Rear axle codes

The Frankster · #1 June 20th, 2012, 12:28 PM

I went home yesterday and stopped by a friends yard just to look. I found a Bronco with rear code of H9. My shop manual gives that as a 3.55. My truck is code 19 and is also 3.55. Both weight capacity is 3800 lbs. What is the difference? Or what is the H9? Manual only gives limited-slip codes for 4x4 front axle(2 by the rear axle code) and E150-350 L/S. I also noticed the F150 could come with a Dana or Ford 8.8 L/S. I didn't look under Bronc to see shape of rear. If this is a L/S axle I know chunk will not interchange, I would need to get whole rear end. Since the van L/S codes are a letter/number combo, does that work as well for the trucks. Since I'm sorta on the subject of a Bronco, I really like the size of the tranny cooler. That thing is twice the size of mine. Overkill or great improvement? If so, I may go get it and lines and look for a 4.10 if the letter/number combo is L/S. Your responce is always very much appreciated. BigBlue, I'm going to read the link on 8.8 L/S swap now so I won't have any wastful questions. Frank

**BigBlue79** · #2 June 20th, 2012, 12:40 PM

H9 is rear Limited Slip 8.8 with 3.55's.

This thread has TONS of info, Rear Axle, Engine codes, and Transmission codes, not to mention a bit more info than just that: http://www.fordtruckclub.net/forum/s...ead.php?t=5634

The Frankster · #3 June 20th, 2012, 01:54 PM

Thanks BigBlue. I didn't say but the year was 96. Now I know what to look for. I read the 8.8 axle talk. Most just confused the heck out of me:) but I gathered, the unit is easy to pull and should just slip back in my carrier. Does all the shims and such occur within the unit or outside the unit within the carrier. I would hav a pro do it, if I got the L/S unit. That 4.10 would really drink the gas too.

**BigBlue79** · #4 June 20th, 2012, 02:13 PM

I'd put a 3.73 in, what are you planning to do to you're truck?

As far as the shims, Booba will have to answer that, I've never had an 8.8 apart, he has and has done a 4 clutch upgrade to the stock 3 clutch pack in the L.S.

**Russo2** · #5 June 20th, 2012, 05:16 PM

You can pull the center chunk as one piece, but it will need to be set up for your rear end I.E back lash and new shims and bearings and etc. I do believe the bronco rear is the same width as the 150 therefore it's much more cost effective and easier to swap the whole rear. However, Ford's factory limited slip clutches are weak and if I were doing this, I would replace those clutches and the spring and axle seals and whatever necessary brake parts while the axle is out.

The Frankster · #6 June 20th, 2012, 10:34 PM

Mainly just to have the L/S option and to have it if needed. My friend priced it at $350. I thought that was the best option also in just replacing carrier and all. He'll hang on to it for a little while. Got to many irons (projects) in the fire now. He just got the truck after being wrecked recently so as far as the redo I think it could wait with no problems. I know, being out would save a lot of time and money than latter.

**BigBlue79** · #7 June 21st, 2012, 04:33 PM

When/If you swap out the complete axle, don't reuse the U-bolt's on the axle, they stretch over time so go with new, and FWIW, I've had to grind, cut, or heat them up with a torch to pull the axle.

Lostin90s · #8 June 24th, 2012, 07:24 PM

JUst swap whole axle unless you have some to set things up for you . Cheap . The gears r not bad here but it costs me $150 to get everything set up. Anygear under 3:55 is hard to find but can be had. good luck