Ford 8.8 Final Assembly

Here's the Final Assembly of the Ford 8.8 Differential. In this episode I install the axle bearings, axle seals, axles, differential rear cover, and rear disc brake mounts.
Link to Assembly (Part 1): • Ford 8.8 Assembly & Se...
Link to Assembly (Part 2: • Ford 8.8 Assembly & Se...
Link to (Short Version): • Ford 8.8 Assembly & Se...
Link to previous video in series: • How To Clean, Prep, an...
Differential Basics video: • Things You Should Know...
The best place for answers to your automotive questions: www.ericthecarg...
Camera: Brian Kast
Thanks for watching!
Discussion about this video: www.ericthecar...
Special thanks to
Kings Ford: kingsfordinc.com
Ford Performance techline: performancepar...
Additional info and links
Ford 8.8 PDF: performancepar...
Gear tooth pattern guide: www.ringpinion...
Dana Differential assembly guide: www2.dana.com/p...
Ford differential identification guide: www.fordificati...
Article on the 8.8: www.hotrod.com/...
Parts
My differential: lmr.com/item/M...
My gear set: lmr.com/item/L...
My differential cover: lmr.com/item/M...
My 5 lug conversion kit: lmr.com/item/S...
Ultra black RTV: www.amazon.com...
Gear Paint: www.amazon.com...
Royal Purple gear oil: www.amazon.com...
Tools
Bushing Driver Kit: www.jbtoolsale...
Dial Indicator: www.jbtoolsale...
Digital caliper: www.jbtoolsale...
Inch Pound Torque Wrench: www.jbtoolsale...
Brass drift: www.jbtoolsale...
Long breaker bar: www.jbtoolsale...
Rockwell 1/2" impact: www.rockwellto...
Zep Sprayer: zepequipment.co...
Related videos
T-5 Rebuild with Paul Cangialosi: • Ultimate T-5 Manual Tr...
**Answers to your automotive questions found here: www.ericthecarg...
Social Network Links
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Information on Premium Membership: www.ericthecar...
Stay Dirty
ETCG
Due to factors beyond the control of EricTheCarGuy, it cannot guarantee against unauthorized modifications of this information, or improper use of this information. EricTheCarGuy assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. EricTheCarGuy recommends safe practices when working with power tools, automotive lifts, lifting tools, jack stands, electrical equipment, blunt instruments, chemicals, lubricants, or any other tools or equipment seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of EricTheCarGuy, no information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not EricTheCarGuy.

[@ArchimedeanEye]

Strap yourselves in for part 15 of building an 8.8 diff! lol!!!

[@JordyValentine]

Dont you just love the easy parts? Can't wait to see her done

[@ericthecarguy]

Yea, this was much easier than the last part.

[@christophermoynier7624]

What rear diff did you end up using? I am using a trutrac in my 8" and wanted to see what is suggested under higher HP builds

[@jtcross]

didnt ask for a single like so i liked all videos

[@ToxicMisfitsYt]

a spark plug socket would of worked on locking the stud locks and you could of held the Allen stud through the hole but turned the socket with a wrench

[@Asomesauc]

dang Eric we want more, instalation ect

[@ericthecarguy]

I need to finish building it first. ;)

[@abc123mj13]

I don't quite understand how anyone can do this. It looks like brain science to me! Great job.

[@jakesawatzky9646]

when will the fairmont finally be finished

[@ericthecarguy]

I'm shooting for September.

[@scottdore132]

did you use fox length axles or sm95?

[@dil6969]

I swear, KZbin is the KING of quality automotive content right now. Between you, Danner, SMA, Brian and many others, there's always something good to watch.

[@MechanicalMikesRoadsideRepair]

Have to agree with that.Have you heard of "Haggared Garage" I ask also because your pic of a miata i think lol . they're ok but i kind of dont like the hacked jobs and stuff.

[@dil6969]

I've seen a few of their videos and I'm not a fan. They have their place on this site, but I just don't like the low production value and endless stream of abused cars. TheCarPassionChannel is definitely my favorite small youtube channel, as most of the projects are budget minded and Greg's videos have the perfect balance of humor and maturity.

[@MechanicalMikesRoadsideRepair]

***** I'll check them out and yes I agree with you.I'm kind of an old soul mechanic well not a mechanic yet but i do fix and work on stuff here and there.I also like watching.I just don't like seeing people do these hacked jobs on their cars and ruining them.What Eric does is legit and the best way to modify a car.

[@dil6969]

+Damico881 Love his channel. I just wish he posted more often.

[@steveloomis4086]

Yeah, if you want a good laugh. This guy is an idiot.

