Ford 8.8 axle
Encyclopedia
The Ford 8.8 is an automotive axle manufactured by Visteon
at the Sterling Axle Plant in Sterling Heights, MI. It was first used in model year 1983 Ford trucks. The axle was developed to replace the Ford 9-inch axle
. This is axle is still in production today for variety of Ford vehicles.
and Ford F-Series
. It was also used in the Ford SUV's until Independent suspension
replaced the solid axle. Ring, pinion and carrier all remained between the solid axle and independent rear suspension.
It was also used in the 1986 model year V-8 equipped Mustangs, replacing the weaker 7.5 rear end.
however the Ford SUV eventually adapted independent suspension in its Third generation Explorer and Second generation Expedition.
and Ford Expedition
and has been in use since. Third generation Ford Explorers used this in favor of the Dana 35
IFS, and the 8.8 was the only front end in the Ford Explorer Sport Trac
.
Visteon
Visteon is one of the world's largest suppliers of automotive parts. The company formed in 1997 and spun off from the Ford Motor Company in 2000. In 2005, Visteon moved to new headquarters in Van Buren Township, Michigan...
at the Sterling Axle Plant in Sterling Heights, MI. It was first used in model year 1983 Ford trucks. The axle was developed to replace the Ford 9-inch axle
Ford 9-inch axle
The Ford 9 inch is known as one of the most popular axles in automotive history. Ford ended its production in 1986 however aftermarket companies still produce this axle. The Ford 9 inch is a semi-floating, drop-out axle. It had a GAWR up to 3600 lbs...
. This is axle is still in production today for variety of Ford vehicles.
General Specifications
- Ring gear measures 8.8".
- 28 Spline axle shafts with a 1.29" diameter
- 31 Spline axle shafts with a 1.32" diameter
- Ratios:2.26, 3.08, 3.27, 3.45, 3.55, 3.73 & 4.10
8.8 Solid axle
Ford first used the 8.8 axle in 1983 model year trucks and is still in production for the Ford RangerFord Ranger
The Ford Ranger is a pickup truck produced by the Ford Motor Company. The "Ranger" name had previously been used for a premium styling package on the F-Series full-sized pickup trucks since 1965. The name was moved to this line of North American compact trucks for the 1983 model year.In North...
and Ford F-Series
Ford F-Series
The F-Series is a series of full-size pickup trucks from Ford Motor Company which has been sold continuously for over six decades. The most popular variant of the F-Series is the F-150...
. It was also used in the Ford SUV's until Independent suspension
Independent suspension
Independent suspension is a broad term for any automobile suspension system that allows each wheel on the same axle to move vertically independently of each other. This is contrasted with a beam axle, live axle or deDion axle system in which the wheels are linked – movement on one side affects...
replaced the solid axle. Ring, pinion and carrier all remained between the solid axle and independent rear suspension.
It was also used in the 1986 model year V-8 equipped Mustangs, replacing the weaker 7.5 rear end.
8.8 IRS
The 8.8 IRS first saw use in the 1989 model year Ford ThunderbirdFord Thunderbird (tenth generation)
On December 26, 1988 a completely redesigned Thunderbird was introduced as a 1989 model alongside its sister car, the Mercury Cougar. Developed on Ford's new MN12 platform, the new Thunderbird featured a more aerodynamic body that was slightly shorter in overall length relative to the 1988...
however the Ford SUV eventually adapted independent suspension in its Third generation Explorer and Second generation Expedition.
8.8 IFS
The 8.8 IFS first saw use in the model year 1997 Ford F-150Ford F-Series
The F-Series is a series of full-size pickup trucks from Ford Motor Company which has been sold continuously for over six decades. The most popular variant of the F-Series is the F-150...
and Ford Expedition
Ford Expedition
The Ford Expedition is a full-size SUV built by the Ford Motor Company. Introduced in 1997 as a replacement to the Ford Bronco, it was previously slotted between the smaller Ford Explorer and the larger Ford Excursion, but as of the 2005 model year, it is Ford's largest and last truck-based,...
and has been in use since. Third generation Ford Explorers used this in favor of the Dana 35
Dana 35
The Dana/Spicer Model 35 is an automotive axle manufactured by Dana Corp. since 1985 when American Motors sold its axle tooling equipment to Dana. The axle was originally named an AMC-15 when it was first made in 1962. Dana upgraded the axle, and made IFS and Twin Traction Beam front axle...
IFS, and the 8.8 was the only front end in the Ford Explorer Sport Trac
Ford Explorer Sport Trac
The Ford Explorer Sport Trac, also known just as the Ford Sport Trac, is a mid-size sport utility vehicle with a pickup truck bed that was sold mostly in North America. The Sport Trac was based on the Ford Ranger pickup and was built by the Ford Motor Company from 2000 to 2010. The pickup truck...
.
Common Applications
- 1986-Current Ford MustangFord MustangThe Ford Mustang is an automobile manufactured by the Ford Motor Company. It was initially based on the second generation North American Ford Falcon, a compact car. Introduced early on April 17, 1964, as a "1964½" model, the 1965 Mustang was the automaker's most successful launch since the Model A...
- 1982-2012 Ford F-150
- 1983-2011 Ford RangerFord RangerThe Ford Ranger is a pickup truck produced by the Ford Motor Company. The "Ranger" name had previously been used for a premium styling package on the F-Series full-sized pickup trucks since 1965. The name was moved to this line of North American compact trucks for the 1983 model year.In North...
- 1991-2001 Ford ExplorerFord ExplorerThe Ford Explorer is a sport-utility vehicle sold in North America and built by the Ford Motor Company since 1990, as a replacement for the smaller but related Ford Bronco II. It is manufactured in Chicago, Illinois...
(Solid axle)