Was wondering if there is a way to install a posi /LS in the front axle assembly of my 4x4.Its a 2002 150 7700 serires and if so who would have the kits desired
Thanks
Rus

 

Good luck. Very few companies make any LS or locker or anything for a reverse rotation 27 spline 8.8. I think I've heard of a Lockrite for them and maybe an ARB but thats about it. Haven't heard of anyone making a LS for them. A locker is not really a good idea as it will tear apart the axle faster than if its not locked. Thats the advantage of the ARB, you have an open diff until such time as you need it, then you can lock it in. Only problem you're looking at $800 for the ARB and compressor.

 

rus,

I believe that if you put a locker in the front you will spin the front driveshaft. With an open diff the spider gears can walk around but with an LS they will lock and spin the ring gear and the driveshaft.
Your fuel economy will suffer. As PS mentioned a part time locker is the best route.

PS73,

Are you sure the spline count is only 28 in front? What a pos. Of coarse, the CV joint gives out well before an axle snaps.

JMC

 

Axles
Remember, the spline count is not always an indication of strength. There is much more to it than that. The axle and gear
advertisements have left a false impression about spline count
and axle size/strength. The axle spline count on the 8.8 IFS is 28.

Pinions
The 8.8 in the front of the F150 has a 1.625" pinion with 30 splines. The dana 44 has a pinion diameter of 1.375" and 26 splines on the pinion.
Hardly a POS

I race f150's and can tell you from personal experience the 8.8
IFS can take a hell of a beating. The dana 44 is not as tough.
The last dana 44 I used had 31 spline axles and broke often.
The 28 on the 8.8 IFS have broken rarely. The CV joints I
use are of upgraded steel and are a slightly different design.
There is also reinforcement around the cups.

 

Crusher,

What type of racing do you do? What is the rated engine HP & torque? And most important, where do you get the CV joints?


JMC

 

offroad 4x4 class. amatuer
The engine is a modified 5.4 Over 500 HP and TQ
The CV's were picked out of a Dana catalog.(I think)
and then modified by me. Some guys use Porsche
CV joints

For testing purposes I left the rear driveshaft off so that the
front 8.8 would get all the power. No failures!

Remember
The 8.8 IFS only handles the engine power and does not
have to deal with the weight of the truck.

 

Forgot to mention the new Mustang has 35 spline rear halfshafts
and super strong CV's for its IRS.
I am doing some research on parts interchange.

 

Crusher,

I agree that in fast pace fly over hills it might not. When you are trail riding the torque that gets put to the front end many times has the full weight of the truck on it. I have blown out three 8.8 rears and now I have a 9.75. I do not trust the 8.8 in the rear so I transfered this fear to the front 8.8. It may be strong enough and it may not. I have yet to destroy a front 8.8 and after reading your post I may not. When the weight of the truck does in fact get transfered to the front the first thing to go is the CV joint. You can always remove them and limp back out. I much perfer this to a destroyed differential. Let me know about the Mustang CVs.

regards

Jean Marc Chartier

 

The 8.8 differential is plenty strong, its always been the CV joints that been the weak spot. Until now I have thought of the idea of using 1ton Chevy CVs but have not yet tried that idea. If the mustang CV idea would work it would be a good conversion for guys with 36"+ tires. Now if you could only keep the suspension bushings and steering bushing from going out. My 35s have managed to destroy mine