What vehicles came with a Ford 8 inch rear end?

The Ford 8-inch rear end was a staple axle used in a broad range of Ford, Mercury, and Edsel cars and light trucks from roughly the 1950s through the 1980s. It appeared across many model lines and was especially common on 6- and 8-cylinder Ford passenger cars and light-duty trucks of the era.

What is the Ford 8-Inch Rear End?

The Ford 8-inch rear end (often called simply the "8-inch" or 8") is a light-to-midweight differential with a ring gear of 8.0 inches in diameter. It was used across numerous Ford passenger cars and light trucks over several generations, providing a balance of size, strength, and gearing options, with different spline counts depending on year and model. The 8-inch often sat alongside other rear ends like the 9-inch and later 8.8-inch in various lines.

Key characteristics

Common features include a compact housing, a range of gear ratios, and spline counts that varied by year. The 8-inch was prized for its availability, ease of gear work, and compatibility with many early performance and towing setups. It coexisted with other Ford rear ends, and exact specifications could differ by market and option package.

Representative Ford models that used the 8-inch rear axle

Below are representative Ford model families and lines where the 8-inch rear axle was commonly installed, though exact year ranges and configurations varied by year, trim, and market. Always verify the specific axle type for a given vehicle by checking the axle code, stamping, or ring gear size.

• Ford Falcon and the Mercury Comet family (compact and early-midsize cars of the 1960s)


• Ford Fairlane, Torino, and related mid-size/full-size lines (1960s–1970s)


• Ford Mustang (early generations; widely used across various trims and options in the 1960s and into the early 1970s)


• Full-size sedans and personal-luxury lines such as Ford LTD/Crown Victoria and their Mercury counterparts (1960s–1980s)


• Ford Galaxie and related models (late 1950s–1960s in certain markets and configurations)


• Ford F-Series trucks and work vans (light-duty pickups and cargo vans through the 1960s–1980s)

In practice, the 8-inch axle appeared across a wide mix of vehicles, and some models also offered other rear ends (notably the 9-inch or 8.8-inch) depending on year, market, and trim. If you’re restoring or verifying a specific car, check the axle code and measure the ring gear size to confirm which unit is installed.

What to look for when identifying an 8-inch rear end

To confirm an axle is the 8-inch unit, look for ring-gear diameter markings, stamping, or model codes on the housing, or physically measure the ring gear. The 8-inch ring gear is 8.0 inches in diameter, and the housing will carry Ford-specific casting numbers that match the 8-inch family. For parts compatibility, verify spline count and gear ratio for your year and model.

Note: The 8-inch is distinct from the later Ford 8.8-inch, which is a different housing used in many late-1970s onward models. Always double-check to ensure compatibility, especially when swapping gear sets or third-members.

Summary

The Ford 8-inch rear end was a ubiquitous and versatile axle used across a broad spectrum of Ford, Mercury, and Edsel cars and light trucks from roughly the 1950s through the 1980s. It served as a reliable, easy-to-gear option for many everyday drivers and performance projects alike. For precise year-by-year applicability, consult your vehicle’s axle code, production window, and parts guide before proceeding with identification or replacement.

Notes on updates and accuracy

Because model lines and options changed over the decades, there isn’t a single definitive list of every vehicle that used the 8-inch. The examples above cover the most common families you’re likely to encounter when researching or sourcing parts, but a specific year-by-year check is recommended for accuracy.

Final takeaway

For enthusiasts and restorers, the Ford 8-inch rear end represents a widely used, relatively straightforward platform for gearing and rebuilds. Its legacy spans decades and dozens of Ford-based models, underscoring why the 8-inch remains a familiar reference point in classic Ford circles.

What gear ratios are available for a Ford 8 inch rear end?

The Ford 8 inch axle is a smaller version of the popular Ford 9 inch axle, just with an 8 in ring gear diameter, removable pinion support, and typically 28 spline axle shafts. Original gear ratios range between 2.79:1 and 5.43:1, and aftermarket replacement gears are available for many ratios as well.

