Ford 8.8 or Dana 53

[waistdeeppow]

Ok, so I have managed to acquire a Ford 8.8 rear end with a posi for free. The 53 in my truck isn't in horrible shape but I am thinking about the swapping in the 8.8 as an upgrade and just looking for opinions. It will need a new ring and pinion to match gearing but other than that it seems solid. Thoughts?

Dustin

[csuengr]

Since Ford made a gajillion of them, parts are easy to come by. If it is from a full size truck, it's much stronger than a Dana 53. You will just have to put on new spring pads.

[Stuka]

Dana 53 parts are very hard to find. But that 8.8 needs to be a truck version in order to be wide enough to clear the springs (Assuming you have a J-Truck if you have a D53). If its from an Explorer/Ranger/Car it wont work due to width issues.

[GWag89]

ford 8.8 is a beast. If modified correctly can handle 1000+ hp and sub 8s in the 1/4 mile (daily occurrence in the fox body world). I doubt you will be beating on one that hard, but at least the 8.8 will have the aftermarket support to do so if you desire.

[AwesomeJ10]

ford 8.8 is a beast. If modified correctly can handle 1000+ hp and sub 8s in the 1/4 mile (daily occurrence in the fox body world). I doubt you will be beating on one that hard, but at least the 8.8 will have the aftermarket support to do so if you desire.

lol

[waistdeeppow]

Just what I wanted to hear, it's out of an F-150 and going into a 69 J3600 I am restoring. Spring perches and re-gear shouldn't be a problem. Thanks for the replies.

Dustin

[serehill]

Excellent opportunity to go e locker. I built one for my Commando from an explorer. You could do the same with the expedition. I found mine for 200 bucks. 3.73 gears E locker switch on the dash & flip it for posi track & off for limited slip. It's awesome. Also an excellent opportunity to change gear ratios cheaply. change the entire diferentail for less than an R&P.

[tgreese]

So how wide is the Explorer axle? What is the bolt pattern?

Are any of these Fords 5 on 5.5"?

[serehill]

I'm not sure about the Explorer but it's the same width as the truck. Also not sure about the axle bolt pattern for this particular axle. The set up I did was coverted. I acquired some chrome molly axles from Yukon that converted from full floaters.They also converted to 5.5 bolt pattern. Any different axle will have these challenges.


I haven't done the math. I was just following the suggestion. It would be an affordable way to do it if it works.

Here's what I used I don't know if they make a wider version but Yukon is user friendly they might squeeze a one off.

http://eastcoastgearsupply.com/i-117904 ... r-kit.html

[waistdeeppow]

This one is out of an F-150 and is the exact width as the 53, and 5 on 5.5 pattern which is what grabbed my attention. I think the Explorer axels are a bit narrower and 5 on 4.5, same as the newer Jeeps.

[Stuka]

So how wide is the Explorer axle? What is the bolt pattern?

Are any of these Fords 5 on 5.5"?

The explorer and ranger axles are perfect swaps for TJs, as the width (roughly 60") and bolt pattern (5x4.5) matches and many have disc brakes. There are even weld on control arm brackets just for that swap.

They come in three bolt patterns depending on year and vehicle, and at least three widths. And they are available with drum or disc brakes.


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[serehill]

Sorry guys I misspoke I meant expedition. Not Explorer. I don't know about bolt pattern. It sounds like if you want a cheap swap with no bells the 150 is a good deal.