[@kczabriskie]

I've never put RTV on a seal when installing and never had them leak between the outside of the seal and the housing it fits into. Eric - is this recommended for all seals?

[@gamesbok]

If it doesn't matter which way you install a bearing, install it so you can still read the bearing number when it's home.

[@flyiniowan9623]

By far one of the most in depth and informative rear diff setup and build videos I have ever seen, I like how you made sure to include all of the problems and struggles that anyone would encounter in the video instead of editing it down like u nailed the first time. WAY TO GO ERIC!!!

[@curtismundy]

Why did you decide against c clip eliminators?

[@timmis15]

Nice Holden badge at 4:49

[@blake301987]

Was just about to comment the same thing!

[@zoidberg444]

Yeah. I don't think i will attempt to rebuild a diff unless i was up shit creek without a paddle. That was kind of tricky.

[@dannyb5095]

Rebuilding a differential isn't that hard. I had to learn on my own because I was a poor college kid and had to do a lot of my own work. I'd really like to know how to rebuild a transmission

[@stevecegulls3570]

Thank You for these videos I Believe I can do this job myself with good videos to have as a Resource Thank You Eric

[@Mrwheresmyhouse]

I just picked up a 92 Grand Marquis with an 8.8 and 2.73 gears which I'm going to swap out for 3.55 gears. These videos have been immensely helpful. Thank you.

[@notnilc20]

Eric....can you have too much rear end? i have an old 1986 toyota corolla with a whopping 100hp/100tq. and the rear ends are hard to find so i am thinking of using a ford 8.8 rear end. would it be too big for my little 1.6 liter toyota? or would it be ok? thanks for your expertise.

[@silasmarner7586]

My biggest issue with my axles is the splines weren't precision machined and they had to be inserted and removed to get them to slide in so they didn't stick. Some filing was required to get the splines to slide onto the (spider?) gears.

[@TazarZero]

Is there a book somewhere, or a general rule of thumb as to what gets lubricated and what doesn't? Because for someone who doesn't know any better, I probably would've put all the fasteners in dry. I've also never really heard of gear oil, and unless I'm just super ignorant, usually parts like bearings don't have much in the way of saying what to use to lubricate them. Video's like this are super helpful, but at the same time, some cars have nit picky parts on them that may or may not get covered anywhere on KZbin. Anyhoo, this is turning into a rant, so I'll stick to my initial question.... a book or general rule of thumb for what parts get what lubricants or go in dry??

[@69Phuket]

Hey Eric! What's your thought on the schrodingers box channel? He says wrenching and hammering videos are a waste of time...But then...I doubt he's ever going to do an axle rebuild video. There's no scientific equation for that!

[@bennetthodgins5499]

really enjoyed these videos and I really like how you showed the full video then the right way and the final assembly awesome series..

[@emtscythe3782]

That diff cover is BAD ASS!!!

[@HUBBABUBBADOOPYDOOP]

*THANK YOU* for the video, Eric & Brian! I especially enjoyed the editing job of the "cover torque sequence" with the delayed echoes of wrench clicking- it's so dead quiet in there! 2 questions: torque or Loctite on the caliper mount bracket bolts? (it wasn't shown, and I know most older GM are "torque to yield" bolts for that) and are those axle C-clips copper- or just some polished alloy?

[@ericthecarguy]

I just tightened the caliper mounting bolts down. They're not torque to yield. You mostly only find those on head bolts. I believe those C clips were copper.

[@hayaboosta]

I am guessing you did not want one of those one time tools to press in/out the upper control arm bushings? I have one and it works great.......but guess what? Only used it once.....

[@chrislowe8085]

Eric did you replace your clutch pack when you installed your rear end. I just did 3.73 & was told my clutch pack was good but after close to 1000 miles. There re used the stock 26 year old clutches. I think I burned out the clutched with with the new rear end. Should I just replace the clutches with new carbon fiber & be done with it. What do you think? My 1 spider gear was mashed & was replaced plus my carrier bolt was mashed & was replaced as well..... Your input on this would go a mile. 1992 foxbody mustang 302 HO with stock AOD. After market headers h-piper and catback with aftermarket drive shaft. "28 spine"

[@singlespeedman]

Wooden handle hammers are the devil. Wilton Bash hammers will save you hand, foreawrm and wrist problems we mechanics induce upon ourselves.

[@fecklar1905]

Question...Really like your videos...Will this information transfer over to a ford 9.75 and a IFS 8.8? I am wanting to install Eaton Detroit Truetrac Differentials both front and rear. I know the torque settings will be different. Thanks.

