9'' versus 8.8''
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Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 22,436
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From: Louisville,Ky.
Well with the popularity of the late model Mustangs, the 8.8 has more aftermarket parts and are holding up well in some very fast cars.
So either is good, and parts should be comparable in price.
So either is good, and parts should be comparable in price.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 13,873
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From: Atlanta GA
Originally Posted by Dean88
I know the 9'' is stronger, but how much stronger is it?
And is there a difference in parts prices?
And is there a difference in parts prices?
The advantage of the 9" lies in how easy it is to work on it. If you nuke your 8.8 in the middle of the woods (lets say - break the ring gear), as an example, you are stuck with a blown 8.8 until you swap the whole axle out.
If you have a 9", it is not that hard to drop a new 3rd member in along with two brand new axles. Two guys can have it done in an hour.
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 526
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From: Spokane, WA
Both axles will do the job. The 8.8 has a great aftermarket but I still think it lags behind what is available with the 9". Like it was said, the 9" will always have the advantage of the drop out center section and the 3rd pinion bearing but for most people that will never come to bear. The 8.8" is cheaper for the company to build and it is more efficient (the pinion/ring gear interface is a more efficient angle) to help with mileage (probably minor).
That said...I'll keep my big bearing 9".
Kenny
That said...I'll keep my big bearing 9".
Kenny
Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 2,899
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From: Lynnwood, WA
I'd say if you break an 8.8" or two, then it's time to look for a stronger axle. But otherwise I wouldn't bother.
I think one of the main advantage of the 9" is the extra bearing, but with stock or near stock engine, it doesn't make much of a difference. Now, if you have a 500+ hp engine, then it's a whole different ballgame.
I think one of the main advantage of the 9" is the extra bearing, but with stock or near stock engine, it doesn't make much of a difference. Now, if you have a 500+ hp engine, then it's a whole different ballgame.
just another Rockwell looser
Joined: Feb 2003
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From: Cocoa, FL
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Elder User
Joined: Aug 2007
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From: South Carolina
Originally Posted by quadzjr
wrong!......
x2
The Ford 9" is probably one of the most used and sought after axles for all forms of motorsports. Lots and lots of parts, they have been around for years. Why do you think chebbie guys swap a Ford 9" into their cars? Its a good all around axle.
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From: Calhoun GA
Because the GM units don't hold a candle to the 8.8's and 9".
Look...If you already have one or the other, both can be built to withstand some serious HP; there really isn't a need to switch to either. The aftermarket is huge for both, probably more than what a majority of people are/would be looking for, so selection isn't a problem.
Many truck owners (with electronic transmission) can't swap to a 9" because of the way the VSS is tied in with the ECU for shift points and converter lock-up schedules. But that doesn't mean it's a dissadvantage by any means.
Look...If you already have one or the other, both can be built to withstand some serious HP; there really isn't a need to switch to either. The aftermarket is huge for both, probably more than what a majority of people are/would be looking for, so selection isn't a problem.
Many truck owners (with electronic transmission) can't swap to a 9" because of the way the VSS is tied in with the ECU for shift points and converter lock-up schedules. But that doesn't mean it's a dissadvantage by any means.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 984
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The 8.8 can be built pretty strong for a lot less than a built 9in. If you want to built a super strong 8.8 you need to get an aftermarket carrier (detroit tends to be good), aftermarket shafts 31 spline or greater, c-clip eliminator kit, and a cover that can provide preload to the bearing caps. You will be able to build a 9in stronger than an 8.8 anyday but you can build a super strong 8.8 relatively cheap. You can put a 9in into a newer vehicle, you need to have a tone ring machined for somewhere on the driveshaft. A custom companion flange to replace the yoke on the 9in seems to be the most popular.
Matt
Matt
Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2004
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From: Lynnwood, WA
Originally Posted by Blurry94
both can be built to withstand some serious HP
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 526
Likes: 1
From: Spokane, WA
You have to do a lot of work to an 8.8 to make it handle what a good 9 inch can handle stock. Start with the best stock components available (gear ration/traction lock/spline count) and you have to start spending money on the 8.8 long before you would have to spend a dime on the 9 inch.
That said, the 8.8 is a great design and will take punishment far in excess of what most of us can dish out. Build it up and it will be bulletproof for 98% of the world.
Kenny
That said, the 8.8 is a great design and will take punishment far in excess of what most of us can dish out. Build it up and it will be bulletproof for 98% of the world.
Kenny
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From: the side of a mountain
i am hell on front and rear ends, i have a gallery that proves that, so far i havent blown out a ring or pinion or an axle shaft from a 31 spline 9" i split a carrier, dont ask how cause im still stumped, 8.8 didnt have a chance with me i actually grenaded it the first day i drove my 86, the 28 spline held up till the third power brake put a 31 spline in and never looked back, i never broke the 31 in my 76 either, netural drops at some where close to 5500 in nasty mud
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