8.8 Axle Pinion Bearing Replacement

EMTWells · Mar 11, 2009

I got a steal on my '90 Bronco (aka the War Wagon) but now I'm getting a weird slam when accelerating or decelerating. Thought it was the U-Joints, but when I grabbed the rear, I had up and down movement on the yoke, but none in and out. No fluid loss either. Sounds to me like the bearing is shot. How much of a headache is it to replace on the 8.8 with the limited slip? I don't want to grenade the rear on my way to an ambulance call so I need to get it fixed.

Oh, and it says custom on my fender. Is that because it has the limited slip? Nothing seems special other than that.

Justshootme84 · Mar 11, 2009

Welcome to Bronco Zone!!! You might consider taking the Bronco to a competent shop to d othe work on the rear axle. While it's easy to remove the axles from the Ford 8.8", the carrier needs to come out in order to replace the pinion bearing. You also need the proper pre-load on the bearing to get the correct mesh on the pinion and ring gears. It takes some special tools to set up.

"Custom" is the trim level, which is the basic or plain vanilla model. JSM84

EMTWells · Mar 11, 2009

Custom trim? Musta been ripped out at one point. I have torque wrenches and plenty of other tools. I've done bearings on rangers with 7.5's and deuce and a halves trucks before, just never an 8.8. Plus cash is a little (or a lot) tight right now. Rather rely on my skills than my thin wallet to get it done. What should the pre-load be? I have everything to hold the pinion in place while I torque it. Not to mention I'd rather fix it myself so I know what it took and it'll remind me to be kind to the beast instead of tearing it up.

Justshootme84 · Mar 11, 2009

Custom trim level is essentially bare, plain Jane, vanilla. No carpet, manual d&l, vinyl seats, etc.

Here's a chart on the specs, 14-19 INCH LBS for the pinion bearing preload:

http://www.jawsgear.com/tech_specs.php

Also, here's a link to Miesk5's Homepage with several links to help work on you 8.8". I've helped my brother do about 3 gear ratio changes in the past few months on his Mustang 8.8" rear axle. It sure helps to have someone help when installing the carrier!

http://www.broncolinks.com/index.php?index=97

shift1313 · Mar 14, 2009

dont forget about the crush sleeve

Did you drop the drive shaft when you were checking for play in the pinion?

The limited slip clutches can wear out and allow the axles to move in/out. jack the rear up with the parking brake off and see if you can pull the wheels in/out. Its possible this is or part of the slamming noise. LS clutch pack from the dealer is about $150. Crush sleeve is about $15(to set the pinion). Not sure about the bearing because there are tons out there. Id guess about $50 from the dealer.

Yardape · Mar 14, 2009

If you have done bearings on 7.5's then your set, they are pretty much identical.

EMTWells · Mar 15, 2009

I decided to forget the 8.8 for now and found a 9 inch donor from a 78 bronco with only 20k on it. The bronco had been rolled, but the axle was fine. Can't read the tag, but the teeth count out to 3.5:1. No play in the rear so I think I got a good deal. FREE!

Justshootme84 · Mar 15, 2009

You may get an engine code since the Ford 9" does not have a VSS (speed sensor) like your 8.8". Being a 90 model, your speedometer cable is still run off the transfer case. But the ECM may still need some data from the VSS to run the engine and the tranny if you have the E40D auto. There's alot of info on the 9" axle swap into 87-96 bronco's on that Miesk5 site that may help you out. Good luck, JSM84

shift1313 · Mar 16, 2009

even if your truck has a manual, you will probably get a dash light since your RABS(rear abs) wont have a speed signal anymore. not sure if you need to do anything with that.

8.8 Axle Pinion Bearing Replacement

EMTWells

New member

Justshootme84

Rest in Peace Friend! Never forgotten..

EMTWells

New member

Justshootme84

Rest in Peace Friend! Never forgotten..

shift1313

Member

Yardape

New member

EMTWells

New member

Justshootme84

Rest in Peace Friend! Never forgotten..

shift1313

Member

Similar threads

Members online

Latest posts

Forum statistics