Rear end strength question:

[bill dedman]

Is there any irrefutable evidence that proves that an 8.8" Ford rear end is any stronger, or weaker, than a 10-bolt Chevy rear, in its strongest permutation?

Any personal experience to that end???

Any solid information will be appreciated!!!

[greg fulk]

Bill a 12 bolt chevy is 8.75....the ford is 8.8....you can get anything for an 8.8 also...just like a 12 bolt.

[Mark Markow]

i will ad this the ring and pinions are pretty strong in an 8.8 .but the problem is with the tiny axle tubes . i can't tell how many bent 8.8 housing i have worked on . not that the 10 bolt is that much better , but it at least has a 3" tube and you can change to beefier tube if it became a problem.

[bill dedman]

Thanks Greg. I was interested in a comparison between a 10-bolt Chevy and an 8.8" Ford.... I know, the 12-bolt is stronger than the 10, but I wondered how much, if any, stronger the 8.8" was than the Chevy 10-bolt.

Thanks for the info!

[bill dedman]

And, thank YOU, Mark; I was mainly interested in the differential and its gears, but if those small tubes are that problematical, that would surely be a part of the issue of rear end longivity!

I never thought of that.... I appreciate your having brought it up!

[Mike Taylor 3601]

Gear wise 12blt.,8.5 10blt.,and 8.8 are all real close especially w/aftermarket parts.
Pro gears are biggest difference in strength of those rears I believe other than axle tubes being smaller on 8.8
Mike Taylor3601