tubesncubes

I'm planning on using an 8.8 explorer rear and welding in tubes from my current 9 bolt. To get it running I know I can swap the truck carrier for a 28 carrier and run my stock axles. In the future I plan on using a 31 cobra carrier and having moser axles made to work but Im not sure if I can run 31 spline axles in 9 bolt tubes the same as 10 bolt tubes.
Is there anything special I need to do for 31 spline axles? I've read quite a bit here and on tech about using 10 bolts but there isn't much information on 9 bolts.
Thanks.

big gear head

You need to use a 10 bolt. The 9 bolt splines are different. The 28 spline 10 bolt axles will work in the 28 spline Ford differential, but not the 9 bolt splines.

tubesncubes

Would a set of moser 31spline axles work with the 9 bolt tubes? I know they make them for 10bolt tubes.

big gear head

I'm sure that they can make a set. The 9 bolt uses bolt in axles and the 10 bolt uses c clips. The price on the 9 bolt axles is probably going to be about 2 times what the 10 bolt axles will be.

tubesncubes

I understand the difference in axle retention. That's why I would like to use the 28 spline 9 bolt axles and tubes. But if they are in fact different my plan won't work.

After hours more of research looks like plan b is a 31 center with 9" housing ends using 10 bolt tubes.

big gear head

Why not use the 8.8 axle tubes and put the 9 inch housing ends on it? The housing would be stronger with the 8.8 tubes. All you have to do is transfer the Camaro brackets to the 8.8 tubes. Use a F150 housing instead of the Explorer so that the tubes will be long enough.

tubesncubes

Extra weight is one reason, I don't need that big of an axle tube. Second, the 10 bolt tubes have the hardware exactly where they need to be, less chance for error.