welded diff on Ford 8.8

[94rangeron35s]

what does everyone think about welding the diff on a ford 8.8 it will see the pavement quite a bit as it is still a street driver i drive it to silver lake and a few other places localy i am just curious how it will hold up as long as its welded good and everything is done right.
thanks
david

[chris1044]

for a DD - nope, I wouldn't do it. You're much better off spending the 3 bills on an aussie locker

[94rangeron35s]

its not a full on dd i only drive it basicly to the trails and maybe occasionaly to a trail run some place but i got a car i drive every day . so its not like i drive it every day of the week.

[Cooter]

I don't like spools, and like Lincoln Lockers even less.

That said, I had to get the TJ ready to lead for an event and set up a new carrier for the 8 3/4 by welding the diff- that was over 2 years ago, and I have put better than 20K mi on it, as a DD. I hate the way it turns, both on the street and on the trail, but it has held up. (I have been too lazy to pull the third and install a locker)

Make sure you weld it well- I welded the spiders together, and then to the carrier, which was much easier to do with the drop out third member that the 8 3/4 has. Put some serious heat into it and build some good welds where the spiders mesh, but make sure you will still be able to pull the axleshafts.

[Cooter]

Just looked at your username- if it is a Ranger on 35s, you will have some problems if you are running 28 spline axles.

[Haggar]

I like spools offroad, but I don't like it that much on the pavement.

Nothing better than being next to a cop, and my truck sounds like a seal getting clubbed around a turn... eeert--eeert-eeert--eerrt-errrtt.. as if it wasn't cop bait already...

[sodapop]

I use an aussie in my 8.8 and it's very nice (and cheap). Occasionally it will lock hard in a turn but for the most part it's relatively unnoticeable. I personally wouldn't lincoln lock and axle unless it was 1 ton and then I still don't think I would do it unless it was a temp solution like cooter was saying.

[94rangeron35s]

basicly it is going to be a temporary thing till i can save the money to buy a 31 spline explorer rear end with a locker or L/S. oh and how does the aussie actually work i mean what makes it lock up? ne pics or anything ?
thanks David

[Cooter]

With 28 splines and 35s, I would beware. All it takes is one break on the highway to ruin someone's life- prety sure that the '94 Ranger has drum brakes in the rear, so you won't have anything retaining the axle shaft if it breaks.

[chris1044]

Originally Posted by Cooter

With 28 splines and 35s, I would beware. All it takes is one break on the highway to ruin someone's life- prety sure that the '94 Ranger has drum brakes in the rear, so you won't have anything retaining the axle shaft if it breaks.

You would be correct.....

[Arnie897]

JCR welded up my Explorer's 8.8 a few years ago. It's still holding and it was a DD for probably 25k. You will go through tires FAST. I mean really fast...it's crazy. It's also slightly embarassing in the gas station and supermarket parking lots. Oh well.

I had ruined the Detroit Lunchbox EZ Locker that was in there before somehow. I have heard good things about the Aussie Lockers from the Explorer guys though.

[Arnie897]

[alboy79]

ive got a real good friend with a 94 F150 with 35in boggers on it... we welded up his 8.8 and his ttb and he drives it almost everyday... no poblems... he loves it off road. says it cant be beat for the price. hes a throttle jockey too so everything is hard and fast... held up just fine for him so far.

[Cooter]

except his 8.8 is is 31 spline- the rig in question has a 28 spline axle.

[94rangeron35s]

so your sayin it is safe and affective in a 31 spline axle such as an explorer axle? but it doesnt matter ne way i have found a posi for it i just have to go pick it up when i have time and the guy is home.

[Cooter]

I'm saying it is even less safe and effective with 28 spline axles, drum brakes, and 35s

[Level II Joey]

You could trying to find a FX4 Level II rear axle. It has drum brakes but it's 31 spline and comes stock with a Torsen LSD and 4.10 gears.

[chris1044]

Originally Posted by Level II Joey

You could trying to find a FX4 Level II rear axle. It has drum brakes but it's 31 spline and comes stock with a Torsen LSD and 4.10 gears.

big $$$$ & real rare - most the ppl know that the tosen units are big money

[B2BOMBER]

My 7.5 now has a welded "cheapthrill" spool. All though I did to speed up the breaking process...i cant fix it if it's not broke (7.5 8.8 swap after it breaks).

[busyfixin]

i would have welded it in a heartbeat. admittedly the 28 spline is kinda scary. i drove my commanche welded for about a year with ZERO complaints. i never had a problem turning of any sort. i welded the 8.8 in two of my buddys half tons and he daily drove both of them for about 2 yrs. also welded the 8.8 in my buddys bronco and he absolutly loves it. he beats it extremely hard and has never broken anything in the last 3 yrs.