Chris in Idaho

I've seen the builds where guys cut most of the tubes off of an 8.8 and weld their stock 7.5 10 bolt axle tubes into the 8.8 stubs and then run 28 spline axle shafts. I'm wondering if this can be done using the center chunk of an 8.5/8.6 10 bolt instead of an 8.8? Are the 8.5/8.6 axle tubes large enough for the 7.5 axle tubes to slide in?

If so, would it be possible to use the 30 spline shafts instead of 28? I'm not sure how much bigger diameter they are or how big a bearing the smaller 7.5 tubes could accommodate. Anybody know?

Thanks!

93Z2871805

iTrader: (5)

I'm not sure specifically on the 8.5 tube diameter, however if the biggest concern is running only 28 spline axles, you can use an Explorer/Expedition/F-Series/Cobra 31 spline center section instead.

Chris in Idaho

Will the 31 spline shafts fit with the 7.5 tubes? I had read the large shafts wouldn't go through any bearings that fit the small tubes.

93Z2871805

iTrader: (5)

Stock shafts - no.

Most (all that I'm aware of anyway) of the hybrid 8.8s you see are using aftermarket shafts, and also are mostly using 9" housing ends. Really the only purpose the factory tubes serve are for the bracketry since you have to cut them down anyway.

8.8 center, fbody "mid" tubes, large 9" housing ends that are designed for fbody brakes, custom axles, and a weld-in torque arm bracket kit. They take a decent amount of fabrication effort, but are definitely pretty strong for a DIY effort.

Chris in Idaho

That sounds pretty cool, do you have a link to these housing ends that work with fbody brakes?

Edit: I think I found it, Strange H1143.

chrisfrost

iTrader: (8)

Chris in Idaho I believe the axle tubes are the same but not 100%. I do know however that to do that You could use a pipe cutter like I have that cuts up to 5" or maybe even 6" diameter pipe and it cuts perfect circle so much so that a friend of Mine was puting a long tail hydramatic 350 in an older camaro and brought driveshaft to Me to cut 3 or 4" I forget what the difference is I think 4". Anyway I cut a section out and He went back and welded the pieces together and that driveshaft was straight and had 0 Zero vibration. I bought the pipe cutter from Jc Whitney around 1996. Not sure who now but I imagine some retailer or online tool place has something like that. Good luck if You have'nt tried that yet and decide toi go that route.