When it comes to upgrading the rear end of your Ford vehicle, there are two popular options that you may have come across: the Ford 8.8 and the Ford 9 inch. Both of these rear ends have their own strengths and weaknesses, and the choice between the two will ultimately come down to your specific needs and driving preferences.
In this article, we will compare the ford 8.8 vs 9 inch rear ends to help you make an informed decision on which one is best for you.
Contents
- 1 What is a Rear Differential?
- 2 Overview of the Ford 8.8 and Ford 9 Inch Rear Ends
- 3 Key Features of Ford 8.8 Rear End
- 4 Pros of Ford 8.8 Rear End
- 5 Cons of Ford 8.8 Rear End
- 6 Key Features of Ford 9 Inch Rear End
- 7 Pros of Ford 9 Inch Rear End
- 8 Cons of Ford 9 Inch Rear End
- 9 Which One is Best for You?
- 10 Comparison Table: Ford 8.8 vs 9 Inch Rear End
- 11 Relevant FAQs about Ford 8.8 vs 9 Inch
- 12 Conclusion
What is a Rear Differential?
A rear differential is a device that transfers power from the engine to the wheels of your vehicle. It is an essential component of your vehicle’s drivetrain that allows your wheels to rotate at different speeds. The differential also allows your vehicle to make turns without the wheels skidding or slipping.
Overview of the Ford 8.8 and Ford 9 Inch Rear Ends
The Ford 8.8 is a widely used rear end that can be found in a variety of Ford vehicles, including the Mustang and the F-150. It is known for its strength and durability, making it a popular choice for performance enthusiasts. The Ford 8.8 is also relatively lightweight, making it a good choice for drag racing applications.
The Ford 9 inch is another popular option, known for its strength and durability. It is also commonly found in Ford vehicles and is a popular choice for drag racing and high-performance applications. The Ford 9 inch is heavier than the 8.8, but it has a larger ring and pinion and a stronger housing.
Key Features of Ford 8.8 Rear End
The Ford 8.8 rear end is a popular choice for car enthusiasts due to its strength and durability. Here are some key features of the Ford 8.8 rear end:
- Ring and Pinion Size: The Ford 8.8 rear end has an 8.8-inch ring gear diameter, making it slightly smaller than the 9-inch rear end.
- Weight: The Ford 8.8 rear end is lighter in weight than the 9-inch rear end.
- Strength: The Ford 8.8 rear end is known for its strength and durability. It can handle up to 400 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque.
- Availability: The Ford 8.8 rear end is widely available and can be found in many Ford vehicles such as the Mustang, Thunderbird, and Ranger.
Pros of Ford 8.8 Rear End
- Cost-effective: The Ford 8.8 rear end is more affordable than the 9-inch rear end.
- Availability of Parts: Since the Ford 8.8 rear end is widely used, it’s easier to find parts and aftermarket upgrades.
- Strength: The Ford 8.8 rear end can handle a considerable amount of power, making it suitable for drag racing and performance vehicles.
Cons of Ford 8.8 Rear End
- Limited Gear Ratio Options: The Ford 8.8 rear end has limited gear ratio options compared to the 9-inch rear end.
- Smaller Ring Gear: The Ford 8.8 rear end has a smaller ring gear compared to the 9-inch rear end, which affects its overall strength.
Key Features of Ford 9 Inch Rear End
The Ford 9-inch rear end is known for its strength and durability. It has been a popular choice for drag racing and high-performance vehicles for many years. Here are some key features of the Ford 9-inch rear end:
- Ring and Pinion Size: The Ford 9-inch rear end has a larger ring gear diameter of 9 inches, making it slightly larger than the 8.8-inch rear end.
- Weight: The Ford 9-inch rear end is heavier in weight than the 8.8-inch rear end.
- Strength: The Ford 9-inch rear end is known for its strength and durability. It can handle up to 1,000 horsepower and 1,000 lb-ft of torque.
- Limited Slip Differential: The Ford 9-inch rear end is available with a limited-slip differential, which provides better traction and stability.
Pros of Ford 9 Inch Rear End
- Strength: The Ford 9-inch rear end is known for its strength and durability, making it a popular choice for high-performance vehicles and drag racing.
- Large Ring Gear: The Ford 9-inch rear end has a larger ring gear than the 8.8, which adds to its overall strength and durability.
- Customizable Gear Ratio: The Ford 9-inch rear end can be easily customized to fit different gear ratios, making it a versatile option for drag racing and other high-performance applications.
Cons of Ford 9 Inch Rear End
- Cost: The Ford 9-inch rear end is more expensive than the 8.8 rear ends.
- Availability: The Ford 9-inch rear end is less widely used and may be harder to find parts and aftermarket upgrades.
Which One is Best for You?
Choosing between the Ford 8.8 and 9-inch rear ends ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a cost-effective option that can handle moderate power levels, the Ford 8.8 rear end is a solid choice. It’s also a good option if you’re looking for easy-to-find parts and aftermarket upgrades.
However, if you’re looking for the ultimate in strength and durability and plan to build a high-performance vehicle, the Ford 9-inch rear end is the way to go. Its larger ring gear and customizable gear ratios make it a versatile option for drag racing and other high-performance applications.
Comparison Table: Ford 8.8 vs 9 Inch Rear End
| Features | Ford 8.8 Rear End | Ford 9 Inch Rear End |
| Ring and Pinion Size | 8.8 inches | 9 inches |
| Axle shaft diameter | 31 spline | 28 or 31 spline |
| Housing | One-piece design | Three-piece design |
| Weight | 135-150 pounds | 170-190 pounds |
| Strength | Up to 400 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque | Up to 1,000 hp and 1,000 lb-ft of torque |
| Gear Ratio Options | Limited | Customizable |
| Availability of Parts | Widely Available | Less Widely Available |
| Cost | More Affordable | More Expensive |
Relevant FAQs about Ford 8.8 vs 9 Inch
Q: What is the difference between the Ford 8.8 and 9-inch rear ends?
A: The main difference is the size of the ring and pinion, with the 9-inch being larger and stronger. The 8.8 is lighter and more cost-effective.
Q: What vehicles come with a Ford 8.8 rear end?
A: Many Ford vehicles such as the Mustang, Thunderbird, and Ranger come with the Ford 8.8 rear end.
Q: What vehicles come with a Ford 9-inch rear end?
A: The Ford 9-inch rear end was primarily used in Ford trucks, but it was also used in some high-performance vehicles.
Q: Which rear end is better for drag racing?
A: The Ford 9-inch rear end is typically considered the better option for drag racing due to its strength and customizable gear ratios.
Q: Which rear end is more cost-effective?
A: The Ford 8.8 rear end is generally more cost-effective than the Ford 9-inch rear end.
Q: Can you install a Ford 9-inch rear end in a vehicle that originally came with a Ford 8.8 rear end?
A: Yes, it is possible to install a Ford 9-inch rear end in a vehicle that originally came with a Ford 8.8 rear end, but it may require additional modifications to fit properly.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the ford 8.8 vs 9 inch rear ends both have their pros and cons, and the choice ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a cost-effective option that can handle moderate power levels, the Ford 8.8 rear end is a solid choice. However, if you’re looking for the ultimate in strength and durability and plan to build a high-performance vehicle, the Ford 9-inch rear end is the way to go. Regardless of your choice, both rear ends have been used successfully in a variety of applications and can be upgraded to handle more power if necessary.