Axle Upgrade
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Junior User
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 50
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Axle Upgrade
The truck in concern here is a 1989 F-150, I6, 8.8" rear gear with 3.55 ratio and a model 44 front axle. I was wondering if it is feasible and/or logical to put a 9" rear end with 3.73 gear ratio on the rear and a Dana 44 up front. I could easily get these axles from any 78-79 Bronco or F-150 which also have the coil front suspension.
Freshman User
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 42
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I wanted to do something clsoe to what you are doing its cheaper to go with new tires,which I needed anyways I have 82 f250 410 gears 400 RV cam 30 over pistons. (can't pass a gas station) but after talking to people who have gone thru the 373 swap I found they said it was barely noticable. I foound a conversion chart of pc and if you go to a 33" tall tires it will give you aprox. 363 gears which should tell you if thats what you want to do. I need tires anyways but tring to find good used 33" tires is no easy task. something to think about and a lot cheaper than an axle change out
Freshman User
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 42
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hey I was wrong with my numbers. here is the link so you can play with it your self very cool link. http://www.4lo.com/calc/geartire.htm
its 34" tires with 410 gears will give you 373 ratio. cool stuff I personally will have to cut the fender well out a bit, but still way easier and cheaper to do that axle change.
its 34" tires with 410 gears will give you 373 ratio. cool stuff I personally will have to cut the fender well out a bit, but still way easier and cheaper to do that axle change.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,324
Likes: 4
From: Michigan
Putting a 9 in. in the rear will loose the vss on top of the diff. Your speedo won't work and your elec trans won't shift correctly. If this is an off road only vehicle, go for it. Otherwise, keep the 8.8.
Freshman User
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 42
Likes: 0
I also heard of guys taking a rear axles and a 6 speed trany from a dodge truck and getting everything you could ask for in a ford truck only I don't know what yr dodge sure wish I did. 6 speed with 4X4 would be great. plus better mileage, if anyone knows about this and what year that would be great.
