rear axle trouble
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Freshman User
Joined: Mar 2006
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rear axle trouble
I have an 88 F150 4x4 with a blown 8.8 rear end. I have had horrible luck in the past with the Ford 8.8 and was wondering if I can put in a 9 inch out of a 83 F series with the same gear. I would like to remove the rear abs assembley and hard line to the brake hose from the proportioning valve. Will this cause computer malfunction in the truck or can I safely do this swap. I could really use the input all my friends and family are chevy bums.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,276
Likes: 7
From: NE Tennessee
You'd have to measure the axle width and the spring perch width to be sure. Also no sure if the yoke is different requiring you to use a special universal to mount your driveshaft. Also the 9inch rears usually have the yoke located down some so not sure on the driveshaft length.
The abs disconected shouldn't affect your computer but will make the light stay on but you could just pull the bulb.
BTW the 8.8's are pretty tough rear ends in these trucks. What are you doing to blow it out? If your abusive a stock 9inch will probably fall to the wayside too. Maybe find ya a dana60 from a 3/4 or ton truck. 8 lug though.
The abs disconected shouldn't affect your computer but will make the light stay on but you could just pull the bulb.
BTW the 8.8's are pretty tough rear ends in these trucks. What are you doing to blow it out? If your abusive a stock 9inch will probably fall to the wayside too. Maybe find ya a dana60 from a 3/4 or ton truck. 8 lug though.
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Freshman User
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Probably towing to much. I flat tow a 75 cj-5 jeep behind it most the summer not to mention my 14ft fishing boat. But when it went out I had my cruise set at 55mph something just let loose. I don't know It's just my opinion but I cant stand 8.8's I have a 9in in my 78 Bronco and wheel the snot out of it at the mud pits and have had awsome luck(running 37in tires also)
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 5,377
Likes: 2
From: Elkhart IN
the 9 is why better than the damn 8.8 piece of crap. a 9 will bolt right up, brakes and all, but the yoke could be different, but you can get adapter u joints. just leave the rabs off, and take the light outa the dash.
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 14,947
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From: Topsfield, MA
There is absolutely nothing wrong with an 8.8.
This has been a hot topic lately and are atleast 3 thread on this exact subject within the first 3 pages of this forum.
I've said what I needed to say in those threads.
This has been a hot topic lately and are atleast 3 thread on this exact subject within the first 3 pages of this forum.
I've said what I needed to say in those threads.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 5,377
Likes: 2
From: Elkhart IN
well, in my eyes there is alot wrong with it. ive busted 2 shafts with it, blew out a pinion gear and boogered it all up when i chipped some teeth on it. who knows how many crush sleaves. finally got tired of throwing money at it, and swapped up a lil bit to a 60 till i can find some 1 ton.
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Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,113
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From: Remsen, NY
The 8.8 is just like the mazda transmission. It is fine unless you try to do too much with it. My father put a yard of crushed stone on the back of his '88 F-150 and had rear axle trouble not long after. Probably twice what it was rated for. One of the weak spots is that bolt that holds that spider gear shaft in. Ford says no more than 4 uses. How the heck do you know how many times it's been used unless you've had the truck from new? That said, I have never overloaded my 8.8's and have never had trouble with them. If they're set up well they last well if you don't abuse them. It sounds like some of them aren't set up well. Too bad you can't just take the pumpkin out like a 9" though.
Elder User
Joined: Nov 2005
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From: Murfreesboro, Tennessee
Ive never had a problem with my 8.8. We bought thet ruck used in 97 from a guy that use to haul a 9K horse trailor with it. Its a 93 F150 351W 4X4. Ive loaded mine with 5 core engines before she did fine. I guess its a luck thing? Or that Ive changed the lube every 25K miles.
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 14,947
Likes: 6
From: Topsfield, MA
Believe what you want, but I assure you there is nothing wrong with an 8.8 axle and there is nothing wrong with an M5OD transmission.
I have explained this in detail several times and don't feel like typing it all over again. You may use the search function with my user name and specify this forum if you wish to see what I have said about the 8.8/9" or the M5OD.
I have pleanty of experience with both of them to draw well informed conclusions.
I have explained this in detail several times and don't feel like typing it all over again. You may use the search function with my user name and specify this forum if you wish to see what I have said about the 8.8/9" or the M5OD.
I have pleanty of experience with both of them to draw well informed conclusions.
Last edited by MustangGT221; Mar 4, 2006 at 02:55 PM.
Thread Starter
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Freshman User
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Ok guys heres the deal I really don't want opinions on 8.8 verses the 9 inch I have a 9 inch already with the right gear I just want to know if it will work. Which I have been told it will. So for those that actually answered my question thank you. For the rest of you that want to argue go find a Chevy boy to pick on.
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 14,947
Likes: 6
From: Topsfield, MA
You will find the answer to your question in the 4-5 other posts that have asked the same question within the last 2 weeks...which is one of the reasons why I said what I said in post #12...
It comes down to the fact that the 8.8 has a speed sensor ring on it that the 9" doesn't have.
On an 88, you'd only lose your rear ABS and probably have the ABS light come on. The 92-96's use that as it's speedometer so it can't be removed.
Check the other threads for more detailed info.
It comes down to the fact that the 8.8 has a speed sensor ring on it that the 9" doesn't have.
On an 88, you'd only lose your rear ABS and probably have the ABS light come on. The 92-96's use that as it's speedometer so it can't be removed.
Check the other threads for more detailed info.
Junior User
Joined: Feb 2005
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I agree, the 8.8 is a good axle, I load the truck with lots of stuff all the time, it came with 410's and is a strong puller in the dirt and mud, in snow and in standing water and up and down hills, and this is a daily driver, check out my photo album, I have just taken care of the axle and fluids, maybe it is just luck?