June 2015 Techline - Your 4x4 Tech Questions Answered - Four Wheeler Network
Most of these 1?2-ton TTB trucks have the Ford 8. 8-inch rear axle. A good rear axle swap for the ’87-’96 Bronco and F-150 with an 8. 8-inch is the Ford 9-inch that can be found in ’74-’86 Ford 1?2-tons and Broncos. The Camper Special, 4x4, and ’80-’86 Ford 9-inch axles are more desirable because they have 31-spline axleshafts. The ’74-’86 truck and Bronco Ford 9-inch has many admirable qualities. All of these axles utilize a large Timken Set 20 bearing on the axle ends. This bearing is pretty much the aftermarket axle industry standard when it comes to flanged axles. Another advantage is that you could conceivably upgrade any of these Ford 9-inch axlehousings with 35- or 40-spline axleshafts using completely bolt-on parts. Another cool and unusual feature of the ’74-’86 Ford 9-inch is that the right and left axleshafts are the same length. If you are looking to match a widened TTB axle assembly, consider swapping in a 9-inch from a ’70s to ’80s Ford van. These axles are about 68 inches wide, versus the typical truck and Bronco Ford 9-inch width of 65 inches. Most Ford vans have 31-spline axleshafts. Source: www.fourwheeler.com
