I have a '97 f150 with an 8.8 rear. Im looking for something that i can put in there to replace my destroyed rear. Like what different years are compatible, maybe i could find a rear out of a newer vehicle. would be really cool if i could put a rear in there with disc brakes or some thing.

 

I may be wrong but I think you could put a 9.75 rear in there out of any 97-03 with a 5.4. And mine has disk brakes. You will probably have to change some brake lines and fittings in order to get the brakes to fit, but unless I'm mistaken, the rearend should be a direct swap. Good luck.--DIY

 

You have disc brakes? what year truck do u have? Rear discs would be really cool to have.

 

It's a '99 XLT, SCAB with the 5.4L and factory towing package. I'm pretty sure the disk brakes were equipment standard on a truck like mine so you shouldn't have too much trouble finding a rear end with what you're looking for.

If your truck is a 4x4 just make sure you get a rear end with the same axle ratio or you'll be buying a set of gears too.--DIY

 

Yeah do they have that in an 8.8 that you know of? So could i use any rear from '97-'03 as long as gear ratio matches?

 

Not sure if the disk brakes were available on the 8.8. Honestly, I would think seriously about upgrading to the 9.75 anyway. It's a much stronger unit and you might as well get a complete unit from a junkyard while you're at it. Rather than messing with converting your existing axle to disk brakes, why not just but a 9.75 with the disk brakes on it already and then swap it in? Seems to me like it would be easier to do.--DIY

 

Yeah ur absolutly right, so can i get all the same aftermarket parts as the 8.8? With the 9.75 rear can i use any year from '97 to like '03?

 

Also are the 9.75 rears the same width as the 8.8 thats currently in my truck?

 

As for aftermarket parts, yes they have about the same selection of parts.

As for the width, I'm almost sure they are the same width. The V6 trucks and the 4.6 V8s got the 8.8 and the 5.4's got the biogger 9.75 rears. So it would serve to reason that they are the same width. You'd want to check for sure since I've never actually attempted this swap. Not sure of the specifics, but if you attempt it you might want to do a write-up on it for future users to reference.--DIY

 

Here are a couple of threads for you to look at.

https://www.f150online.com/forums/sh...ad.php?t=10211

At least this one answers the width question--
https://www.f150online.com/forums/ar.../t-186407.html

I've been searching for 30minutes now and I still haven't found one that was actually done.--DIY

 

Wow i almost feel like doing the switch just for reference for everyone, We'll see what happens.

 

Sounds like switching it out can get a little tricky according to the links you gave me. With all the ABS, Master cyl, and what ever.

 

Expeditions have rear discs on an 8.8 axle? I wonder if that axle is the same width. Also wonder if that switch would be easier than the 9.75 switch.

 

For the record, my 02 8.8 has disc brakes. Any 8.8 or 9.75 should be a direct swap. I've considered doing this switch many times, but have never been motivated enough to actually do it. The 9.75 is a much stronger unit and in my opinion should be standard on ALL F-150s. You need to be ABSOLUTELY sure that the gear ratio is the same. If they're different you will likely be buying more than a new set of gears. More like a new transfer case. Good luck.

 

Well i think i may do the switch, on monday i will call around to see what i can find. I was also wondering if the springs, u-joints, driveline, and u-bolts are the same. I should be able to clear the disc brakes with a 16" wheel right?