F-150 8.8 Swap?

[Diff Whack Daddy]

You are correct, it is a Sterling 9.75". It also has the metric 5X135mm bolt pattern, so if you were going to redrill the axles to 5X5.5, you would have to redrill the rotors also. Or else have different bolt patterns front and rear.

Yes, but the axle lengths I gave above were for a 97-99 f-150 with the 8.8 and drums. It looks like they were running both the 8.8 and the 9.75 from 97-99 and then dicontinued the 8.8 on the f-150 in 2000. The 9.75 axles won't work in an 8.8 as they are 34 spline and probably thicker too.

So the big question is do the 97-99 f-150's with the 8.8 run a metric or are they still 5x5.5? Whatever the case, it seems in order to use the explorer 8.8 rear disk brakes on the full width 8.8, both axles need to be a little bit longer for it to be bolt on with no interference. The only question is exactly how much. I think the only true way to tell will be to measure the distance from the axle housing end to the axle flange on both the explorer and the f-150 axle, find the difference, and then have the axles made for that length using the explorer specs for the axle flange to ensure that there is no hub or other interference.

I think this would be the cheapest way to go. The other option is the rear disk break conversion kits from http://www.tsmmfg.com/2530.htm or http://broncograveyard.com/bronco/i-32375_8_8__1984-96_disc_brake_conv_.htm . Both kits use a chevy type caliper, but neither come with the calipers. The are both about $300 w/out the calipers which is what you can get a pair of new axles custom made for

 

[Stic-o]

As far as finding the Explorer brakes, I would say a junk yard, or Currie make a entire Explorer brake kit. Not sure if the other axles would work, from what I understood, the 97+ 150's were a 8.8, but the disc brakes are 13" brakes, vs. 11" on the Explorer. This would mean you would have to run at least a 16" wheel, to run the 150 brakes.

On the inside of the rotors, there is a small lip around the wall. [The flange on the axle just fits inside the rotor (Dia.) by 1/8 of a inch or so] Because of the lip, the flange does not sit all the way on the rotor, it sits on that lip up about a 1/4" . Originaly I thought I would just space out the braket, but that will not work because the back of the axle flange would be even closer to the PB parts. So I ended up runing 2 washers on each lug so the rotor will sit flat. It will sit flat, normaly, by I had strength conserns with a 1/4" gap, on the studs between the rotor and flange. I'll try to get some better pictures this weekend.

 

[Stic-o]

And yeah...they stick out a bit

 

[Diff Whack Daddy]

I already have rear explorer disk brakes on my Ex, but I am looking to possibly upgrade to full width axles and am just trying to make sure I ave all the kinks out before I start. I think what I will do is just get explorer 8.8 axleshafts made for the length that I need to avoid both the rotor to axle flange interference and the parking brake interference. Basically it will have an explorer axle end/hub with a 5x5.5" wheel bolt pattern and be the correct length to clear the PB

 

[Diff Whack Daddy]

Sticking out is good, it provide better off camber stability, less chance of :roll:

 

[tdavis]

My 2001 F150 had a 8.8 in it..

The 9.25's only went into F150's with 5.4l engines.

 

[Stic-o]

I already have rear explorer disk brakes on my Ex, but I am looking to possibly upgrade to full width axles and am just trying to make sure I ave all the kinks out before I start. I think what I will do is just get explorer 8.8 axleshafts made for the length that I need to avoid both the rotor to axle flange interference and the parking brake interference. Basically it will have an explorer axle end/hub with a 5x5.5" wheel bolt pattern and be the correct length to clear the PB

That should work, I'm just working all the bugs out for everyone else

I had alot of trouble getting the c-clip in on passanger side too, with the locker. I ended up have to tap it in with a screwdriver, and hammer. I'm scared, at this point, of when I have to take it out, I mite lose the locker.

 

[gijoecam]

In 2000, they offered the 4 wheel disc as an option on the XLTs. The 6-cylinders and the 2wd 4.6s all got the 8.8 rear end. They used the same axle shafts whether it was drums or discs, sooooo.....

Why not use a donor 8.8 axle with 4 wheel discs from the factory? OK, ok, the bolt pattern would be 5 x 135.... so you either use adapters (bad) or replace the axle shafts with a custom set with whatever bolt pattern you want (pricey, but if you have them made properly, you'll never break 'em), or you replace the outer shafts in the front axle with a custom set. If it was me, I'd replace the rear axle shafts with some beefy ones.


-Joe

 

[90ranajo]

My 2001 F150 had a 8.8 in it..

The 9.25's only went into F150's with 5.4l engines.

What Kevin is looking at is a 93 F150 XLT with a 5.8L. We're trying to figure out if it has the 8.8 or a Sterling axle.

 

[Diff Whack Daddy]

Because I have a line on a 93 f-150 that has a 351, dana 44 ttb front, and an 8.8 rear. The truck would end up donating parts to my Ex and 90ranjo's ranger. You sometimes have to work with what you find or have.

For my front end I am just going to find a housing that hasn't been cut down, replace the shortened axle and swap all the parts off my current 44

 

[90ranajo]

The truck would end up donating parts to my Ex and 90ranjo's ranger.

 

[Diff Whack Daddy]

We won't tell you about the other project til we show up at T-haven with it

 

[Stic-o]

We won't tell you about the other project til we show up at T-haven with it

We've been waiting for you show up for two years now When ever done screwing around playing army men or rolling your truck

93 should be a 8.8!

 

[Diff Whack Daddy]

My luck is bound to change soon.

 

[FROADER]

We won't tell you about the other project til we show up at T-haven with it

Is it that little yellow framed deal in 90ranajo's tube door thread?

 

[gijoecam]

Aaaah, now I see, said the blind man to his deaf son.....

The 93 (assuming it's a 150) will have the 8.8. The Sterling 10.25 wasn't offered in any of the standard F-150s until 2000.

Here's a thought: What about a Sterling axle out of a last-generation super-duty? Might be a little bit overkill though, but IIRC, the Sterling 10.25 is a full-floater, isn't it?

-Joe

 

[Diff Whack Daddy]

See the thing is I already have 4.88 gears and lockers for the 8.8. I am trying to do this the most cost effective way. I am even going to learn how to set up gears in this project as I am tired of paying 300-450 a pop for it.

 

[Stic-o]

I am even going to learn how to set up gears in this project as I am tired of paying 300-450 a pop for it.

you need to find a new place. Mine cost $125 a pop

 

[Diff Whack Daddy]

Well that I could handle. Everywhere up here is expensive for gear setup.

 

[Felix]

Might be a little bit overkill though, but IIRC, the Sterling 10.25 is a full-floater, isn't it?

-Joe

From what I have seen and read the 10.25 is semi-floated. You still have to take the tire off the axle to pull it, just like on the 9in axle. Now the 10.5 which my old utility truck had on it was fully floated. They have the huge center hub with 6 bolts on it. That surface with the 6 bolts is the end of your axle and can be pulled with out even taking the tire off.

Of course as always, I could be totally wrong about this.

By the way Stic-O, It looks like your rig is coming along nicely. Keep up the good work. I am happy to see you found a way to stick with your explorer brakes as my option would have had you run 17" wheels. ( 87-93 Mustang disc Conversion)