8.8 r & p swap experiences

[vector1]

thinking of swaping r & p out of irs 8.8 and was wondering who has tried this and their experiences, wouldn't do this again, or have a beer and let someone else do it. going from 3.73 to 4.10 by the way if it is done.

[jams]

I would have someone else do it. From what I have seen, it is not that difficult but there are a lot of things to take into account...tight tolerances, preload, pressing bearings on and off.

You might think everything went well, then you hear the whine of the gears on the highway or you burn up a set.

I would not go it alone. Experience helps with this one. I was thinking of making a swap as well. I would consider it money well spent having someone else do it with added piece of mind.

Could be an expensive learning curve.

My 2 cents- given the current economic conditions it is only worth a 1/2 cent.

[jdean]

Take out the whole pumpkin and drop it off at a reputable shop. Tolerances are close and critical. If you took all the time to do it right, not having a lot of experience with it, you would wish you let someone else do it. Not to mention the peace of mind down the road.

[vector1]

anybody around the kansas city area do this work?

[joyridin']

Is it a lot different than a solid axle 8.8?

[vector1]

Originally Posted by joyridin'

Is it a lot different than a solid axle 8.8?

i know the gears are different, otherwise ? i've never been inside to know.

i have changed the r & p in a quick change and a 10" s10 rear with what appears to be success, was wondering about the 8.8 irs and if it was too difficult.

[jdean]

I've had both 8.8 solid and IRS. There is zero difference internally.

[blykins]

There are no differences between the 8.8 IRS and the 8.8 solid axle as far as gears, differentials, bearings, etc. The only difference are the keepers in the sides to hold the half-shafts in.

I've done several 8.8's....solid axle only. To me, the IRS seems like it would be 10 times easier since you can pull the center section out and set it on your work bench.

If you've done other gear installs....go for it.

[joyridin']

I've done a few solid axle versions and they were simple. You'll need a good dial indicator and some patience, but not hard to set-up.

99% of the time I've been able to use the same shim on the pinion gear and the backlash has come out correct.

[vector1]

with limited net reading i thought the gears were different between the solid and irs, something about a bevel on one and not the other.

i mailed with richard and he felt 4.10 would be a bit much and provided information on the chassis that indicated 3.73 would be more appropriate. i'm going to run the 3.73 for a while and maybe later reconsider.

thanks for the input.

[tboneheller]

Originally Posted by jdean

I've had both 8.8 solid and IRS. There is zero difference internally.

The axle gears are different, but you won't be changing those. You are supposed to you a case spreader when remove/install the carrier. I have done thousands of these over the years without one when I worked for Ford. Buy a good quality gear set & do it right the first time. I have not had good results from the stuff from Richmond Gear (make noise). Get a factory Ford or Ford Racing set.

[Rick Parker]

tboneheller makes a good point, the Ford OEM gears are intended to be used for street usage and have whatever minute machining differences to make them quiet, AND they have a different heat treat process. Richmond, Zoom and others are primarily race gears and although they may be less expensive in some cases they often times will be a compromise with regard to longevity and noise. However, if you can hear a properly setup rear end in a Cobra, your muffler cores are TOOOOO small.