31-Spline Semi-Floating Axle Shafts, C-Clips & Bearings
Induction-hardened forged steel axle shafts retained inside the differential side gears by recessed C-clip locks.
Role in the System
What This Assembly Is
Extending from the differential side gears out to the 5×5.5-inch rear wheel flanges are the left and right 31-spline forged steel axle shafts, retained inboard by hardened horseshoe C-clips and supported outboard by unitized straight-roller wheel bearings pressed directly into the housing tube ends.
Mechanics & Physics
How the Subcomponents Work Together
How C-Clip Retention Works: To remove or install an axle shaft on a Ford 8.8, you first unbolt and slide out the center differential cross-pin shaft, push the axle shaft inward by a quarter inch so its recessed button tip clears the side gear counterbore, drop the horseshoe C-clip out of its groove, and slide the shaft straight out of the tube.
Other Assemblies in This System
Two-Piece Driveshaft, Slip Yoke, U-Joints & Carrier Bearing
Long-wheelbase two-piece tubular propeller shaft with a rubber-isolated center support bearing and three Spicer 1330 U-joints.
Ford 8.8-Inch Rear Axle Housing, Tubes & 10-Bolt Cover
Nodular cast-iron center carrier housing with 3.25-inch pressed steel axle tubes that carry the rear weight of the truck.
Ford 8.8-Inch Hypoid Ring & Pinion, Differential & RABS
Turns driveshaft torque 90 degrees, multiplies torque through an 8.8-inch hypoid ring gear, and splits wheel speeds in turns.