull in and out farther than they should.
The axle is an H9B which is an 8.8" with 3.55s and a Limited Slip. The limited slip is totally worn out, it doesn't work at all.
My guess is the worn clutches for the LSD are what is causing the excessive end play. I'm wondering if it is worth it to rebuild this axle or should I just get a junkyard axle and swap it? I don't really care too much if the LSD works, as long as I can get rid of that awful clunking.
Also, is there any way to shims the axles or put in thicker c clips or something to fix the slop without rebuilding the entire axle?
I've never rebuilt an axle before, but I've disassembled and reassembled them before.
The axle is an H9B which is an 8.8" with 3.55s and a Limited Slip. The limited slip is totally worn out, it doesn't work at all.
My guess is the worn clutches for the LSD are what is causing the excessive end play. I'm wondering if it is worth it to rebuild this axle or should I just get a junkyard axle and swap it? I don't really care too much if the LSD works, as long as I can get rid of that awful clunking.
Also, is there any way to shims the axles or put in thicker c clips or something to fix the slop without rebuilding the entire axle?
I've never rebuilt an axle before, but I've disassembled and reassembled them before.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 20,786
Likes: 1,751
From: Kentucky
Simple answer is replace the limited-slip (aka Trac-Loc) clutches. The end play issue will magically disappear and the limited-slip will work again. You have one of the desirable axles that Ford put under these trucks. Easy fix.
Decent write-up here: https://www.americanmuscle.com/ford-...t-install.html
Juts make sure you order a clutch pack for axles with 31 splines. Trucks share the same spline counts as Cobra Mustangs. The carbon fiber disks from Ford Racing will probably outlast the truck.
Decent write-up here: https://www.americanmuscle.com/ford-...t-install.html
Juts make sure you order a clutch pack for axles with 31 splines. Trucks share the same spline counts as Cobra Mustangs. The carbon fiber disks from Ford Racing will probably outlast the truck.
FTE Legend
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 31,930
Likes: 1,499
From: Ottawa, Ontario
Are the axle or pinion seals leaking? Is it howling or rumbling as you drive? If not that suggests the bearings and are in good shape and it can be salvaged without much expense, if it is then it needs a complete rebuild and you may be better off swapping in another axle with less miles. Rebuilding the LS diff clutches is not hard or expensive.
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Elder User
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 904
Likes: 3
From: Pittsburgh
Thanks for the very helpful replies. The axles and pinion seals aren't leaking, and it doesn't howl or rumble going down the road. The differential cover appears to have been replaced at some point by the previous owner, so it was likely opened up and had a fluid change at least once in it's life. It has a little less than 160,000 miles on it, forgot to mention that in my original post.
Glad to hear that it may not be a difficult fix. I'll check out that how to and look into the Ford Racing clutch discs. Anything else I should know?
Glad to hear that it may not be a difficult fix. I'll check out that how to and look into the Ford Racing clutch discs. Anything else I should know?
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 9,893
Likes: 12
From: Ohio
Rebuild kits for the limited slip are not hard to do and no special tools needed(beside a mic to measure the clutch packs). Knock it apart, drop the carrier, remove ring gear(watch the tone ring). Replace clutches and put back together(tone ring can be a PITA). As long as you kept the shims for the carrier on their perspective sides, it all goes back in with no fuss. Just a torque wrench for cap bolts and ring gear.
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