8.8 help... *sigh*

[Silver60th]

So after going through quite a bit of trouble to nab an 8.8 with 4.10's, I got the thing installed and it's noisy as hell. The ring gear and spiders looked great when we pulled the cover, and the axle came out of a front wrecked vehicle that "SUPPOSEDLY" had 43k miles on it. And we pulled it ourselves, so I know the condition of the host vehicle.

Driving at anything over 25 or so brings forth a nasty grinding whirring noise, and it gets louder the faster you go. At 70, if you let off of the gas there is a brief grind and then loud vibrations. Fun stuff.

So!

Any thoughts as to the nature of this beast? I ran it by a local driveline shop and the guy diagnosed it as pinion bearings (after riding in the passenger seat for 2 minutes going 30 mph. he seemed busy, so I figured I would get a second opinion). I just don't want to believe that...especially with the $450 price tag.

If there is anyone around/near Lubbock that could help in person, there would be at least a case of beer in it for you. I'm getting desperate. Hopefully this thing won't grenade on me before I can get it fixed.


Also, I'm running 2.5'' lift with no SYE, a 5/8'' transfer case drop. The angle that we torched the axle to was 5*, the same as the output shaft on the transfer case. Driveshaft angle is 15*.

 

[x2elite]

It most likely is bearings. If you were getting more of a howling noise I would say it might be that the gears were no longer in spec. If you were closer to me I could help you out, but you are pretty far away from me. If the gears are in spec then theoretically you could change the bearings, and just put it back together the same way it came apart (most gear guys will tell you this is a no no, but most of the time it will work just fine). However, to get the old bearings off you either have to have special tools or just cut the bearings off (doesn't matter since they are bad anyways).

 

[Silver60th]

If only you were closer

 

[OkieXJ]

I'm in the same boat as you. It seems that is a problem with many explorer axles. Makes me think twice about swapping an 8.8 in. Will I be replacing bearing every few years? I never had to with my trusty 35!

 

[xxmidianxx]

My 8.8 came out of an 02 Explorer, cash for clunkers, and I have had no issues with it. I am not saying I won't in the future but so far so good. I really don't dive it much anymore but when I do I still have no issues. I installed it back in Feb.

 

[Silver60th]

So, after getting the advice and expertise of a Ford racing mechanic, my rear end needs new bearings. I will be getting them replaced on Monday.

Bearings: $400

Amount of ramen noodles that could be bought instead of bearings: 369

Damn. That's a lot of food in college :-(

 

[OkieXJ]

So, after getting the advice and expertise of a Ford racing mechanic, my rear end needs new bearings. I will be getting them replaced on Monday.

Bearings: $400

Amount of ramen noodles that could be bought instead of bearings: 369

Damn. That's a lot of food in college :-(

$400? I hope that includes labor because I'm pretty sure you could find some bearings for cheaper than that.

 

[Silver60th]

Yea thats with labor

 

[Silver60th]

So, got the 8.8 fixed up.

The guy put new bearings in, shimmed the axle to fix vibes, and painted the rear diff cover. All for a cool $400

He did a helluva job, and did it quick too. He had it done within 24 hrs of dropping it off. I'm happier than a fat kid in a candy shop right now :rof:

Jim Fowler Auto & Speed Shop, if anyone in Lubbock or surrounding areas needs a good differential guy. He specializes in Ford rear ends but he can do pretty much anything with gears in it.






And on a related note, I got a shop to put in a u-joint for me for $20 here in Lubbock, M&M Auto

 

[OkieXJ]

You're makin me feel bad about being lazy. I'm still trying to get my yoke off. It seems to be fused on cause he 3 jaw pulled isn't cutting it.. I think Houston is is closer to here than Lubbock though, it's a long waze a way.