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Ford 8.8 identification

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128K views 27 replies 20 participants last post by  siilverback68  
#1 ·
I could've sworn that there was a sticky for this popular upgrade, but since I can't find it.....

I'm thinking about dropping an 8.8 into the TJ and was curious if there was a pattern to finding out what gears an 8.8 would have based on the drivetrain options of the donor vehicle. My jeep has the 3.73 gears and I would like to go to the 4.10 gears, so an 8.8 that already has the 4.10 gears would let me get away with only having to regear the dana 30. While I'm in the junk yard, what year explorers should I be targeting and what engine tranny combo's would have the 4.10 gears?
 
#2 ·
Wrong forum, this is what you are looking for:

http://65.42.106.152/forums/showthread.php?t=674123

Look at the diff plate:
Specs:
Code Capacity Ratio
43 Open 3200 3.08
41 Open 3200 3.27
42 Open 4.10
46 Open 3.73
45 Open 3200 3.55
D4 Limited Slip 3200 3.73
D2 Limited Slip 4.10
L73 Limited Slip 3.73
L - Limited Slip Differential
C - Conventional Differential

Make sure you visit http://car-part.com/
 
#27 ·
So I just went scouting at the local junkyard. Can some one explain the difference between a do and l73. The yard has several D4 axles. I am considering getting one of these to build because it doesn't require referring immediately to go in my zj. I want the limited slip. Prefer 4.10 but I am running 330 and not sure that will be enough change to really notice. I drive a 94 5.2 v8 with a 242 swap.
 
#3 ·
I researched this awhile ago, and found that some Limited models have 4.10 gears. Here's a great link to a website with all specs for all years:

http://www.carsdirect.com/researchcenter/factsheet_features?make=FO&modelid=87&acode=USA60FOS105B0

One particular model with 4.10 is a 96 Eddie Bauer model. Navigate around the site I linked above and you should find a few others.

Here's another link that breaks down the axle ID codes (scroll down about half way):

http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/Axles.html
 
#7 ·
I don't believe F-150s ever had a ford 8.8 I think they would may have had a Ford 9" back in the day, more recently I believe it to be 10.25 Sterling. Also do the OP, instead of regearing your front axle to 4.10 why not get one from a 4cyl, the would have the 4.10 gearing, and would be a direct bolt in. They are fairly cheap from the junk yard, or in the classifieds here. Also if you are dead set on regearing something get a High Pinion Dana 30 from a XJ, that is also a direct bolt in, and would be considerably stronger than a LP Dana 30.
 
#10 ·
the f150s and broncos did come with 8.8s. i am currently rebuilding one. '93 F150

ford used the 8.8 in a few vehicles- mustang, ranger, explorer, bronco and f150. obiously the truck axles were full width. the 9s were used in 250s in the 70's i believe (FW) and the early (66-77) bronco (NT). there was also an HD 9, but idk what that was put in; maybe a diesel or a dually? i couldn't tell you about the 10.25. in recent years the 250s used 60s, 350s used 70s or 80s. there might be a few others but i don't know what trucks they were put on.

the gear ratio is stamped on the side of the ring gear. mine says 355

hope this helps
 
#8 ·
You'll want one from an Explorer. '95-'01 will get you rear disc brakes, earlier models will have drums.

Look on the driver's door of the donor Explorer for the axle code on the VIN sticker.

Image


Explorer 8.8 Axle codes

43 Open 3200 3.08
41 Open 3200 3.27
42 Open 4.10
46 Open 3.73
45 Open 3200 3.55
D4 Limited Slip 3200 3.73
D2 Limited Slip 4.10
L73 Limited Slip 3.73

Specs:
Code Capacity Ratio
43 Open 3200 3.08
41 Open 3200 3.27
42 Open 4.10
46 Open 3.73
45 Open 3200 3.55
D4 Limited Slip 3200 3.73
D2 Limited Slip 4.10
L73 Limited Slip 3.73
L - Limited Slip Differential
C - Conventional Differential
Code Ratio
41 3.27
43 3.08
42 3.45
44 3.73
45 3.55
47 4.10
72 3.08C
74 3.45C
82 3.08C
84 3.45C
85 3.55C
86 3.73C
87 4.10C
89 (1992-1998) 4.10C
89 (1999-2001) 4.56C
91 3.27C
92 3.08C
95 3.55C
96 3.73C
97 4.10C
F4 3.45L
F5 3.55L
F6 3.73L
F7 4.10L
K6 4.10L
D2 3.45
D4 3.73L
D7 4.10
R5 3.55L
R6 3.73L
R7 4.10L

Max :cheers2:
 
#11 ·
Holy thread revival!

I just picked up an 8.8 today and want to know more about it. I have been searching for 2 hours now and can't find what I'm looking for. The axle was already removed from the vehicle so I could not check the VIN on the side of the door. It did have a metal tag attached to the diff cover. It reads

"S612B"
"3 55 88 7F09"

Does anybody here speak code? If so I could really use your help.
 
#13 ·
Holy thread revival!

I just picked up an 8.8 today and want to know more about it. I have been searching for 2 hours now and can't find what I'm looking for. The axle was already removed from the vehicle so I could not check the VIN on the side of the door. It did have a metal tag attached to the diff cover. It reads

"S612B"
"3 55 88 7F09"

Does anybody here speak code? If so I could really use your help.
That is an 8.8 axle with 3.55 gears and an open diff.

Here is an example of a Ford tag:

 
#20 ·
measure the wheel bolt pattern....5x4.5 is ranger/exploder 5x5 is fullsize. also for your gear question take off the rear cover and spin the ring gear....9 out of ten times theres number stamped on them like 41-11, 37-9, etc. get your calculator out and divide the bigger number into the small number and it will give you the ratio
 
#18 ·
I found an Explorer Sport with the D2 axle.
That's a 4:10 ratio, limited slip model.

Is there any difference between the Sport rear axle and a four door Explorer?
Not at all, that's what I used in my wife's YJ. The Sport-Trac Explorer is different, but the 2 & 4 door Explorer models are the same.

They are asking $250 for the rear. What is the average price on these, and how much more am I looking at to complete the project?
If they pulled it, and it's complete hub-to-hub, that's pretty average. I bought the RuffStuff 8.8 install kit for $120 & that pretty much covers everything.
Max :cheers2:
 
#26 ·