axle ratio

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Sep 16, 2003 | 10:00 PM

bremen242

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From: GANS

axle ratio

I'm looking at another f-150. the axle code on the door say "18". it's an '85 (made in 06/85), I know it's an 8.8", and I am assuming the gear ratio is 3.08. is that correct??

another thing: I have a powertrax locked 9" with 3.50 gears in my other truck (well, actually a frame now). If the above truck has 3.08s, I would be wondering if a dana 44 3.54:1 would work correctly in the front (I know most 8.8s are 3.55), and what would someone expect to pay for a 3.54 gear dana 44ifs pumpkin? (like $50-100?)

Sep 17, 2003 | 01:57 AM

85F_150driver

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Joined: Jun 2003

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From: Rose City, MI

axle ratio

yes door code 18 is a open 3.08 8.8 unless someone swaped it on you already. To be sure u could just check the axle tag. As far as the dana 44 goes im not sure but surely someone else on this exelent site will.

Sep 17, 2003 | 06:15 AM

bremen242

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From: GANS

axle ratio

that what I thought. hopefully you can swap a 3.54 with a 3.50, since most ford trucks in the 70s had 9" rears and they generally come with 3.50s.

Sep 17, 2003 | 10:39 AM

sail2244

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Joined: Jul 2003

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From: Meggett SC

axle ratio

My 1984 spec book says an axel code 18 is a 3:08 Ford. You will have to look at the tag to tell for sure. The ford has the ratio (3.08) on the bottom of the tag. The Dana has the ratio on the top of the tag.

Sep 18, 2003 | 12:53 PM

stangboy_82

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Joined: Jul 2003

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From: Aviano AB, Italy

axle ratio

I just bought a whole farm truck to get my front differential a dana 44 3.55 gear paid $100 for it

Sep 18, 2003 | 04:41 PM

fishmanndotcom

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From: Senoia, GA

axle ratio

OR....you could do it the old fashioned way......turn the tire one full rotation and count how many times it takes the driveshaft rotates.

The axle tag/codes will not always give you accurate info...If I ever sell my truck no one would ever know by looking at tags or axle codes that I swapped in 4.56's from 3.55's

-Jason-

PS...I would not ever try two different gear sizes regardless of how little difference there is between them....too much to risk!!

Last edited by fishmanndotcom; Sep 18, 2003 at 04:44 PM.

Sep 18, 2003 | 05:23 PM

hoxiii

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Joined: Jul 2003

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From: Pittsburgh

axle ratio

Typically to match 4x4 axles you round to the nearest 1/10th. if you have a 3.54 it'd round to a 3.5, a 3.27 would be a 3.3, a 3.73 would be a 3.7, stuff like that. So long as both of your axles round to the same 1/10th you'll be fine (such as 3.54's and a 3.5, it'll work fine).

Justin