Hey guys I am finally getting ready to continue my buildup and have a couple questions. I have a 96 f150 standard cab short box with a 6 inch lift, 4r70w tranny and 5.0L. I am still running the TTB front end, and have a 10 bolt 8.8 in the rear. I plan on regearing the axles with 4.88's so I can run 37's. (3 inch body lift on the way) I am wondering if these axles are going to hold up to any abuse, or if I will be constantly repairing them. I am shafted on the front set up as I do not want to SAS it yet. If I get a 2 inch leveling kit and get some new rear leafs, do you think 38's would tuck with some minor front fender trimming/bumper mods?

Any help would be appreciated! P.S I am planning on running iterco Irok radials.

 

the 8.8 is a POS axle that will not hold up to much abuse. i would not go through the expense of regearing it to have it pop. look into swapping either a 9'' or a 9.75 in the rear.

 

Hmm, sounds like that may be just what I will do then. I have heard a few people say it can take some mild abuse, however I am sure it is better to just solidify it now.

 

just buy either a 9'' or a 9.75'', regear it, bolt it in, and sell the 8.8 back to the junkyard. you really won't have too much extra tied into axles that way.

 

yeah those axle sucks...35's are pushing the envelope. not to mention the balljoints are gonna wear out real quick....if it was mine, find axles off a f350 of the same year and get all the brackets and stuff or find a older 73-79 f150 and keep the coils up front, thats an easy swap.

 

Actually they are pretty decent 1/2 ton axles up to 35s. But not for 37s. They are 100 times better than a GM 10 bolt 1/2 ton axle.

The 9" is only slightly better so I would not waste my time on that. They have there place as a good axle but not really for big tires.

With the 9.75 you will have a different bolt pattern. You could get custom axle shafts though.

If you are planning on building it right and keeping it a long time I would put a 14 bolt full floater, then upgrade later to a D60 in the front to make your lug pattern match.

 

Yeah I am going to have to really think this through. I need to keep my costs reasonable, and it seems like I may be stepping my boundaries. The thought of SAS the truck now hurts as I just spent the money to have it lifted. I wish I had of read more into the TTB prior to lifting it. What sort of abuse can the front TTB withstand if upgraded with chromoly shafts and 37's?