My 84 Bronco project has a Solid Dana 44 for the front, what about the 8.8. Should I find a 9 inch and what type is the best. One from an early 80s truck?
Should it bolt right in?

Also the TTB is reverse rotation is the donor a reverse rotation? I ask this because I will put in lower gears when I do the SAS.

 

Big bearing 31 spline 9 inchers are desireable, and are laying around everywhere These will take updgrades and a great deal of pounding. The 8.8 while alright for light vehicles (jeep guys like them) the 9 incher is the most desireable.
As for the "reverse spiral" or "reverse cut", "high pinion" (not reversr rotation, the assembly still rotates the same way) you will have to look to see where the pinion enters at. Top is a reverse sprial, or reverse cut / high pinion. Low is a standard low pinion unit. The gears are very different so obtaining the right ones will be important.

 

I have the pinion on the top, so I will make sure I buy the correct gear set.

I have always heard the term reverse rotation, but I will use reverse cut when ordering the gears. So I don't look stupid. HEEHEE.

I guess I have to start checking salvage yards for a 9 inch out of a truck. I don't want to spend 1700.00 for a new one that is going on a budget build.

 

9 inchers are really everywhere. You can always find a decent housing and then install a locker with some nice axles, and you will have a fresh axle with good strength that shouldlast a long time.
As far as the whole "reverse spiral" thing, they will know what you are talking about. For some reason everyone calls them that. Kinda funny really, that something could be identified by a name that does not really hold any truth to it, LOL.
Maybe it is just me being picky! LOL.
Good luck with the ride. You are going to share some pics of the SAS right?

 

Hopefully I can get some clear shots of the SAS while the Bronco is on it's roof!
I have to finish my Ranger engine transplant and my bathroom remodel before I start the Bronco build. I am just gathering parts and doing some research as I go.
When I figure out how to post pictures I will post them.

 

Did the 84 Bronco have a 8.8? I know the 9" was run through 86 on the F150s.

John

 

> Did the 84 Bronco have a 8.8?

Good point, that is what I was thinking.

 

You can get 35 spline axles for an 8.8" as well as bracing and lockers/spools to make the 8.8 darn near bullet proof. I would go with whatever you can get a good deal on. The 8.8 in cars are 28 spline where as the 8.8 in explorers, some rangers and F-150s are 31 spline.

 

Don't rule out the 8.8. Like said before a stock 31 spline 8.8 can be build and compete with a similarily built 9in. Add a locker and 35 spline shafts a C-clip eliminator and a solid pinion spacer instead of a crush sleeve and you will have a super stout 8.8.

Matt

 

My 84 FSB has an 8.8.
I should PM NumberDummy to see when the 9in ended in the F series and FSB.

 

That is interesting, because my 86 FSB has a 9 incher.
As far as an 8.8 being alright....... Yeah,,,,ummmm,,,,, no.
With a locker, they spit bearings and carriers. By the time one would spend beefing up an 8.8, they could have a much stronger 9 inch for equal or less money, and have a more dependable unit.
If you were to spend equal money on an 8.8 and a 9 inch, the 9 inch would come out ahead every time.

 

I guess you haven't seen any of the Mustang guys making big power with an 8.8. It can be done and it isn't all that expensive.

 

Have seen plenty of them. Have also seen plenty of them granade!
Have run a 10 second car on a 10 bolt. Not the greatest idea in the world, can be done, but can be done with a better axle, and greater reliability
If someone is going to start from scratch, I believe the 9 inch would be a far more desireable axle.

 

I hear all the time about using the "big bearing 9 inch". What bearings is that refering to, and what years would that come from? How can I tell if its a big bearing or a (I guess) small bearing rear ? I picked up a 9" out of a 79 F-150 that I was going t ouse on a budget project, but if it's not the desireable rear, I'll pitch it and get the better one.

 

> I picked up a 9" out of a 79 F-150 that I was going t ouse on a budget project

That should be the big bearing AND the one with the axle seal installed on the shaft.

The big bearing is something like 3" diameter.

This is the 9" axle shaft that most of the aftermarket makes replacements.

So, I would say you are good to go. Easy enough to check by removing the shaft.