• Welcome Visitor! Please take a few seconds and Register for our forum. Even if you don't want to post, you can still 'Like' and react to posts.

I have the Ford 8.8 28 spline LS, worth upgrading to 31 spline?


nooch450

New Member
Joined
Feb 3, 2010
Messages
383
Reaction score
4
Points
0
Location
New Jersey
Vehicle Year
1991
Make / Model
Ford
Engine Size
4.0 OHV
Transmission
Manual
I have the stock Ford 8.8 28 Spline LS rear in my truck, I want to run 4.56 and an Auburn Electric Locker... It it worth putting into this axle or should i try to find a 31 Spline Axle?

Id rather reuse mine unless there is a good reason somebody wants to talk me out of building the guts of the 28 spline with a locker n gears...

Basically, is it worth finding a new axle (31 spline)? Or is mine strong enough...
 


cdawall

New Member
U.S. Military - Active
Solid Axle Swap
Joined
Jan 29, 2010
Messages
549
Reaction score
5
Points
0
Location
Ellsworth AFB
Vehicle Year
2005
Make / Model
Ford
Engine Size
4.0L V6
Transmission
Automatic
The auburn is a pile of ****ing dogshit. I wouldn't build a 28 spline it has same bearing and shafts as the 7.5"
 

escort_gts

02/2012 04/2013 04/2014 OTOTM Winner
OTOTM Winner
Solid Axle Swap
Joined
Oct 27, 2007
Messages
3,387
Reaction score
16
Points
38
Location
Fort Wayne, IN
Vehicle Year
1993, 2001
Make / Model
Ford
Engine Size
4.0, 5.0
Transmission
Manual
It all depends on what you will be doing with your truck. Hard core wheeling, then I would upgrade to a 31 spline or bigger. If just normal driving and some wheeling then the 28 will be fine. I have the 28 spline with a lock-rite and no problems yet. But mine is a daily driver with some weekend wheeling. Nothing hardcore.

Sent from my PC36100 using Tapatalk 2
 

RangerSVT

Oct 09 OTOTM
Article Contributor
V8 Engine Swap
OTOTM Winner
Solid Axle Swap
RBV's on Boost
ASE Certified Tech
TRS Banner 2010-2011
TRS Banner 2012-2015
Joined
Mar 15, 2009
Messages
7,883
Reaction score
53
Points
48
Location
TRS since 2002 - NW KY
Vehicle Year
19962002
Make / Model
Ford
Engine Size
GT-40 5.0L EFI W/AC
Transmission
Automatic
I had a locked 28 Spline, less than 2 weeks later I broke a shaft doing a doughnut...

SVT
 

cdawall

New Member
U.S. Military - Active
Solid Axle Swap
Joined
Jan 29, 2010
Messages
549
Reaction score
5
Points
0
Location
Ellsworth AFB
Vehicle Year
2005
Make / Model
Ford
Engine Size
4.0L V6
Transmission
Automatic
Either way you go the auburn is still garbage. I would rather have an open than use that POS.
 

nooch450

New Member
Joined
Feb 3, 2010
Messages
383
Reaction score
4
Points
0
Location
New Jersey
Vehicle Year
1991
Make / Model
Ford
Engine Size
4.0 OHV
Transmission
Manual
OK it looks like the 31 spline upgrade is nessasary... Im guna be rough on it... I chose that locker for the price and the fact that it has limited slip while dissengaged. What lockers are best for price, NO AUTO, i just dont like the idea...

I heard 95 and up explorer is best...I can get an Explorer 8.8 31 spline for a junk yard for $300, they will pull it. Does that price sound high?
 
Last edited:

escort_gts

02/2012 04/2013 04/2014 OTOTM Winner
OTOTM Winner
Solid Axle Swap
Joined
Oct 27, 2007
Messages
3,387
Reaction score
16
Points
38
Location
Fort Wayne, IN
Vehicle Year
1993, 2001
Make / Model
Ford
Engine Size
4.0, 5.0
Transmission
Manual
I can pull one here for $100. I'd be leery of someone else putting it in though. Especially from a junk yard.

But yes, 95+ expo axle. They come with disc brakes.

Sent from my PC36100 using Tapatalk 2
 

escort_gts

02/2012 04/2013 04/2014 OTOTM Winner
OTOTM Winner
Solid Axle Swap
Joined
Oct 27, 2007
Messages
3,387
Reaction score
16
Points
38
Location
Fort Wayne, IN
Vehicle Year
1993, 2001
Make / Model
Ford
Engine Size
4.0, 5.0
Transmission
Manual
I suggest an ARB air locker. Price is kinda high but well worth it.

