8.8 rebuild
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Senior User
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 121
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From: Ypsilanti
8.8 rebuild
I have a 91 F150 with the 8.8, 2.73 ratio. The pinion seal is leaking and I plan to buy a boat in the next year (about 4000 lbs) so I want to get a new ring and pinion too. I was wondering if it is worth it to rebuild this one or get another with a rear axle ratio that I need? I know that I will need a pinion depth tool and possibly other special tools to do the job.
Thanks
Thanks
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 14,947
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From: Topsfield, MA
8.8 rebuild
Rebuilding an axle is a difficult job. If you have some general know-how then I think you can do it with a manual or video. The way I learned how is through an instructional video. That way it's actually someone showing you, vs you trying to put pieces of information together through a book. I got the video off of Ebay from "badshoe" he is a member on this board. I paid about 20 dollars for it and it was an excellent video. He also has a video on the c6 in the tech article section of this site where the webmaster (Ken) reviewed it. He might not have one on ebay right now, but if you e-mail him and ask him, he can probably put one up for you. Search the "completed auctions" portion of Ebay under "8.8 rebuild video". I personally dont like the junkyard used axle swap idea. I myself would rather have an axle that i know what happened to it, and the used axle you get could possibly be in poor condition. Rebuilding an axle makes it like new. The pinion seal is an easy fix if you wanted to start there and do the gears later. Most of the special tools you need for the rebuilding job are available for rent at autozone i've found.
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Senior User
Joined: Feb 2002
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From: Ypsilanti
8.8 rebuild
I'm with you--I would rather know what I have rather than take a chance on a used one. Right now I have no problems with this rear axle other than the pinion seal and the truck doesn't see much driving. I have found several ring and pinion sets as well as bearing sets to rebuild it with. I believe that I can do the job--I do have a friend who can help as well. Thanks.
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 14,947
Likes: 6
From: Topsfield, MA
8.8 rebuild
Just be careful, the rear end needs to be aligned perfectly or the gears will not wear well and not last long at all. I suggest the video if you're going to do it yourself and don't have past experience working on rear ends. Ford racing gears are what most people suggest for ring and pinion gears. Also, if you're going to put a limited slip or locker in, this is the time. If you have a factory LS unit, and plan to keep it, have it rebuilt. The kit costs 75-80 bucks from ford and you can rebuild it yourself without to mcuh trouble. That video I mentioned also tells you how to rebuild the factory LS unit.
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Senior User
Joined: Feb 2002
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From: Ypsilanti
8.8 rebuild
That's good advice, Mustang. Thanks. Concerning the positive track pod, I've been looking at several of these for the 8.8. I believe that I will pick one of the videos as well.
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Joined: Nov 2002
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From: Homestead, FL
8.8 rebuild
Hi-
My truck came with an 8.8 with 3.55's. It's been laying in my friends backyard for a long time now. I remember it worked great but the pinion seal did leak. I never cared because I change gear oil alot. If you like 3.55's you can have it. Then you don't have to buy gears.
My truck came with an 8.8 with 3.55's. It's been laying in my friends backyard for a long time now. I remember it worked great but the pinion seal did leak. I never cared because I change gear oil alot. If you like 3.55's you can have it. Then you don't have to buy gears.
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 14,947
Likes: 6
From: Topsfield, MA
8.8 rebuild
Not to knock ya but used gear arn't always the best idea. This concerns gears that are fairly old. If they are somewhat worn and are not aligned exaclty the way they were before they were removed, they will not wear correctly and you could run into some problems. A new set of Ford Racing gears is 190 bucks from summit racing.
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Senior User
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 286
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From: Homestead, FL
8.8 rebuild
Hi-
Change the axle seals, look at the carrier bearings and run it as is with new fluid. That's what rebuilders say when inspecting used rear ends in an exchange kind of deal. "if the gear oil's still in it the bearings usually check out ok". Whatever, if your gonna rebuild it anyway, look at what is there and go with it. One thing they don't tell you is labor costs alot. Especially if you think that you can do it right yourself.
Change the axle seals, look at the carrier bearings and run it as is with new fluid. That's what rebuilders say when inspecting used rear ends in an exchange kind of deal. "if the gear oil's still in it the bearings usually check out ok". Whatever, if your gonna rebuild it anyway, look at what is there and go with it. One thing they don't tell you is labor costs alot. Especially if you think that you can do it right yourself.
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