The Ford 8.8 is an automotive axle manufactured by Visteon at the Sterling Axle Plant in Sterling Heights, MI. It was first used in model year 1983 Ford trucks. The axle was developed to replace the Ford 9-inch axle. This is axle is still in production today for variety of Ford vehicles.
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Ford first used the 8.8 axle in 1983 model year trucks and is still in production for the Ford Ranger and Ford F-Series. It was also used in the Ford SUV's until Independent suspension replaced the solid axle. Ring, pinion and carrier all remained between the solid axle and independent rear suspension.
It was also used in the 1986 model year V-8 equipped Mustangs, replacing the weaker 7.5 rear end.
The 8.8 IRS first saw use in the 1989 model year Ford Thunderbird however the Ford SUV eventually adapted independent suspension in its Third generation Explorer and Second generation Expedition.
The 8.8 IFS first saw use in the model year 1997 Ford F-150 and Ford Expedition and has been in use since. Third generation Ford Explorers used this in favor of the Dana 35IFS, and the 8.8 was the only front end in the Ford Explorer Sport Trac.