Technical 8.8 Rear End for a Hotrod Info

Thanks GreaseMonkey just edited the post to reflect the tag info.

 

If I get a Ford in the shop tomorrow I'll photograph the tag for a visual explanation

 

We put one in a '56 Parklane wagon....
Shortened the long side 2 7/8 to short side dim.... Fit very well... no tunnel issues at all...

LynnW

 

I'm running an 8.8 under my 39 chevy sedan - the one in my picture, and mustang 2 front suspension - yes I know it's forbidden, but that's what it is. Glad to see some good info here. I'm in the process of modifying the wheel wells to fit the wide tires - this is fun. Oh, and a Chevy running on Ford suspension - what alternate universe is this??

 

Put a non Hemi in it and really see the vortex shift.

 

Put a non Hemi in it and really see the vortex shift.

That will cause a rip in the Space Time Continuum

 

Have updated the original thread, as I find new relevant info will continue to do that so its all in one place. Thanks to all that are contributing. Got to love the HAMB.

 

Just found some ladder bar brackets that are 3 1/4". The also sell complete ladder bars etc.

https://rjays.com/shop/ols/products/ladder-bar-rear-end-brackets/v/RJ-10220-B-3-1?olsFocus=false

 

It takes only a few minutes to open up a pair of 3" axle brackets to fit the 3.25" Ford tubes. I've done it numerous times, and don't even bother looking for lager axle brackets anymore.

 

As for being traditional. The “look” of an 8.8 is nearly the same are early T-Birds, Ford wagons and pickups.. good enough for me.

 

I have an Exploder rear on hand to replace the DANA 53 in my 40, if necessary.

 

If using junkyard parts make something more traditional, a rear cover from an Explorer with IRS can be made to look pretty good. Just trim the ch***is mounts off.

Gary

 

Are those "fill" and "drain" plugs functional ? You did a nice job modifying it.

 

Both plugs are real. The big drain may be for ring gear inspection, too. I don't know why else it would be that size. Also, it doesn't leak like the chinese chrome one I had on before.

Gary

 

Thanks Gary. What are those `straps` you used to hold the brake lines down?

 

Just worm gear hose clamps. I opened my vise to about 1/4" and pounded a radius into them to fit the brake lines.

Gary

 

Do all 8.8 Ford axles have the pinion offset? I was considering a Ranger 8.8 for my 1950 Chevy 3100, but I haven’t started on it yet and I’m unsure if the offset will be a problem.

 

Thanks Gary

 

I would love to see pictures of your Foul-**** !!
Since my early years with a 64 Sprint..........I have kept a soft spot for them....
thanx
6sally6

 

Mine, in my Henry J, is from an '03 Ranger with the offset. It's not a problem if it clears the driveshaft tunnel. Shouldn't be a problem in a truck.

Gary

 

Very useful thread. Thanks @panhead_pete, @jimmy six, and others for the information!

 

This is an old post but I wanted to correct this info for future searchers. 1996 was the last year for the 5x5.5 bolt pattern "boxy" body style. All were drum brake. 11" x 2.5" if I recall correctly. In 1997 the F150 went much more aero. It also changed to 5x135mm (5x5.315") bolt pattern and with it came disc brakes that require 16" or larger wheels.

Edit: extra info....the 97+ 5 lug trucks still had drum brakes in lower trim levels with the smaller engines.

Edit 2: In researching the disc brakes question more I've come to believe that the 8.8 used in 97-up trucks never got disc brakes. I believe, until I know differently, that if the 97-up truck has disc brakes it has a 9.75 Sterling axle. I don't believe that any 97-up 8.8 ever left Ford with disc brakes and the truck 5x135 bolt pattern.