Here's another 8.8" hybrid thread for you, but hopefully this project actually turns out unlike so many of the others I've seen.

So far, I have purchased a ford posi rebuild kit, a "master" 8.8" R&P install kit with all new Timken bearings. I'm trying to find my 8.8" housing and decide what ratio I want to run in it.

I'll try and keep everyone posted.

Ben T.

 

i'd just build a budget 9 inch it would be cheaper and easier. I've owned an 8.8.

 

More parts have been ordered, and the build will now certainly take place. Projected completion is by January 8th 2006.

I decided on some Motive 4.10:1 gears. I've been very patient with each purchase that I've made to keep cost held down. I'm using the best parts within the scope of keeping this project economically friendly. As in, I'm rebuilding the factory posi, and not just buying a, say, Eaton posi.

The 28-spline axles are being reused to keep cost down. All bearings will be changed. I have decided to run a solid pinion spacer instead of a crush sleeve, but I'm still learning what differences are required when setting up a solid sleeve.

Not sure why everyone knocks the 8.8". I'd imagine it's the torque arm mount, but there is atleast one way to very soundly mount the torque arm that involves no nodular-to-steel structural welds. My 8.8" will cost a fraction of what a 9" would cost.

I'll try to sort of keep everyone posted.

Ben T.

 

Honestly i don't think it will cost you much less. I had the exact same set up as you, 8.8 rebuilt Ford Posi, 28 spline original axles and i'm telling you for the same price i could of built a 9 inch with a used posi centersection and a moser housing ready to bolt on. You'll find out the hard way, trust me.

 

Can you quantify this statement? I couldn't buy a broken 9" for my projected cost. I'm guessing you paid for hourly fabrication?

Ben T.

 

I'm looking forward to seeing what you put together. Will you be able to take pictures along the way?
Are you using f body axles and axle tubes with the 8.8 center section?

 

I don't think I can disclose the torque arm mount, but the rest I can document with photographs.

Ben T.

 

How much do you think this will cost? how much are you actually going to Fab? Parts for a 9 inch are about the same as an 8.8 and just as easy to find.

 

Well, when you build an 8.8" you don't have to buy a $900 housing. Any fab work / welding will be free. If you have to pay a shop for welding/fabrication, then yes, it is not worth it to go to an 8.8"; however, if you're not out of pocket the money you save adds up.

I'm not going to state my costs until the end, but I'll be sure to follow up.

Ben T.

 

Well you can do welding and fab work to a 9inch as well and alot easier since the housing is steel instead of cast in the center. You can also buy a Torque Arm that just needs to be welded on to a 9 inch housing. The 9 inch beats the 8.8 in every way except for maybe the amount of differentials, but the fact you can change gears in about an hour is a major plus for the 9 inch.

 

Please keep your comments positive guys. This is not a debatable project. I'm trying to provide information for people interested in this conversion.

If have something negative to say, be professional and PM it to me. Don't put it in this thread especially when it's your opinion.

Thank you for understanding

Ben T.

 

I am keeping them positive. I'm not bashing the 8.8 i've owned one. I'm just saying when it comes to trying to build your own home built rear end the 9 inch has a lot more going for it. If you haven't noticed most of the posts on this board is all opinion. I've had the exact same setup you're trying to build and i'm trying to make it easier on you by saying just go with a 9 inch to start your build off with. I think a budget 9 inch could be built for about $1100 and thats with 31 spline axles, and never fabing anything up or setting up any gears, thats just bolting stuff together. I think it'll be hard to beat that price, when you compare the benefits and the saved labor.

 

I now have EVERY part excluding the 8.8" housing. I'm supposed to meet a guy tomorrow for one, but we all know how these things work out sometimes.

Progress is being made still.

Ben T.

 

Hey, I see you're in baton rouge, where are you going to try and find your housing?

 

What is the purpose of keeping us updated if you're not going to release info on the torque arm mount? That's the obstacle that everyone needs to overcome and youj're not going to share it? Pretty much anyone can do this conversion, it's the TA mount that causes the headaches.

Takes much more power to turn a 9" from what i'm told - they're also much heavier.

And, I believe the housing is 5 or $600 for a 9" - not $900 unless you're including the axles.