swapping rear ends

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Sep 10, 2006 | 05:44 PM

7sixf150

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swapping rear ends

i have an 8.8 inch in my 85 and i want to replace it with a 9" from my 76. is it possible. and if so how hard would it be to do on my own? thanks

Sep 10, 2006 | 07:59 PM

surewhynot

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Sure its possible. If the frames are the same width it should bolt right on the perches. If the frames are different, you might have to weld on new spring perches. I pulled a 9 in. rear out of a 78 Bronco and bolted it right in my 94 f150.

Sep 10, 2006 | 11:07 PM

7sixf150

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i spose i'll have to measure it out and check and that'll determine it

Sep 11, 2006 | 08:48 AM

Sycostang67

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From: Kuna ID

Measure the distance between the spring perches and the width of the spring perches. Sometimes certain trucks had wider springs than others.

Sep 11, 2006 | 09:00 AM

Spaznaut

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From: NE Tennessee

Also check brake line fittings. Bolt pattern. I don't think there is a difference.
Why are you changing rears? Parts for the 8.8 can be just as plentiful as the 9 inch and easier to find in a junk yard these days. Also the 8.8 is a good rear-end until you get into the big money rear-ends.

Just didn't know if you blew the 8.8 and needed a replacement or think the 9 inch is better so swapping it in. Also is this 2wd or 4wd?