I have a 97 f150 and am wanting to swap from a 8.8 with 3.55 to 9.75 with 3.73. I also want to use the springs from the 9.75, mine are warped on the drivers side. My major question is will it bolt up with the stock ride height with out having the drive shaft shortened. I am taking it from a 97-98 extended cab and putting it under a 97 extended cab. I have read up on it and am getting mixed opinions. I have also read the parking break has to be altered to fit. Is this true? Any people that have done the swap's experience is appreciated. Also are the springs the same length/ width. Will they fit in my hangers. Thank you for any help you can give. I know I have to regear the front so no need to inform me. Thanks again, Have a blessed day.

 

You wouldn't "have to" swap the front. 3.55 is 95.17% of 3.73, so if your front tires are 95.17% as tall as your rear tires, things will even out as well as 3.73s at both ends and same size tires .... no joking. Say you run 34s on the rear with 3.73s .... 34 X .9517 = 32.35" tall front tires with 3.55s.

That's closer than my stock geared '77, it has 3.50 in rear and 3.54 in front and same size tires .... 31/10.50-15.