question about Ford 8.8 gears
 

So far, I do not see a high impact drag race gear listed for the 8.8 rear. I know the 8.8 is popular so it must not be an issue. If I were building a 12 bolt or a 9" I would install a high impact gear set.

Question, for a 2900 pound SBC bracket racer with Powerglide and trans brake leave and ET in the 6.30 1/8 range. Is the 8.8 OK with a conventional gear [most likely a 5.14 ratio]

If there is any doubt about the service life, I will not install an 8.8 - will do a 9" with high impact gear.

Re: question about Ford 8.8 gears
 

I ran a 8.8 in my 85 Mustang, both in Stock (M/S stick), with both 4.88 and 5.14 ratios, my car had to weigh 3085 min. in M, and 3185 in N, and usually dumped the clutch at 6000-6400 RPM. As you mentioned, there are no "Pro" gears available for the 8.8, so I ran "Street" gears. With the 4.88s, I never had any issues with gear breakage, but with 5.14s, I broke 2 ring and pinions, due I imagine, to a lower tooth count on the pinion. I found housing bending, to be more of an issue than gear life, I had the housing cast center, welded to the axle tubes, and added braces from the housing end area, to the cast center. For a while, I ran a 331 cube SB Ford bracket engine in the car, with the 4 speed Jerico, and it ran 10.2-3s, and mid 1.3 60 foot times, and I still never hurt the 4.88s.

Re: question about Ford 8.8 gears
 

https://tinsoldierracecars.com/

Sells a kit to strengthen the 8.8 housing or you can get a complete housing.