How to identify a Ford 8 inch rear end?

You can identify a Ford 8-inch rear end by checking for a tag on the axle, measuring the lower bolt hole spacing on the differential housing, and visually inspecting the differential carrier's ribs. The 8-inch also has a distinct lack of a bulge on the cover, different from the 9-inch's pronounced shape.
 
This video explains how to identify a Ford rear end by checking the tag number: 1mYukon Gear & AxleYouTube · Nov 24, 2015
On-vehicle checks

• Bolt hole spacing: Measure the distance between the two lower bolt holes on the differential housing. The 8-inch housing will have a spacing of approximately 8348 and three-fourths834 inches, while the 9-inch will be 10 inches. 
• Differential tag: Look for a metal tag or a barcode sticker attached to one of the cover bolts or the axle tube. 
  • The tag will have a four- or five-letter code on the top row. 
  • The second row of numbers will indicate the gear ratio (e.g., "279" for 2.79∶12.79 colon 12.79∶1) and other production details. 
• Differential cover: Check the shape of the differential cover. The 8-inch will not have a pronounced bulge, whereas the 9-inch has a more pronounced bulge on the side of the cover. 

This video demonstrates how to identify a Ford rear end using a socket wrench: 15sHotRodGuyGarageYouTube · Sep 1, 2024
Visual and physical checks

• Differential carrier ribs: Examine the differential carrier housing.
  • Pre-1967 8-inch carriers have only horizontal ribs on the case.
  • '67 and later carriers have both horizontal and vertical ribs for added strength.
• Filler plug location: Check for the filler plug.
  • Early 8-inch differentials had the filler plug on the back of the housing.
  • Later-model 8-inch differentials had the filler plug integrated into the carrier itself, without one on the rear housing. 

You can watch this video to learn about the visual differences between Ford 7.5 and 8.8 rear ends: 1mRegular Car ReviewsYouTube · Oct 30, 2015

What vehicles did the Ford 8.8 rear end come in?

The Ford 8.8 rear end is found in a wide range of Ford vehicles, most commonly in the Ford Mustang (1986-2014), Ford F-150 (1983-2014, with some exceptions), Ford Bronco (1983-1996), and various Ford Panther platform vehicles like the Crown Victoria and Grand Marquis (1985-2011). It is also used in the Ford Explorer (solid axle models, 1991-2001) and Ford Ranger (4.0L models, 1991-2011), among others. 
Popular vehicle applications

• Ford Mustang: 1986-2014
• Ford F-150: 1983-2014 (some models, like certain 4x4s and Super Cabs, may have the 9.75" rear)
• Ford Bronco: 1983-1996
• Ford Panther platform: 1985-2011 (including Crown Victoria, Grand Marquis, and Town Car)
• Ford Explorer: 1991-2001 (solid axle models)
• Ford Ranger: 1991-2011 (specifically 4.0L V6 models)
• Ford Expedition: 1997-2003
• Ford Aerostar: 1986-1997 (2WD models with the 4.0L V6) 

Other vehicles

• Ford Explorer Sport Trac: 2001-2005
• Mercury Cougar: 1988-1996
• Ford Thunderbird: 1987-1995
• Ford E150/E250 vans: 1983-2006/1998 respectively
• Lincoln Navigator: 1998-2006 

Important notes

• Variations exist: There are many variations of the 8.8 axle, differing in width, spline count (28 or 31), and mounting points. 
• ID tag: The identification tag on the axle can provide specific details about the gear ratio, style, and whether it has a limited-slip differential. 

What vehicles came with an 8.5 rear end?

You can find a 10-bolt 8.5-inch differential in any of these cars or trucks:

• 1970-'81 Chevrolet Camaro.
• 1970-'81 Pontiac Firebird.
• 1971-'76 Chevrolet Impala and Caprice.
• 1971-'81 Buick Centurion, Electra, Electra 225, and LeSabre.
• 1971-77 Pontiac Grand Prix.
• 1971-'77 Oldsmobile Cutlass.