31 spline 8.8 vs. 9" axle's | Ford Explorer Forums - Serious Explorations

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31 spline 8.8 vs. 9" axle's

mountrange

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Joined
May 6, 2015
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City, State
fair bluff n.c.
Year, Model & Trim Level
1999
Are the older 9" axle spline's the same size as the 8.8 - 31 spline's ?

Seem's if the spline end's are the same dia. the 9" may slip in the 8.8 unit.


Thank's for any info.


MIKE
 






Good question. I searched and couldn't come up with an answer about the axle diameter.

There may also be an issue with the bearing mount as the 8.8 uses c clips and the 9" does not.
 






I am sure there is a difference in bearing size's.
My plan's are to remove an replace the tube's with shorter 3" axle tube's.
Use the flange end's for the 9" housing an custom length axle's.
 






I am sure there is a difference in bearing size's.
My plan's are to remove an replace the tube's with shorter 3" axle tube's.
Use the flange end's for the 9" housing an custom length axle's.

I am very familiar with the 9", less so with the 8.8. Most, if not all, 8.8s with solid axle (not independent suspension), used the straight roller bearing outer end, riding on the axle shaft itself. 9" always had a ball bearing pressed onto the axle shaft. This means the outer end, the bearing end, of the axle tubes were of much different size. The concept of rollers riding directly on the axle itself (8.8) originated with GM. Much cheaper to mass produce. But, bearing failure usually means replace the whole axle shaft, as the it's surface is always "chewed up".

I like, no, LOVE, the 9" Ford axle. imp
 






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