axel options for 1996 F-150XL?
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Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2003
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axle options for 1996 F-150XL?
killing me not having posi in my 2 wheel drive truck when i pull my dads boat.
was wondering if i should just get a limited slip put into the 8.8 rearend i have now or should i go ahead and get a 9" since overkill is better than underkill?
can a 9" even be setup to fit underneath a 1996?
post everything you all can possibley think of regarding this subject.
thx
was wondering if i should just get a limited slip put into the 8.8 rearend i have now or should i go ahead and get a 9" since overkill is better than underkill?
can a 9" even be setup to fit underneath a 1996?
post everything you all can possibley think of regarding this subject.
thx
Last edited by combat; Nov 3, 2003 at 01:13 AM.
Senior Member
Joined: May 1999
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From: Copley, Ohio
Forget the 9". The 96 has the vehicle speed sensor built into the rear end. There's no way to retrofit it into a 9" without re-engineering the whole assembly. The 31-spline 8.8 is strong enough for what you want.
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 467
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From: California
Although I have never actually seen this kit, I was told by an employee at 4 wheel parts that there is a full-float axle conversion kit for the Ford 8.8" rear end. If this is true, throw a good LS in with this kit and there goes your overkill... 
BTW, how much does the boat/trailer weigh? This is most likely unnecassary if the boat is of reasonable size and weight. Unless you know for sure it's a ridiculous mismatch, why fix something that isn't broke? Just the addition of a LS doesn't warrant a complete axle swap unless you plan on really abusing this thing. Just my .02.
BTW, how much does the boat/trailer weigh? This is most likely unnecassary if the boat is of reasonable size and weight. Unless you know for sure it's a ridiculous mismatch, why fix something that isn't broke? Just the addition of a LS doesn't warrant a complete axle swap unless you plan on really abusing this thing. Just my .02.
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 467
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From: California
Is your truck a 2wd or a 4x4? Four thousand pounds is well within the capabilities of the 8.8" rear end. It should safely handle at least up to 7500 pounds. I'm thinking maybe an LS with some lower gears might be beneficial if you plan on towing often. I'm thinking at least 3.55, maybe 3.73 if you tow a lot for a 2wd, 3.73 or 4.10 if you have a 4x4 (this really depends on tire size). Just the mere presence of four wheel drive does not necessitate lower gear ratios on its own, but in general, people tend to run taller tires on 4x4's than on 2wd's. Adding taller tires is equivocal to running higher (numerically lower) gear ratios and so subsequent gear ratio changes will be necassary to ensure your vehicle is functioning in its optimum power curve, especially for the avid tower/off-roader/lead footer 