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What year did Ford use a 8.8 rear end?

Ford has used the 8.8-inch rear axle in many of its vehicles over the years, but the specific year when it first appeared can vary depending on the model and application. In general, the 8.8-inch rear end has been a popular choice for Ford trucks and performance vehicles since the 1980s.

The 8.8-Inch Rear Axle

The 8.8-inch rear axle is a robust and durable design that has been used in a variety of Ford vehicles, including the F-150, Mustang, and others. It is known for its strength, reliability, and ability to handle high horsepower and torque loads. The 8.8-inch designation refers to the diameter of the ring gear, which is a key component of the rear differential.

When Did Ford Start Using the 8.8-Inch Rear End?

Ford began using the 8.8-inch rear axle in the mid-1980s, primarily in its truck lineup. The 8.8-inch rear end first appeared in the 1986 Ford F-150 and F-250 models. This rear axle design quickly gained a reputation for its durability and became a popular choice for both work and performance applications.

Over the years, the 8.8-inch rear end has been used in a wide range of Ford vehicles, including:

Ford F-150 (1986-present)

Ford F-250 (1986-present)

Ford Mustang (1986-present)

Ford Explorer (1990-present)

Ford Expedition (1997-present)

The 8.8-inch rear axle has remained a staple in Ford's lineup, with the company continuing to use it in many of its current models due to its proven performance and reliability.

When did Ford start using the 8.8 rear end?

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. Ring, pinion and carrier all remained between the solid axle and independent rear suspension.

How do you tell if you have a 7.5 or 8.8 rear end?

When measuring from the top left bolt to the bottom right bolt, the 8.8” rear end will measure 11” from bolt to bolt. The 7.5” rear end is also flat on top and bottom. However, the visual difference comes in where it is rounded on the right and left and, like the 8.8” rear, has ten bolts.

What Fords have 8.8 rear ends?

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 is the difference between Ford 8.8 and Dana 35?

The Ford 8.8 is significantly stronger than the Dana 35, making it a popular upgrade, especially for Jeep owners. The Ford 8.8 is generally considered more robust due to its larger ring and pinion gears, and it often comes equipped with stronger disc brakes. While the Ford 8.8 is often slightly narrower, it is still a preferred upgrade, though a swap is not a direct bolt-in and typically requires welding on new mounting brackets.

You can watch this video to learn more about the Ford 8.8 axle swap in a Jeep Cherokee XJ: 53sProject XJYouTube · Jun 29, 2016
Strength

Ford 8.8: Considered a strong and durable axle, capable of handling more power and larger tires. It is seen as a budget upgrade over a Dana 44.
Dana 35: Not as strong as the 8.8, it can struggle with larger tires (especially 33 inches and up) and can be prone to breaking, particularly under hard off-roading.

Features

Ford 8.8: Frequently comes with disc brakes and limited-slip differentials, which are significant advantages.
Dana 35: Often has drum brakes, which are less effective and harder to maintain than disc brakes.

Width

Ford 8.8: Slightly narrower than a Dana 35. The difference is typically about half an inch to just over an inch in total width, depending on the specific models being compared.
Dana 35: Slightly wider than the Ford 8.8.

Installation

Ford 8.8: Not a direct bolt-in swap and requires modifications. Welding new mounting brackets, such as spring and shock perches, is necessary to install it in a different vehicle.
Dana 35: Has its original mounting brackets already in place, but swapping to a Ford 8.8 will require removing them and welding on new ones.

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.