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Are all Ford 8.8 rear ends the same?

No, not all Ford 8.8 rear ends are the same. While they share some common features, there are several variations and differences in the 8.8 rear end design and components depending on the specific Ford model and year.


Differences in Ford 8.8 Rear Ends


The Ford 8.8 rear end is a popular and widely used rear differential found in many Ford vehicles, including the Mustang, F-150, Expedition, and others. However, there are several key differences to be aware of:



  • Gear Ratios: Ford 8.8 rear ends can come with different gear ratios, ranging from 3.08 to 4.10, depending on the vehicle application and intended use. Higher gear ratios (e.g., 4.10) provide more torque and acceleration, while lower ratios (e.g., 3.08) offer better fuel efficiency and top-end speed.

  • Differential Type: Some 8.8 rear ends use a standard open differential, while others may have a limited-slip or locking differential for improved traction and performance.

  • Axle Shaft Design: The axle shaft design can vary, with some 8.8 rear ends using a C-clip axle design and others using a non-C-clip design. This affects the ease of axle removal and installation.

  • Brake Components: The brake components, such as the brake calipers and rotor size, can differ between 8.8 rear ends depending on the vehicle model and year.

  • Mounting Points: The mounting points and dimensions of the 8.8 rear end can vary, requiring different brackets or modifications for installation in different Ford models.


It's important to carefully research the specific 8.8 rear end in your Ford vehicle and ensure any replacement or upgrade components are compatible with the existing setup.


Identifying Your Ford 8.8 Rear End


To determine the exact specifications of your Ford 8.8 rear end, you can check the identification tag or casting numbers on the rear end housing. This information can help you identify the gear ratio, differential type, and other key details. Additionally, consulting your vehicle's service manual or speaking with a Ford specialist can provide more detailed information about your specific 8.8 rear end configuration.


In summary, while the Ford 8.8 rear end is a common and versatile component, there are several variations and differences to be aware of when working on or upgrading your Ford vehicle's rear end. Proper identification and compatibility are crucial for ensuring a successful and reliable modification or replacement.

What Ford has a 8.8 rear end?


8.8 Solid Axle
Ford first used the 8.8 axle in 1983 model year trucks and is still in production for the Ford Ranger and Ford F-Series. It was also used in the Ford SUVs until Independent suspension replaced the solid axle.



Is a Dana 60 wider than a Dana 44?


Although the Dana 44 and Dana 60 differential covers look similar, their sizes are significantly different. The Dana 44 differential cover will measure about 9 1/2 inches wide and 10 1/2 inches tall, while the Dana 60 differential cover will measure about 11 1/4 inches wide and 12 inches tall.



What vehicles have a Ford 9.75 rear end?


Popular Applications:

Ford F-1501997 to CurrentRear
Ford F-150 Raptor2010 to CurrentRear
Ford Transit2015 to CurrentRear
Ford E Series Vans1999 - 2014Rear
Ford Expedition1997 - 2014Rear



Are all 8.8 rear ends the same length?


8.8s native to Mustangs, however, have axles that are the same length side-to-side. The '86-'93 Mustangs have 29.063-inch axles, and the rearends measure 59.25 inches from axle flange to axle flange. The '94-'98 axles are ¾-inch longer, making their rearends 1.5 inches wider overall.



Is a 9.75 rear end good?


The 9.75 could make a nice swap for any 1/2-ton-rated 4x4 rig, Ford or not. It has the advantage of having that "Three Bears" quality of being just right in the size and strength department to make a worthwhile improvement over the weaker 1/2-ton axles.



Why is the Ford 8.8 rear end so popular?


And Broncos especially the four-wheel drive models and those with bigger engines. But not always because mine's a 300. And it's got an 8.8.



How to tell the difference between Ford 8.8 and 9.75 rear end?


On the passenger's side upper and lower corners, there's two semi-circular divots that can easily be seen when looking at the cover from straight on. While the Super 8.8's cover has a bulge for the ring gear, it's not anywhere near as pronounced as the 9.75's.



Is a Ford 8.8 rear end good for drag racing?


Ford rear ends have an excellent reputation among drag racers and hot rod builders alike for being able to handle huge amounts of torque without any worries about reliability.



Is a Ford 8.8 the same width as a Dana 35?


the 8.8 is 1 1/4 narrower than the dana 35. it is 5/8 narrower per side.



What is the strongest Ford rear end?


What Makes the 9-inch Ford Rearend So Great? From the archives: Legendary tech guru Marlan Davis explains why the 9-inch Ford is the strongest rearend out there—it's all due to “hypoid distance.”


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.