I apologize if this thread already exists . . .I could not find it.
1996 F-150, 4.9L, wanting to convert to rear disc, (lsd/ posi would be nice too).
I would prefer using factory stuff, if that's an option.
Not really wanting to get into narrowing, hopefully a drop-in.
Has anyone swapped a '99-'12 F150 rear into a '96 model?
ALSO, my diff tag shows a 2.73 gear, all the info I've read states the 8.8's were geared @ 3.08 & up.
Could it really have a 2.73?
Anyone swapped to a different gear w/ good results, mine is 2wd & I plan to stay with stock-ish tire diameters.
Thanks in advance,

 

> Could it really have a 2.73?

Posting a picture of the diff. cover would help. Pus, a picture of the tag or list all the numbers.

People do not tend to swap axles from later models because of different bolt patterns (now need two spare tires) and are hub centric, among other things.

https://www.rusticdiscbrakes.com/ford-truck-rear

https://charpindustries.com/product-...ke-conversion/

 

[img alt="a little hard to read but:
S842M 2 73 88 6C11
"]https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.f150forum.com-vbulletin/2000x1504/rr_diff_tag_b7a735d4de4ea31e2e51fe668cdcf6908da9c5 df.jpg[/img]
a little hard to read but: S842M 2 73 88 6C11
What is the bolt pattern of a compatible disc rear? & year model? Thank you!

 

[img alt="It's a little hard to read but:
S842M 2 73 88 6C11"]https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.f150forum.com-vbulletin/2000x1504/rr_diff_tag_372ded2d08d4e0d3e6bd214bb40131fba26ed8 6d.jpg[/img]
It's a little hard to read but: S842M 2 73 88 6C11

 

Does not display ... reason for wanting to see the axle is 2.75 was a common 9 inch ratio. 3.73 was a common 8.8 ratio. Still using google ...

https://us.b-parts.com/auto-parts/ax...pickup-1281605

Car Details
1995
FORD F150 PICKUP

Reference
-
VIN
1FTDF15Y4SLB90522

"2.73 ratio, non-locking only, w/ABS."

> Could it really have a 2.73?

YES! :-)

 

thanks for the info.
having the posi & better gearing is what's important.
if I decide I MUST have disc, (hate doing drum brakes), I can always do aftermarket.
ONE MORE question I forgot to ask, 28 or 31 spline??

 

FWIW: With Ford it is called Limited Slip, posi is generally a GM term.

> I forgot to ask, 28 or 31 spline

I do not know, but, if I had a Ford 9 inch axle or any other type of rear axle where spline count would matter, I would pull the axle before ordering parts or planning anything. Being 30 years old, anything could have been swapped. Most front 4x4 axles you can count on being stock (say Dana 44 19 spline) and not changed out unless the rivets and such have been replaced by bolts on a TTB.

If it was me, I would figure out the ratio I wanted and swap in a Dana 60 axle from the junk yard that had the ratio and maybe the limited slip I wanted.

 

once again,
thanks for your reply!

 

100% welcome :-)

 

this was bought new, by a family member & barely even drove it.
it just broke 60K miles on a 200 mile trip bringing it home.
however, just the other day, it has appeared to have locked up.
just my luck, get a free truck & then the engine goes out. . . .
I was really only looking for diff parts to swap rather than the whole rr end, but am considering that route as well.