8.8 to 9 inch?

[89coupe]

why do some racers find it necessary to swap out the 8.8 reaerend for a 9 inch? just curious.

[badass88gt]

9" is stronger, though the 8.8" can be built to take quite a pounding.

[1SLO5.0]

8.8s can be built to handle 1400+ horsepower. Contact Team Z Motorsports if you want a bullet proof 8.8. They do some really trick stuff to 8.8s. http://www.teamzmotorsports.net/

8.8s are considerably lighter than a 9". A 9" with an aluminum center section, lightweight internals and light weight drag brakes is heavier than a stock 8.8 with stock brakes with all of the control arms and shocks bolted to it. If you can get away with an 8.8 you will be better off.

[bod89lx]

The adavantage to the 9" is they make a pro gear for it and there are lots a ratios. You can also get a bigger pinion for them as well. But the 8.8 is also great for almost any power level they weakest part of it is the ring and pinion. I ran a 8.8 for years and never had any problems but it was always in the back of my mind that the gear set could break. I only lost about 10 hp at the wheels when I went to a 9" and only weighed about 10 lbs more than my 8.8.

[1SLO5.0]

The adavantage to the 9" is they make a pro gear for it and there are lots a ratios. You can also get a bigger pinion for them as well. But the 8.8 is also great for almost any power level they weakest part of it is the ring and pinion. I ran a 8.8 for years and never had any problems but it was always in the back of my mind that the gear set could break. I only lost about 10 hp at the wheels when I went to a 9" and only weighed about 10 lbs more than my 8.8.


Did you weigh both rearends Don? I replaced my 33 spline, spooled 8.8 in my last car with the lightest of the lightweight 9" and was not impressed with the weight. I used intercomp scales. The 9" had an aluminum center section, lightweight 35 spline spool and axles, Aerospace brakes and weighed 210 pounds. The 8.8 had Moser 33 spline axles and spool, stock drum brakes, adjustable upper and lower control arms and shocks and weighed 197. Without the control arms and shocks bolted to it and a set of drag brakes, I am confident that there would be a 30 pound difference between the two rear ends.

[YAV8]

Look on the bright side of the 8.8, when you break a axel you will have three wheels to get back on. The good thing is with the 9 you won't be passed by the tire, rim and a stub as you pull you head up from kissing your ass good by. Not to get DARREL up set but there is a reason most go to the 9 cost, strength and peace fo mind.

[1SLO5.0]

Look on the bright side of the 8.8, when you break a axel you will have three wheels to get back on. The good thing is with the 9 you won't be passed by the tire, rim and a stub as you pull you head up from kissing your ass good by. Not to get DARREL up set but there is a reason most go to the 9 cost, strength and peace fo mind.


C-clips are the first things you throw away on an 8.8. You either use c-clip eliminators or do it right and use 9" housing ends so peace of mind is not an issue. It is cheaper to build an 8.8 and they can be built plenty strong. But if you are going to compare stock axle to stock axle, the 9" is by far stronger and safer.

[bod89lx]

Did you weigh both rearends Don? I replaced my 33 spline, spooled 8.8 in my last car with the lightest of the lightweight 9" and was not impressed with the weight. I used intercomp scales. The 9" had an aluminum center section, lightweight 35 spline spool and axles, Aerospace brakes and weighed 210 pounds. The 8.8 had Moser 33 spline axles and spool, stock drum brakes, adjustable upper and lower control arms and shocks and weighed 197. Without the control arms and shocks bolted to it and a set of drag brakes, I am confident that there would be a 30 pound difference between the two rear ends.

I did weigh both, I dont remember the weight just that there was about 10 lbs diff. I had an 8.8 with strange brakes and an alum cover with billit caps and a mark williams yoke, 33 spline strange spool and axles, 9" ends and housing was back braced and also braced on the front side. My 9" has an ultra case 40 spline gun drilled axles and spool, and a custom chrome moly housing and brackets and also sissy bar mounte as well.