8-inch Ford Option - Rebuilt Rear - Tech

The TSD with the ring gear installed is now ready to rock. We went with a 3.55 gear for a good overdrive-compatible rearend.

Here's another 8-inch vs. 9-inch comparison that shows the size difference between the two ring-and-pinion units. The diameter of the ring gear is where they get their name.

The next step is to disassemble the ring-and-pinion and differential from the gearcase.

Then the differential is installed in the gearcase along with the pinion assembly.

The Steelabrate process left some debris in the housing...

...so before anything is assembled to the housing, it's given a thorough lashing with a wire wheel before being carefully inspected and wiped down.

Then the axle bearing seals are driven into place.

Before the gearcase is installed, black RTV is applied to the housing and gasket to ensure a leak-free seal.