Sent from my PC36100 using Tapatalk 2
 

cdawall

New Member
U.S. Military - Active
Solid Axle Swap
Joined
Jan 29, 2010
Messages
549
Reaction score
5
Points
0
Location
Ellsworth AFB
Vehicle Year
2005
Make / Model
Ford
Engine Size
4.0L V6
Transmission
Automatic
OK it looks like the 31 spline upgrade is nessasary... Im guna be rough on it... I chose that locker for the price and the fact that it has limited slip while dissengaged. What lockers are best for price, NO AUTO, i just dont like the idea...

I heard 95 and up explorer is best...I can get an Explorer 8.8 31 spline for a junk yard for $300, they will pull it. Does that price sound high?
There is a reason that the Auborn is cheaper. You will be replacing that locker if you want something that actually locks up with a wheel in the air. I have wheeled with plenty of Jeeps running those POS's and every single one of them does not lock up anymore. Do your self a favor and pay for the quality of a real locker. Eaton E-Locker, Yukon Zip locker or ARB if you want a selectable. Otherwise a Detroit, grizzly something along those lines will work. There is nothing wrong with auto lockers a lot of people run them with tons less issues than that shit auborn.

I can pull expo rears for $100 as well $300 is a lot.
 
Last edited:

RangerSVT

Oct 09 OTOTM
Article Contributor
V8 Engine Swap
OTOTM Winner
Solid Axle Swap
RBV's on Boost
ASE Certified Tech
TRS Banner 2010-2011
TRS Banner 2012-2015
Joined
Mar 15, 2009
Messages
7,883
Reaction score
53
Points
48
Location
TRS since 2002 - NW KY
Vehicle Year
19962002
Make / Model
Ford
Engine Size
GT-40 5.0L EFI W/AC
Transmission
Automatic
I can probably ship you an ex 8.8 for less than 300, that includes the price if the axle...where you located?

SVT
 

Vexy

Member
Firefighter
Joined
Oct 31, 2010
Messages
391
Reaction score
2
Points
18
Location
Wolcott, CT
Vehicle Year
1996
Make / Model
Mazda
Engine Size
4.0
Transmission
Manual
I bought a 31 spline 8.8 from a 1996 explorer for $200. It has stronger axle shafts and disk brakes. If you find a good deal on one I would go for it. This way you can set up the gears while still keeping your truck on the road. Good luck man!
 

nooch450

New Member
Joined
Feb 3, 2010
Messages
383
Reaction score
4
Points
0
Location
New Jersey
Vehicle Year
1991
Make / Model
Ford
Engine Size
4.0 OHV
Transmission
Manual
Im in new jersey...

Thanks for the help guys, the yards around here give $300-$400 for a scrap car / truck. Than the J/O wana sell me just the rear for $300!
 

kryptonitecb

New Member
U.S. Military - Veteran
Joined
Dec 5, 2011
Messages
1,313
Reaction score
19
Points
0
Location
Fort Worth, TX
Vehicle Year
1994
Make / Model
Ford
Engine Size
4.0
Transmission
Manual
Do some shopping before you buy one for $300. I know 2 jy across the street from each other. One tried to sell a friend of mine a 14 bolt for $500, the other one is $50 any axle you pull it.

Sent from road while ignoring traffic
 

nooch450

New Member
Joined
Feb 3, 2010
Messages
383
Reaction score
4
Points
0
Location
New Jersey
Vehicle Year
1991
Make / Model
Ford
Engine Size
4.0 OHV
Transmission
Manual
IM deff guna need to do some shopping around...
 

4x4junkie

Forum Staff Member
TRS Forum Moderator
TRS 20th Anniversary
Joined
Aug 19, 2001
Messages
10,749
Reaction score
580
Points
113
Location
So. Calif (SFV)
Vehicle Year
1990
Make / Model
Bronco II
Engine Type
2.9 V6
Engine Size
2.9L V6
Transmission
Manual
2WD / 4WD
4WD
Tire Size
35x12.50R15
I agree about the Auburn, I've seen those things in action several times myself.
In spite of marketing claims saying otherwise, the ECTED is NOT a locker at all (there are no locking pins, splined engagement gear or anything of the sort inside it). It's a limited slip diff that simply tightens up it's clutches when you "engage" it. Even when brand new they don't "lock up" well.

If you want a locker, the ARB or Yukon ZIP is what you're after.
 

Sponsored Ad


Sponsored Ad

Staff online

Member & Vendor Upgrades

For a small yearly donation, you can support this forum and receive a 'Supporting Member' banner, or become a 'Supporting Vendor' and promote your products here. Click the banner to find out how.

Truck of The Month


Kirby N.
March Truck of The Month

Recently Featured

Want to see your truck here? Share your photos and details in the forum.

Follow TRS On Instagram

TRS Events

25th Anniversary Sponsors

Check Out The TRS Store


Sponsored Ad


Sponsored Ad

Sponsored Ad


Amazon Deals

Top