[@luisgetulioferreiraandrade8496]

Good afternoon, how are you? I got in that car when I was four years old. The differential that I see in that video is less robust than the one I have. That must be Dana 30 or if it is a Ford that I have, the cover is slightly molded to the size of the crown. be dana 40 or a larger differential I don't know you have information excuse me for asking you about the types of ford fairmont differentials because the one I have left the agency in 1979 I'm sure and it's more robust than the one you show in the video thanks what number of roller are you mounting thanks

[@vetterfellow]

Over whelming Eric, That inspection cover will look sweet under the Fairmont's rear bumper. Can I get first dibs on being the test pilot?. Hope there's no more major hurtles.

[@SPAZALOT]

i see you went with stock length lug studs, i built a 9" w/4:11 gears limited slip, small block 4 sp. top loader and hurst roll control in a 72 Maverick Grabber, first launch sheered off stock length studs and had to install 3" drag studs

[@luisgetulioferreiraandrade8496]

I was a passenger until I was 18 and I drove it for 25 years and I never took it apart The differential has a small oil leak but it still works and I don't know if it's 7.5 inches or 8 I don't know if you know or if you don't know also thank you very much

[@xaytana]

For the stoppers with the nuts, that would be a great time a torque wrench for those pass through sockets existed. They might exist, I've never seen one though, and I doubt any would be good since I've only seen pass through type sockets from lower end brands.

[@theresinator1085]

So what did you end up doing for the counter weight "dog bone". I can't use the one I took off. Broken bolts/bad bushings. I'd like to know if I should run with nothing on it.

[@GabrielGarcia-bi7ww]

Hi Eric i love your videos they help me and other people a lot and and the question is that should i get a automotive technician certification or go for the AA degree ans a automotive technician? And THANK YOU

[@markryl-kuchar2373]

Was leaving the set up paint on the ring gear a safe thing to do?

[@cornishsean1]

I was thinking the same thing.

[@dkongul]

yes that paint is designed for that it a SPECIAL paint dont use the paint you painted your walls with

[@tevsil1]

its basicly just a grease that desolves in the gear oil

[@edgeofvamp]

Eric, did you ever find out whether or not you needed that weight for the front? I may have missed you saying you didn't in another video, just curious what the outcome of that was.

[@roadkill5333]

When you put silicon on the bearing support studs, in the diff cover, would that not be better to use a Teflon thread sealant? Does the mfg recommend that? It looks like it would make it a pain to do oil changes or repairs, with that goo locking up the threads.

[@themisunderstoodgorilla7030]

i thought the same thing. teflon tape would be easy

[@supersonictoast2822]

Eric what you need for those bearing supports is this www.sears.com/gearwrench-75-pc-gearratchet-vortex-pass-thru-socket/p-00930036000P trust me itll make your life so much easier

[@TheDracfink]

great series. here's a question for yea. i was putting gear lube in the trans of my car and got some on my shirt. i've washed it 2 times and the stink of gear lube is still on it. what is a good way to get rid of the stink?

[@chrisking7213]

Once installed does the axle retain the foxbody width? or is it now sn95 width with the addition of the disc brake set up?

[@thebudman67]

I thought you were going with c-clip eliminators?

[@chadharmon5716]

I've learned a lot about diff's but I'm never going to touch them lol only fluid drains

[@JimGriffOne]

03:35 - You can use Isopropanol to dissolve the sticky stuff on labels so it peels right off.

[@neathway382]

A tool that would have been real handy, for this job, would be a "pass through" socket set. You could have gotten onto the nut, and, the end of the load stud to keep it from turning in while you tightened the jam nut. They're also great for places where you're dealing with a long bolt, can't really get a wrench on the nut, and don't have room for a conventional ratchet and deep socket .

[@Kickinpony66]

WD-40, Brak-Kleen, or PB Blaster works good for removing stickers. It loosens the adhesive. But, a wire-wheel is very effective as well!

[@jasonfoster5560]

Here is an old mechanics trick to get 25% more horsepower...........Turn your car sterreo to FM and tune it into 102.1. The whole process should take you no more than 13 hours but you will be pleasantly surprised with all your new found horsepower.

[@ericthecarguy]

I'll have to try that. BTW, the radio is only AM at this time.

[@aserta]

Pouring a bit of oil on a paper towel then lubing up the shafts will make insertion much easier vis-a-vis not damaging the seal. Wetting the seal doesn't really help all that much since there's so much shaft passing by, it just removed the oil after the first few inches. YES, YES, that's what she said!

[@ericthecarguy]

Good idea. Thanks for the tip.

[@zx8401ztv]

Everything done except oil top up and that would have been done on the car. Spot on rebuild :-).

