8.8 28 spline vs 31 spline

[Rchrd989]

hey everyone,

My names Richard and Im a Jeep guy...

I am looking into doing a ford 8.8 swap and I was wondering how strong is the 28 spline? I know the 31 is very strong but its in explorers 95 and newer whichc might be a lil harder to find in a wrecking yard for cheap... what size tires can u run with a 28 spline? I see there are still a large selection on lockers for the 28 spline 8.8... but how strong is it compared to a dana 44 or a 31 spline 8.8...?

Hey thanks guys... I figured you ford guys would be the ones to ask this question to... thanks

Richard

 

[90ranajo]

As far as I know all Explorer 8.8s were 31 spline. Mustang 8.8s were the 28 spline version. '91-'94s had 10" drums and '95 and up had disc brakes. As far as strength goes, the 28 splines are stong enough to hold up to the 302s in the Mustangs.

Also Rangers use a 28-spline 8.8-Inch axle on 4.0 Liter engine applications and a 31-spline axle on FX4 applications. All Explorer's are equipped with a 31-spline 8.8-Inch axle.

 

[jimbo74]

the 31 spline is better and they are quite easy to find in junkyards..... they are a good rear end... if looking at the standpoint of the major strentgh difference, the 31 spline should by design be stronger, but i dont know of anyone whos actually tried and tested both out and reported results..... i would personally try to find one from an explroer from 95+ as the ranger 8.8 never had rear disk brakes, jsut drums

 

[zainyD]

Take your time and get a 8.8 with 31 spline axles. Explorers are extremely common so with a little searching and haggling you should be able to get one from a 95+ fairly easily. IMO it's not worth doing the swap unless you go with 31 spline axles. Good Luck!

 

[Creager]

The dana 44 has a 8.75" ring gear. The Ford 8.8 has an 8.8" ring gear, naturally.

The 28 spline unit is going to be a smaller axle. I believe the axle tubes are 3", while the 31 spline unit's are 3.25". While I'm sure its quite difficult to bust a 8.8 R&P, the 28 spline unit is only going to be a hair stronger then the Model 35 probably stock on your jeep.

If you want an actual upgrade, go with any explorer axle. The 28 spline units can be upgraded to 31 spline, but why not just get a 31 spline unit in the first place?

 

[FROADER]

explorers 95 and newer whichc might be a lil harder to find in a wrecking yard for cheap...

Those are the years that did all the rolling, plus have the disc brakes. I imagine it's easier to find those years than a '91-'94. Like said above though, all explorers had the 31 spline.

 

[Rchrd989]

hey thanks a ton guys... I think i found an 8.8 for a killer price... thanks for the info...