I found an 8.8 out of a ford F series truck but not sure what spline count it is or if it worth 150. It has 3.55 gears so I wouldnt need to eegear right away to run it but plan on a regear here soon. Can anyone shed some light on the axle as I know very little about axles.

 

F series pickup?

I'd check width. Explorers don't use full width 8.8s

 

its gonna be full width and a different bolt pattern than 5 x 4.5

 

31 spline

5x5.5 bolt pattern

Drum brakes

Full width

Should be bolt in

 

LOL!

65" wide

would be a nice match to a 5 lug hp44 front. an idea I've been tossing around. it seems stout enough I've seen fw8.8 take a freakin beating in the back of a prerunner

 

Hmmm dont know that I really want a full width but what are the advantages to fw axles?

 

bigger brakes, more "stability," stronger internals usually, lockout hubs, plenty of reasons. issues, custom suspension needed, steering, fully rebuild the decades-old axles, it's expensive! if you have to ask just forget about it

 

Not sure what's so funny? Guys have bolted in 9" out of the same era trucks/broncos.

 

I know its expensive but is it worth it? And just because I have to ask so I can learn wether or not it would be the right move doesnt meen I should forget about it. No offense Atmos but I cant stand it when people say that just because someone is thinking of doing something but isnt sure of all the pros and cons of doing so. Ok rant over now.

 

If you use that axle you'd want to find a matching width front.

Unless your going with something bigger than 35s right now you really won't need it.

Also keep in mind most of us, Atmos included, have seen lots of folks asking the same things, and typically the folks that ask never go thru woth any of it.

Nothing against you personally, just after awhile its better to be up front and realistic about things, if that makes any sense.

 

First major question u have to ask your self when thinking of going full width. Is it a trail only rig? If you are going to try to dd it forget it lol. On my jeep i have 9in of tire sticking past the fender on the front.

 

Right now ya its my dd but planning to change that soon so itll only be a weekend driver and trail beater then

 

I would plan on a matching front eventually lol and ya it makes a bit of sense

 

you can't ask questions like "tell me everything there is to know about full widths." which is impossible

there is a massive wealth of information out there to research. so research then ask questions about the information you find in regards to your specific application. which you never seem to do in any of your threads. like 36" tires on stock axles/gears. which I guess isn't a big deal because this is cherokeeforum

ask some better questions everyone will be glad to help. asking "is it worth it to swap full axles" makes me chuckle. I dont mean to flame or disrespect you but that's how it is

 

Its all good man. I was just bussy at work so I figured you could give me a quick run down of the basics of it. I do plan on looking it up more tho