[@ericthecarguy]

Yea, inching ever closer. Sad truth is after driving my new Integra I'm thinking IRS again. I'l admit I have a problem..

[@hayaboosta]

Welcome to the CLSAA (Can't Leave $@!T Alone Anonymous) Please state your name and why you are here.

[@ericthecarguy]

Hello. I'm Eric and I have a problem....

[@winstoncollins4691]

+EricTheCarGuy my problem is I am addicted to cars... 😯

[@murkinstock]

Hi, I'm Murk, and I _too_ have a problem.

[@jmarques5033]

So what i have learned from this series is, fuck differentials.

[@EastMenloPark1650]

I have no idea why I get joy from putting together car parts 😀

[@ellesmerewildwood4858]

That alloy back case ( if that's what it's called ) really makes the diff look niiiiiiiiice. I think back to what the diff looked like in the first video and what it looks now now. After the drama, the headaches, the frustrations, having to walk away for a while and come back with a fresh mind, it gets does and then you sit down, admire your work and pat yourself on the back for a job well done. Ain't it the best feeling ?

[@ericthecarguy]

Thank you! and yes, it is.

[@Brian-Burke]

The satisfying click of a torque wrench.

[@firemandkdkdk]

Excellent videos and series , I feel your pain... makes me want to try but at the same time makes me want to find a good rear end shop with a warranty and pay them to set it up...... your comment, which was basically "how does the factory do it ?" made me think back to my 1926 Model T and even further to 1860's locomotives : I have always been amazed how they built those with technology available then , sort of like how did they drill / blast 2 tunnels a mile long through the Santa Cruz mountains in the 1880's and meet in the middle ? Technology has evolved so much .... sort of scary ...... and amazing what they did in the past.

[@TheKsurf]

Eric I just watched all the videos you have for this, You stuck it out! You did it! thankyou for a very thourogh series on this 8.8! freaking awesome. I would like to see a follow up video on how it drives. did you go from 2.73 to 3.55? or 3.27 to 3.55? anyway, useful tips and I am familair with the struggle you did great!

[@Unitdirtdiver01]

What happened to using the c-clip eliminators?

[@belowEentertainment7673]

How did you get the spider gears back in place I'm having trouble the gears are blocking the pin from sliding in all the way

[@crx122]

Turn the drive shaft. Put one spider gear on, rotate driveshaft until the other you put on is straight back, install other spider gear directly across from it and insert pin. After installing first spider gear in the 9 o clock position rotate driveshaft until it now sits at the 3 o clock, then put the other one at the 9 o clock and they should be lined up perfect for the pin.

[@daveogarf]

WOW, Cameraman Brian really earned his Wheaties this time, Eric! He was right in there, getting super-sharp, detailed images of every step! Your production quality has gone WAY up since you don't have to concentrate on getting the vid anymore, and can concentrate on the mechanical job at hand. KUDOS to you both!

[@reckless9146]

do i have to check my pinon angle if i remove the rear end like you did?

[@Tigerfire75]

Eric why no silacone spray to get the bushings in?

[@Michiganborn1969]

I thought from a video a while ago that you were going to use C-clip eliminators? Also are you going to add gear oil to that case?

[@nathanhess3905]

Great video. Are you going to show the assemble of the brakes and filling of the fluid. Thanks

[@ericthecarguy]

Yes, that's next in the series.

[@MechanicalMikesRoadsideRepair]

All my young life so far,there's just something about putting things together that interests me so much.

[@franciscogallegos8300]

Crazy how short this video is in comparison to the HOURS of work you did with the backlash calibration. That video and you with Paul on the T5 are two of the most technical vids on youtube I've ever seen.

[@GradyRho92]

Engine build next with that turbo?

[@cliveramsbotty6077]

i must be wrong here but those bolts looked like bzp not steel

[@MrMiked37]

What happened to installing the c-clip eliminators

[@danielziemba8045]

That's a thing of beauty, Eric.

[@dkongul]

i believe you mentioned you were going to use axle holders instead of c-clips what changed your mind

[@q......]

Yeah, I was wondering the same thing. Technically he can still put them on... Just if he fills it up with oil and run it a bit, he will have to drain it. Good thing he now has that handy drain plug... I am pretty sure the C-Clip eliminators will be a video in and of itself.. if he uses them that is. Likely a bit more fabrication required than he originally thought. That or adding it into the brake install part?

[@dkongul]

i believe that you should not use c clips with axle holders thats why i am surprised

[@ericthecarguy]

I'm sure I covered that in this series somewhere. Perhaps in the last assembly video. I didn't use them because of the disc brakes I'm using and they're prone to leaks.

