Lightweight Axles

FED 387 · 10-18-2010, 11:33 PM

Many of the problems with both aluminum spools and 9 inch Ford aluminum differential cases has to do with deflection of the parts under hard accleration(hole shots)---If you think about how you install either a Dana/12 bolt or Ford 8.8 ring gear you are actually spreading the housing a few "thou" to do it. and if you have an alum spool instead of a steel one the aluminum will deflect more than the steel will---Vehicle weight ,engine HP,type of trans (stick/auto) trans brake or not and rear end gear ratios all come into play here and actually have everything to do with if the parts will live in your application---If you have ANY doubts call the spool manufacturer tech line and get their recommendations---What works in my car may or may not work in yours----Ask the tech people they will not lie to you--asking around on forums like this one can confuse some people---Go right to the source ask em they are more than happy to help--Comp 387

10-18-2010, 11:33 PM	#29
FED 387 VIP Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 3,426 Likes: 550 Liked 335 Times in 182 Posts	Re: Lightweight Axles Many of the problems with both aluminum spools and 9 inch Ford aluminum differential cases has to do with deflection of the parts under hard accleration(hole shots)---If you think about how you install either a Dana/12 bolt or Ford 8.8 ring gear you are actually spreading the housing a few "thou" to do it. and if you have an alum spool instead of a steel one the aluminum will deflect more than the steel will---Vehicle weight ,engine HP,type of trans (stick/auto) trans brake or not and rear end gear ratios all come into play here and actually have everything to do with if the parts will live in your application---If you have ANY doubts call the spool manufacturer tech line and get their recommendations---What works in my car may or may not work in yours----Ask the tech people they will not lie to you--asking around on forums like this one can confuse some people---Go right to the source ask em they are more than happy to help--Comp 387