I'm about to start rebuilding a 8.8 from my Bronco. I've seen articles where people swap out the 8.8 for a 9 or 9.75.

I have a few questions for anyone who would actually KNOW and not be guessing here. (Quintin, you still around?)

With the anti-lock brakes, is there even a generation of 9s that are compatible?

If I swapped in a 9.75, are the 5 lug versions that Ford used the same lug spacing as the 96 and older?

Are any of you aware of any major problems I would face by not using the 8.8?

I like the 3.55 gearing, so I'm not looking to change to anything taller. I just don't like how finicky the 8.8 is with the shim spacing and the crush sleeve preload. This beast sees more highway than offroad so I don't need it to be bullet proof either.

Thanks.

 

As far as the ABS goes I don't know any 9" with a exciter ring to allow the ABS to function. There are plenty of 9.75" but with the money you would have in chopping the tubes and getting axles made you would be much better keeping the 8.8". If you aren't planning on being hard on the bronc why are you contemplating tossing the 8.8"?

 

Josh,

The only reason I'm thinking about ditching the 8.8 is because of others telling me I should. I know what a pig they are to rebuild as well, but that's why I'll be getting an extra crush sleeve as well.

At one time, I was going to swap in some F350 drive train and other goofy stuff just to kill some boredom, but now I want my wife to drive the Bronco for the Winter, so the 8.8 would be fine.

Thanks for the reply, and I will probably just go ahead with the 8.8 rebuild.