building my own front diff. Ford 8.8 LSD

[asand]

Ive ordered some 1.25 x 2.25 bearings and seals to reuse the 8.8 housing ends. Thinking about going 4.30:1 rather than 4.11.

 

[asand]

Bearings arrived today, they're a real close interference fit that i can barely but on by hand. After the seals arrive I'll start cutting the housing.

 

[asand]

U-joint companion flange arrived today, the included u-joint did not fit the drive shaft. Tomorrow I will go to Oreilys to pick up a Spicer 5-1204X (1.06 & 1.125 dia caps x 3.63 crosses, aka 1330SPEC or 1330 Ford)

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[89Suburban]

Wholley sheet, cool

 

[swathdiver]

It's a known weak component and not much (if anything?) in the way of aftermarket upgrades available.

I've been a member of three truck forums for about 8 years and rarely see front differential problems other than actuators.

TahoeOverlanding on here and Youtube does solid axle conversions and even offers financing for the parts according to the title of his latest video.

 

[asand]

Picked up the u-joimt after work today and got the driveshaft put together. It will probably need to be shortened but i'll cross that bridge when i get to it, IF this even works out.

 

[asand]

I've been a member of three truck forums for about 8 years and rarely see front differential problems other than actuators.

TahoeOverlanding on here and Youtube does solid axle conversions and even offers financing for the parts according to the title of his latest video.

Ive seen him on youtube. If i did a SAS it would have locking hubs and no CAD. CAD with an LSD will still spin the driveline down the highway so kinda pointless.

 

[justirv]

I've been a member of three truck forums for about 8 years and rarely see front differential problems other than actuators.

TahoeOverlanding on here and Youtube does solid axle conversions and even offers financing for the parts according to the title of his latest video.

Thanks @swathdiver, I agree that the stock front diffs are fine in that OEM form, as an open diff, with actuators being the problem area. My comment was from my understanding that aftermarket LSD's and Lockers are not available because the 8.25 housing can't handle the added stress. I can't cite any references, just info that I've gleaned since I purchased my '02 Z71 new. An SAS is definitely a solid solution (haha), but not as simple as changing out and upgrading the pumpkin innards like one can do with most any other diffs.

 

[asand]

Making some progress.

 

[asand]

Have a long way to go grinding. Need another 1/2" or so.