I have a 1998 Ford 8.8" rear end with disc brakes that I need to have the axles redrilled. Does anyone know where I can find a tutorial on how to remove them or just tell me how? Thanks
The axles are held in place by "C" clips inside the differential. To remove them, first remove the tin cover on the back of the diff. Oil will drain out as you loosen the cover, have a drain pan in place. You will find a pin, about 3/4" in diameter, through the center of the differential carrier (the part with the ring gear on it) On one end of that pin will be a small bolt head, which is the retaining bolt for the bigger pin. Remove that locking bolt, push the pin out of the carrier, One axle at a time, push the axle inward, toward the center of the diff and you see the "C" clip in a groove in the end of the axle. Remove the "C" clip and the axle will pull outward from the housing. Repeat on the second axle. Reverse the procedure for re***embly. Ray
What are you drilling them to? They're not gonna be big enough to go to 5.5. The holes are pretty close to the outside of the flange. Maybe could get away with 4.75 but I don't know anything about it. I have the opposite problem, going from a 5.5 to 4.5 on a 9" axle. I also have an explorer 8.8 that I've been using in the mean time.. I just reread your thread and you're asking about how to remove them.. There are a lot of writeups on the net. Just google ford 8.8 axle removal. There are lots with nice pictures out there..
The way Ray explained it was perfect! That's exactly the way I did it when I changed the ring and pinion to a 3.55 from a 3.08.
Thanks Guys it was a GREAT help I had them out of the rear end in like 5 minutes. All I have to say is if you have a question about something to do with your car ask the guys here on the HAMB. A BIG THANKS to HNSTRAY for the striaght forward response.
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