Differential question
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Tuned
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 281
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From: Virginia
Differential question
I have a 1990 Ford F-150 4x4 that I am planning on lifting 8-10 inches and run 38 inch tires. I have been told that I should swap out my factory 8.8 rear end for a 9" because it is not strong enough to handle the big tires. I am not going to be using the truck for off roading, it's primarily going to be used as a show truck. I want to know if anyone has used the 8.8 rear end with this much lift and tires on a truck and if they had any problems with it, or if it worked just fine. I would also like to know what set-up they run (locker, limited slip, open) and what gear ratio would be good for the big tires. The truck will have a 306 motor with a tweaked AOD transmision in case you're wondering. Any info would be greatly appreciated.
Posting Guru
Joined: Oct 2006
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odd, i posted this, and it shows up in my "user cp", but not in the thread. anyway, repost:
i don't know much about what it can physically handle, but if it's just a show truck, i wouldn't worry too much about it. the only reason i would say to swap is for "looks". i hate driving around town seeing all these "huge", jacked up trucks with massive tires and these little toothpick rear ends.
i don't know much about what it can physically handle, but if it's just a show truck, i wouldn't worry too much about it. the only reason i would say to swap is for "looks". i hate driving around town seeing all these "huge", jacked up trucks with massive tires and these little toothpick rear ends.
FTE Legend
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 31,930
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From: Ottawa, Ontario
Originally Posted by Big_Red_Brute
So does anyone have any advice on gear ratios or whether I should update the stock 8.8 rear end with a locker or a good limited slip?
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Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 2005
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From: Oshkosh Wisconsin
you should get one of them clear diff covers! haha i alwasy thought they would be neat for show trucks... but i wouldn't worry about gears if ur just doing a show truck... if you are going to drive it any i would definiatly regear and put in a LS in it while the gears are out.. or if it has LS might want to get a new clutch pack... Also if it's just show don't bother with the fronts
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