I have a 2001 screw. 4.6. 4x4
I am looking to replace the rear end. I have a 8.8 355. I found one on a 97 super cab. The 97 also has a 8.8 355 but it has drum brakes and 17 inch wheels. I have 16 inch wheels and disc brakes. Also the 97 has a 5.4 engine. I've been reading that all 5.4's came with the 9.75.
So my question is can I just swap out the rear ends or does the drum brakes make it not possible?

 

If you are talking about changing the axle, differential, carrier, brakes and everything else from your 2001 with a unit that will come off a 1997, I would say, Don't do It. Why go from disk brakes to drum when you don't have to. Just get the proper replacement part.

If you are talking just the carrier, go to FordParts.com and see if the part number for both parts is the same. If the answer is yes, you can change out the carrier on your 2001 for the 1997. I would guess, however, that Ford made several improvements in axles and/or carriers from 97 to 2001 and the two are not interchangeable.

 

Thanks Frank. I decided to keep looking.

 

How about rebuilding it? I just went through a very rewarding rebuild on my 8.8 3.55 open diff. Changed out the open for a LSD carrier I picked up cheap. New gears bearings clutches etc. All new. Loving the new LSD and had learning all the procedures like pinion depth, backlash, and gear mesh. It's fun

 

that was my original plan but after reading about it I decided it might be beyond my abilities w/o the proper tools and time. So now I'm looking for a cheap/wrecked truck to replace mine and then rebuild it when I have the time.

 

The advantage ot the 9.75 is everything is heavier. If you plan to use the truck to tow or haul, that would be a nice upgrade. I had a 2005 and I changed from the 8.8 to the 9.75. Everything fit with no problems. They put discs on the 9.75's. You should be able to find the parts used. I think it would be easier and cheaper to convert the brakes than to rebuild a rear end.

 

This is mostly bad info, DON'T listen to that ^^^^...it'll cost yuh!

 

Cost in what way Jbrew?
I only use this truck for hunting and farm work so it doesn't get used all that often. It can sit till I find the right deal. I don't really tow much but haul firewood quite a bit, but it's done that just fine with that 8.8. As I'm looking for junked trucks the idea of a 5.4 coming with it that I could eventually put in my truck sounds good to me. But from what I've read if it has the 5.4 it'll have the 9.75. However the one I looked at had the 5.4 but an 8.8 open diff. With it not being LS and drum brakes I decided to pass.

 

For one, you'll need a d-shaft for that swap. That should be enough.

Personally, I don't see why you don't want the right parts ? Wait, you found a 5four truck with an 8.8 open...in the rear?

If your going for a torquey rear gear then yes, go with the 9.75. It not only handles more torque, - it delivers it. Drums or disks in the back make no difference to me, - there might be a few hurdles. The booster on that truck is meant for 4 wheel disc. It's about 1/3 larger than a drum brake booster. It could screw things up, - not sure, I would research it tho. You don't want the back brakes locking up before the front lol. But hell, yea you don't really need a brake line back there anyway..right? It's a woods truck, back brake lines would be just another thing that leaks if they get ripped off.

 

Yeah I would rather have an 8.8 rear end but having a 5.4 motor to swap in later is very enticing, especially since I'm finding these 'junk' trucks for not much more than a rear end!
Here's the one I looked at:
http://oklahomacity.craigslist.org/pts/4870173330.html
I would guess that's either not the original motor or rear diff in it. The odometer read zero.