Is the 8.8 a better rear than the 9"

[Nashty]

Seems some of the Ford camp thinks the 8.8 is just as strong and takes less power to churn.

Any opinions here?

I've got a line on a disc brake one for $150.

 

[GNVAIR]

The 8.8 is as strong as the 8.5 in our cars. Anyway you cut it, the 9 inch is a very strong rear. What were you thinking of doing?

 

[Jon01]

I don't know that I'd say it's stronger, but it is a pretty tough unit. There's quite a few guys in Mustangs that are running some good times with those rearends under there.
Yeah, what are you planning on?

 

[UNGN]

You need to replace the stock axles. They will break in the low thirteens with slicks and a large launch. I've seen that happen too many times to count. You'd have to replace them anyway for the correct lug pattern so its no big deal.

 

[REDS HOT AIR]

internally the 8.8 rear is just like our 8.5...even carry alot of the same parts.. the main difference is the ring gear has longer cut teeth which gives it its 8.8"diameter v/s our 8.5

so the ONLY thing that would be stronger in it v/s ours is the ring gear itself which you can buy stronger gears for the 8.5 and they'd be even.

 

[pwrhws]

I have abused many a 8.8. They are a very stout unit.
The axles are very weak in stock form.
Depending on the application each has an advantage (8.8 9in or 8.5). If you go to c-clip elims, then you probably want to go to 9in housing ends on any of them. That will prevent damage from long term usage.

The pinion is located much lower in the 9, that is one of the things that make them so strong, At the cost of efficiency.

If I remember correctly the 12 bolt has an 8.75 ring gear.