size of rear end
#2
8.8 refers to the diameter of the ring gear in the differential. I hope that is the information that you were looking for. The 8.8" in your truck is rated to support 3800 lbs. That includes cargo as well as the weight of the truck and fuel. Since a new F150 weighs about 4300 lbs, you can see why you are limited to a cargo load of 1700 lbs.