so i want to change gears. im 4wd. so i know i need front and rear. my question is are the ring and pinion diff for front and rear. i have been searching and my 97 has 8.8 front and rear right??? i know it does rear. so when i buy gears do i just get any 8.8 as long as they are the right spline. some one drop the basics down for me please

 

Difference depends on your setup. Do you have a 4.6 or 5.4L engine?

Your front axle is a 28 spline 8.8 Ford IFS w/ CV axleshafts with a Reverse cut ring and pinion

Rear is either a 31 spline 8.8 Ford axle if you have a 4.6L, or 34 long spline Ford 9.75.

You can also check the axle tag on the differential to get a more accurate reading

THe spline count on the axles only comes into effect if you are buying a new differential such as LS or locker. Just make sure the gears are the right size.

 

tnsilver- so buying ring and pinion i just have to buy a reverse cut and a regular cut. i have a 4.6 and the 8.8.

 

Yep. Pick your ratio and buy the same ratio for both sets. Your front ring and pinion will be a Ford 8.8 Reverse Cut 4.xx ratio. Your rear ring and pinion will be a Ford 8.8 4.xx ratio. The cut (or direction, clockwise in rear and counterclockwise in front, I think) of the gear teeth will be the only difference for you. They will be identical parts with the tooth patterns cut in opposing directions. In addition to the ring and pinion sets, you will need master install kits for both axles (Ford 8.8 Master Install, around $100, should be cheaper tough), and gear oil. The only other charge for you would be labor unless you are doing this yourself. You need about $500 worth of tools, extensive knowledge of drivetrains, and some time. I would suggest you shop around and find a reputable shop.

Let me know if I can help in any other way. I did alot of research on this before I did mine.