So I have a 1997 F150 2wd with an 8.8 3.55 rear end and I'm looking to upgrade it for the power the truck is making. I swapped in a 2016 mustang 5.0 and a tr6060 6 speed manual transmission. This is a lot more powerful than the 4.2 v6 I had in there before. I got the truck driving with a custom made driveshaft with 1350 u-joints. This is one size up from the 1330s that were on the old driveshaft. However recently the 1350 driveshaft flange connected to the differential broke and the driveshaft tore itself apart. The driveshaft is being remade but with bigger u-joints. (Like a 1410, 1480, or 1550) However these bigger u-joints wont fit on my differential. Hence why I'm going to do the swap plus I want a higher ratio to get better acceleration. My question is what, if any, rear axles would fit in my truck that would have that higher gear ratio and be able to fit the bigger flanges needed for the bigger u-joints? And are 1550 u-joints overkill?

 

The next size up is a 9.75".

 

What is the final drive ratio on the 9.75?

 

An 8.8 can take it unless you're running big *** tires. It weighs a LOT less too. 1330's can take it too. You can get just about any flavor ring and pinion you want in a 9.75.

 

how about using the 8.8 with the Cobra flange so it fits all the d/shaft flanges?

 

This is exactly what failed. It is a 1350 flange. Do you think this was just a fluke or do you think I need to go bigger?

 

Yeah if you guys think the 8.8 can take it then I'll keep it, It'll save me money and time. Honestly kinda like the fact that I can go 85 at 1500 rmp in 6th gear.

 

this here




https://www.cjponyparts.com/ford-rac...RoCpA4QAvD_BwE

 

The 8.8 is one tough unit. I know SEVERAL guys that put them in their hot rods, Jeeps, etc. because they take the abuse. A C-Clip eliminator kit is a good upgrade on them, but if you have rear disc.... I wouldn't worry about it.

 

That busted flange could be a fluke. Axle wrap can play hell on the rear joint area though.