Making an 8.8 work
06-22-2015, 05:39 PM
#81
I thought one purpose of the 8.8 was you could use the Fbody axles, although I guess the explorer axles are a higher spline count and stronger. But then you go and have to use wheel adapters.... ehhh I'd rather either order custom axles with the right length and bolt pattern or use the fbody axles to start with on the appropriate 8.8" carrier.
06-23-2015, 12:03 AM
#83
Cut, measure, align, weld. Basic fabrication
You dont need a truing bar. If you stuck one in a factory axle it wouldnt be perfect. An 8.8 wont handle 1,000+hp where that would make a difference
Level the housing on some stands or a jig. A digital level works best. Use an internal sleeve to extend the pass tube. With the level true up the up/down variable of the tube. Clamp a strait edge to the back of the differential and measure to the tube. Adjusting it parallel trues the F/R axis of the tube. Weld up to seal and mind the heat so the tube doesnt warp. Basic welding practices
The purpose of building an 8.8 is to make a tough rearend on a small budget. Aftermarket axles are ~$350 and adapters ~$50, not a hard choice. If you want custom axles or to reuse the stock 28sp axles, knock yourself out. This is a solution for inexpensive stronger 31sp axles
You dont need a truing bar. If you stuck one in a factory axle it wouldnt be perfect. An 8.8 wont handle 1,000+hp where that would make a difference
Level the housing on some stands or a jig. A digital level works best. Use an internal sleeve to extend the pass tube. With the level true up the up/down variable of the tube. Clamp a strait edge to the back of the differential and measure to the tube. Adjusting it parallel trues the F/R axis of the tube. Weld up to seal and mind the heat so the tube doesnt warp. Basic welding practices
I thought one purpose of the 8.8 was you could use the Fbody axles, although I guess the explorer axles are a higher spline count and stronger. But then you go and have to use wheel adapters.... ehhh I'd rather either order custom axles with the right length and bolt pattern or use the fbody axles to start with on the appropriate 8.8" carrier.
