8.8 vs. 9 inches ford axles.

greenwater · #1 (**permalink**) 03-12-2004, 11:29 AM

I am looking into fitting wheels on a rear suspension I have here . The differential is a 8.8 from a mustang GT but the axles I am not sure of! They are fords but since the usual c-clips axles retaining system have been changed for pressed-on bearings type I just don't know if for doing so 9 inches axles or 8.8 had to be used?

In any case (8.8 or 9) can the same wheels be used or there is a non-matching ?

thank you, greenwater.

FFR428 · #2 (**permalink**) 03-13-2004, 05:39 AM

They might be c-clip eliminatiors. Check the FMS catalog if you have one to see. The 8.8 might have been upgraded to 31 spline axles. G.

Woodz428 · #3 (**permalink**) 03-13-2004, 10:01 AM

If they still have 4 lug axles it probably is c-clip eliminators, and they usually use stock axles. I would caution that most c-clip eliminators aren't recommended for street use so you want to make sure which kind you have. DTS in Michigan makes 8.8 housings with 9" axle tubes, so you can run 9" style axles and have the sealing and thrust retention that is the standard fare in 8and 9" rears.

greenwater · #4 (**permalink**) 03-13-2004, 11:51 AM

What I know is they are 28 splines axles and there are large bearings at the outside edges of the axles housings...so I guess they have used standard 9 inches axles shortened them and fitted them to an 8.8 diff....I thought that 8.8 axles could have been used just pressing on some bearings on them but from what I read here it seems that couldn't be done maybe because of a different diameter between 8.8 and 9 inches axles? The axles housings would need to be the same diameter for both diff. though as on my rig they fit right in the apparently non-modified diff. pumpking...also they are five bolts axles with a approx. 1 inch diameter hole in them ,I guess, to reach some bolts in drum brakes initial application.

thanks, greenwater.