8.8 vs. 9 inch.
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Junior User
Joined: May 2006
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8.8 vs. 9 inch.
well today i noticed one of my axles seals is leakin out of my 8.8, so i figured im gonna have to get a new rear end soon becuz this one is out of a junk yard. well anyway i know a place that could build me up a rear end, the only thing is, i can find alot of 8.8's but not alot of 9's, and i can get a 8.8 for like 200 bux and they pull it for me,,,, So can a 8.8 be built to be as tough as a 9in.,, i would prolly just get new bearings,seals, 3.73 with a locker. thanx.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,575
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From: Puyallup, WA
It depends upon how you measure tough. A stock 8.8 compared to a 9" is not as tough in the twisting (IE engine torque handling) catagory.
BUT a stock 8.8" is rated to carry a higher cargo load than a stock 9"
For my money - I have stayed with the 8.8" unless I needed to have a the relativly quick gear ratio changes that a 9" provides (circle track racing, different gears for different tracks) or if I raced a off road truck, then I would go with the 9" unless it was a fairly heavy truck, then a Dana 60 would be in order.
IMO
David
1986 F150 5.0 EFI AOD
1986 Bronco 5.0 EFI AOD
1992 Oldsmobile Supercharged Touring Sedan
1992 Pontiac Sunbird Convert
"my trucks are always a Ford and my cars are always a GM product"
BUT a stock 8.8" is rated to carry a higher cargo load than a stock 9"
For my money - I have stayed with the 8.8" unless I needed to have a the relativly quick gear ratio changes that a 9" provides (circle track racing, different gears for different tracks) or if I raced a off road truck, then I would go with the 9" unless it was a fairly heavy truck, then a Dana 60 would be in order.
IMO
David
1986 F150 5.0 EFI AOD
1986 Bronco 5.0 EFI AOD
1992 Oldsmobile Supercharged Touring Sedan
1992 Pontiac Sunbird Convert
"my trucks are always a Ford and my cars are always a GM product"
Elder User
Joined: Mar 2006
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in my opinuion what has always made the 9 inch such a good rear and better then the 8 .8 is that it has a end on the back of the gear that rides in a bearing to keep it from torquing under load, thats what makes it stronger id think. My 1980 has the factory 9 inch and has never failed me.
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 526
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From: Spokane, WA
Funny...the bearing uses the axle as the inner race on a 8.8 right? I would think it would make it weaker in terms of load rating. The 80's 9 inchers were quite though, especially when they switched the axle bearings to tapered bearings.
To keep the pinion from twisting the 9 inch uses the 3rd bearing. Built correctly it can handle a huge amount of power, more than an 8.8 can ever handle. The 8.8 has a better pinion/ring gear angle and is thus more efficient at rotating the wheels. If it is just a leaking seal...replace the seal! It isn't that hard on the 8.8.
Kenny
To keep the pinion from twisting the 9 inch uses the 3rd bearing. Built correctly it can handle a huge amount of power, more than an 8.8 can ever handle. The 8.8 has a better pinion/ring gear angle and is thus more efficient at rotating the wheels. If it is just a leaking seal...replace the seal! It isn't that hard on the 8.8.
Kenny
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2006
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From: Chrisney Indiana
I don' know
I have a nine inch that Can with an old truck i bought I plan to switch it out with a dana 60 and put the 9in under my 81 2x4 that I want to make in to a speed demon. I know the rear end is tough but if you just look around they can be found. A whole truck is cheaper than the parts that are on it.
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