Has anyone ever thought or even done a rear end swap with a built up 8.8 or 9? I would definetly think there would be some advantages to having a smaller and lighter weight rear end now that we got traction aids. The 8.8 would definetly be able to handle output of our trucks if they where built up.

 

I have big dreams I'll admit, but my long-term plans are to use a full-floating 9" rear with a pinion mounted parking brake and a worm-gear type diff(haven't researched that aspect too much yet).

I like the 9" because of the ease of swapping out gears, the strength of the unit, and it's weight.

Randy

 

An 8.8 would NOT be a good choice to put 700+ ft lbs of torque through. The costs to make it stout enough would be better spent on a built 9".

Rich

 

The pinion/flange comes out lower on a 9".
If you want ABS on the rear, the exchange needs toner ring capability.
Just a couple of factors to consider.