hey everyone, i am a drag racer new to the 4x4 world. i have a 94 f150 with a small block 308 that i want to put 38" tall tires with a 6 inch lift and i was told to have 4.88 gears installed.

my question is will these gears bolt right up to the stock carrier on the 8.8 and the dana 44? and will i have any clearance problems inside the housing?

i would appreciate any input on this subject.

thanks,

Robert.

 

you can get 4.88 gears for the 8.8 and the D44 TTB, no problem. Look on Bronco Graveyard. http://www.broncograveyard.com/bronco/a-20
They aren't any different size wise, just more or less teeth per inch. Heres the thing, the 8.8", and the Dana 44 Twin Traction Beam can't really handle tires that big. You seriously run the risk of breaking stuff. Also, a six inch lift on the Twin Traction Beam is not going to be much fun to align. I know this isn't what you want to hear, but its truth. You're best option If you are set on havin' 38s on your truck is to do a solid front axle swap to a Dana 44 solid front axle, and put stronger shafts in both axles.

 

not sure on the 8.8 (but I wouldn't even try to run 35 inch tires on that chebbie 10 bolt copy anywah) but the D44 will have to have a series 4 carrier to install 4.88s

 

The 8.8 will handle 35's...

You can get those 488's from the same place that you used to when they went in race cars:
www.strangeengineering.net
I have their lightened/hardened 488's in my 8.8 and they have held up well...

 

thanks for the input, i was planning on going to solid axle anyway. do you think the d44 solid axle is good enough for weekend offroader/daily driver? or should i go with a d60?

 

Obviously a D60 would be the ultimate solution if exceeding 35" tires in size. A D44 can handle ~37" tires with chromo and good joints. More possibly depending on driving style and locking differentials. You gotta pay to play though.

 

I run a dana 44 with 38's. I keep some extra axle shafts with me, until I can afford a 60.

 

you will be at the limit with 35's on that rear 8.8 if you ever beat on it at all, the front 44 will be ok as long as you dont beat on it hard

on the road just keep an eye on wheelbearings and balljoints

 

I ran 35s on my 8.8 and beatup on it pretty good. I never had anyproblems, my buddy though had his locked up with 35s. thats a completly different story, all i can say is that i was pulling him home that night.

 

I had 38's on my ttb for awile. It did alright, and I wasn't exactly easy on it, but I didn't beat it very hard. I wouldn't recomend it if you want to keep that front end. I've also been running 4.88's in my 8.8 with 38's and LOVE IT! I do have a STOUT diff cover that preloads the bearing caps(the weak point on the 8.8's) and have had really good luck with it. Remember though you can't swap this out for a 9 inch because you get our speedometer signal from your rear end. You will need a body lift to clear your 38's with your ttb. Best of luck
Also, if your thinking of going locker in the front, I'd recomend a trutrac instead. Atleast if you keep with a 44. Won't tear as much up, but still throw mud from both tires!