[@dkongul]

oh i think i have missed it great build anyways and i am HUNGRY for that engine rebuild videos

[@ericthecarguy]

They're a ways out yet. Need to finish the rear end, remove the old engine and trans, and the K member. After that I have a whole series of engine videos as we spent 2 days at the machine shop shooting.

[@bluecollarjose]

Hey Eric, are you planning to start up the Fairmont (if you haven't already) at the meet up?

[@ericthecarguy]

Still a ways to go before I'm able to do that. Wiring, gauges, fuel system.

[@silasmarner7586]

ON my E150 I almost ratchetd myself into a corner. Yep, 1/4" drive, flex or wobbly.

[@SidewaysInTraffic]

Might be a silly question, but how do you know you have the proper length on your axles?

[@themfknightrider420]

you got by the rearend. you just type in 8.8 axles or 9'' axles on customs axles you have to do alot of math and mesurreing

[@SidewaysInTraffic]

+themfknightrider420 coo thanks man.

[@chuoelfeo]

You should've got an C clip eliminator kit but anyways really enjoying these videos. keep it up!

[@classicman1828]

good work ERIC I never thought Differential Need that much of work , now i see whey must cars are front wheel drive

[@PorscheRacer14]

These video parts are invaluable. I'll be revisiting these in short time as I swap out my 3.55s for 4.11s 🙂

[@diver6843]

All that work and you still used c clips in the pumpkin ?? Why not c clip eliminators???

[@ericthecarguy]

I thought I mentioned that in the video. Leaks.

[@opl500]

"I'm gonna follow their instructions." SO GERMAN.

[@LordLancifer]

This is also applicable to the Chrysler 8.25. That what I have under my Jeep.

[@GForceConnections]

Good video Eric, however I'm still curious what benefits you would achieve from those pads being pushed against the bearing. Thanks

[@randallvos]

The idea behind those pads is to prevent deformation of the carrier bearing housings, which could move the ring gear in relation to the pinion during extreme use, which could damage or destroy the rear end.........

[@ericthecarguy]

There is literally TONS of force placed on those bearings. The pads help secure them to help distribute the load of that force.

[@quasiczarcasm]

Eric, I've noticed you've been real shaky. Is everything alright?

[@alward9901]

It's like preparing a meal all the work is in the preparation . Can't" wait to see her eat them up on the road!! Nice job Eric ,

[@kmath50]

Looks like you are in the home stretch on that now. I wish I could be at your meet up tomorrow. Hope that it goes well.

[@richardquinones2959]

good work Eric now can you do a video on how to change the power motor switch to the alarm and door lock on a Honda Element driver side

[@italianice678]

Thanks for the video Eric! It's fun watching you work.

[@TheStwat]

I've really enjoyed this series of shows, Mr Car Guy.

[@sldpf2113]

The youngsters say first I say I was around before dirt was named

[@sldpf2113]

But first

[@dtimboggs]

Where is the rest disk brake kit found? Part number? Thanks

[@ericthecarguy]

Link in the description.

[@icurt06]

A nice series of videos about building a rear end. Thanks Eric!

[@Prosecute-fauci]

finally.... the easy part.

[@VeiRoNv2]

How come the torque wrench wasn't working properly? is it because of the angle?

[@q......]

He had to use a swivel joint due to the head being too big.You can't get proper torque using those, I belive he thought he was using way too much pressure on it and or getting it well past the torque needed so he went to his tried and "true?" method of sticking to 1/4" as to not overtighten.

[@VeiRoNv2]

+qballtvp I see,I didn't notice the swivel joint,thanks

[@civicrojo18]

So excited about this project

[@ascotell]

How to do you like the Gray sockets? Do you still like them.

[@ericthecarguy]

I love them.

[@CarattiniGarage]

You could had use the boll join removal tool to put the stud I love that tool.

[@MattExzy]

...the suspense is real.

[@giterdun1864]

you don't have to clean that yellow paint off the gear?

[@giterdun1864]

no Giter Dun ... See the 2 year old post below ... it dissolves. your welcome.

[@RobertKohut]

You got a very nice rear end there, Eric!!

[@CarattiniGarage]

Same for the bushing

[@geraldhinson]

Nice job as always. Thanks, Eric!

[@tylerramsey4318]

Wait....oh okay yeah I thought about that too! Thanks!

[@Record3677]

Your jewelry is very nice

[@N1RKW]

This series of videos is why I would always be delighted to pay someone else to set up a differential for me, should the need arise. Keep up the good work, Eric!

[@ericthecarguy]

That can make things easier.

[@N1RKW]

I think in my case it would make things possible. :D

[@bobb348]

why the 8.8 and not a 9"