Does anybody know what the lowest gear ratio Ford offered for the 97+ 8.8 axle? I am looking at doing an axle swap rather than a gear swap because it probably would be cheaper. I would prefer 4.10's/4.11's. -Thanks

 

Well, I worked at a ford dealer on differentials and the gear ratios available in the 8.8 for a truck are either 3.08 or 3.55's. i believe you may be able to get 3.73 in the 9.75 rear end which comes on 5.4L trucks with fx4 package but I am not certain about that. I do know that none of them came with 4.10 or anything close to that. Hope the info helps!!!

 

I have the 9.75 and i have 3.73. I dont know about the 8.8 but i think the lowest would be 3.55

 

I could be wrong, but wasn't the 4.10 available on 7700# package?

 

When I ordered my 98 the lowest I could get was 3.55.

 

I have seen Ford trucks with 8.8" and 4.10 rears. The after market is full of gear sets for the 8.8" at 4.10 and lower. I think it would be cheaper to swap gears vice a whole rear end. Just remember, if you do either, you will have to change the transmission speed gearing as well.

 

Well, the lowest I've been quoted by an off-road shop is $720 parts and labor. I have a friend that I can get axles from for cheaper than that. I was just curious.

 

My 99 7700lbs. came with the 10.25 and 4:30s. The 9.75 can get the 4:10s but no lower.......

 

All I got to say is, if you are going to swap it with a used rear, make sure you take it to a good mechanic with expertise in rearends. You don't want to take just anyone's word on the condition of the one you are buying. You need to check the seals, axle bearings, wheel bearings, the condition of the posi unit if so equiped, the condition of the ring and pinion and the brakes. I would hate to buy a rear that needs a complete rebuild, because you will spend even more money on it than an aftermarket set of gears.

P.S- Recommend staying away from Richmond Gears, and I think that price quote is a bit high. I've had gears and posi's put in for just over $450...but then again, that was older rears with conventional oil.

Good luck.