Anyone have information as to what type of axles are being used in '04 4x4's? Does the Snow Plow Prep package only include spring upgrades and not a heavier duty front axle?

Part of the reason I ask is Ford did some goofy stuff when they introduced the SuperDuty in '99. They initially used a Dana 50 frontend standard on 4x4's, probably attempting to reduce weight. They later went ahead and changed this to the tried-and-true Dana 60, I think in '02. Also, the OEM, non-serviceable “live” spindle (a.k.a. unit bearing) is extremely expensive to replace on these frontends.

 

by looking in the service manual, it looks like its a 8.8" axle solidly mounted with cv axles like the current f150s.

 

if it's just a continuation of the '96 & up 8.8" Reverse IFS that would great. That means aftermarket gearsets (4.10,4.56,etc) are already available. FYI, this frontend has an 8.8" ring gear (obviously) with 1.626" pinion 30 spline.

So is the rearend the 9.75" Sterling?