I was looking for a bigger rear differential for my lightining swap and I have been told to get a 9.75 diff. however in looking for one I found one off of a 2000 f150 that is 10.25" ring gear and I was wandering if I could use that one on my truck also when i get it would I have to change my front 8.8 to a 10.25 and also since it is a 3.73 I would have to change my front to a 3.73 reverse cut right.

 

You would not have to change your front to a 10.25 dif. it can stay at 8.8, but if your front end is not geared the same as the rear that is where you will run into problems. So yes you will have to switch to 3.73's up front if that is what the rear is. And yes you do need a reverse cut gear for the front.

 

you realize that the 10.25 is a seven lug, correct? you won't be able to rotate tires, and will need two new wheels as well!

 

good point, I never even thought about that! You will definitely want to go with a 9.75 instead. Unless you feel like swapping out both axles for 7 lug axles.

 

I think you could probably stick with the 8.8 up front too...as long as the gearing matches what you put in the rear end. If you're changing gears, just regear the front diff to match.

 

just my opinion, but i think a truck would look odd as sh*t with a five lug and a seven lug axle.

 

hmm good point I did not know that it was a seven lug I better just get a 9.75

 

I would go that route to personally. But if you go with the 9.75 you will only have to re-gear the front dif to match the rear and you will be just fine.

 

also another thing will four disk brakes be neccisary(is it an easy swap ie plug and play) or can I just stick with drums

 

some early 9.75's came stock w/ drums, while others came w/ discs. it depends on the individual axle you purchase. if possible, i would convert to discs in your situation, but there is some extra work involved. ssj4shane did a swap to a 9.75 w/ discs, i think.

 

i'll probably wind up doing a little more research to see how much work it is gonna be to switch to disk brakes like what would be required parts wise