From Wikipedia......."The Dana 60 rear axle was first introduced in 1955 as a full floating axle in Ford F-250's and is still used today. Manufactured in both full float and semi float variations. The semi float axles have GAWR up to 5,500 lbs and the full float axles were rated up to 6,500 lbs. Full floating variants are common while Semi-floating axles exist, but are less common. Axle spline count varies, with 30 spline being the most common."
"The Dana/Spicer Model 60 is an automotive axle manufactured by Dana Corp. and used in OEM "heavy duty" pickup applications by Chevrolet, Dodge, Chrysler, Jeep and Ford. Various construction companies use this axle. There are front and rear versions of the Dana 60. It can be readily identified by its straight axle tubes, 10 bolt asymmetrical cover, and a "60" cast in to the housing
Ford 1955–1985 Ford 3⁄4-ton Trucks 1955–1976 Ford 1 Ton Trucks 1980–2012 Ford E200/E250/E350 vans
Ford UK 1973–1982 Ford A0406 Truck (option)
Chevrolet 1964–1977 Chevrolet and GMC 3/4-ton pickups 1975–1987 Chevrolet and GMC 1-ton pickups and Suburbans 1979–2012 Chevrolet and GMC 1-ton vans
Jeep 1968–1973 Jeep J3800/J4800 Camper Truck (full float 30 spline) 1968–1970 Jeep J-2600/J2700/J3600/J3700 (semi float 30 & 35 spline) 1971–1973 Jeep J4000/4600/J4700 (semi float 35 spline) 1974–1988 Jeep J20 (full float 30 spline g. Gross axle weight ratings are often lowered by the vehicle manufacturer for safety and tire reasons."
So there are a few facts............LOL!!!
Now, back to the original question on the 8.8. This rear suffers the fate on any other "rear service" type rearend in a race car application. You CAN'T possibly put enough bracing on the housing to support the axle tubes and keep them from bending. As far as aftermarket parts, you can get as large as a 35 spline spool. Gears are common numbers. The ring gear is obviously 8.8, which is larger than 8.75, but an inch smaller than DANA. In high HP applications, other than bending tubes, the weakness is shelling gears because of pinion flex in the case, as the case does not have the sheer mass of the DANA. So while it can be built to be stronger in the case area than an 8.75, bent tubes are a problem.............so pick your posion.............LOL!
