Ford 8.8 Rear Axle Strength

rjstractor wrote:

Sloop Smitten wrote:
I have that same differential in my Class "C". The GAWR (Maximum permissible weight per axle) for the rear is 8,800 lbs per the RV placard. Of course it has tandem wheels on the rear if that factors into it. I tow a VW bug behind the motorhome and have had no problems with the rear. I was surprised to see the 8.8 under there as that was the standard rear for E150 vans and this RV is built on an E350 cutaway chassis. Would of thought a more substantial unit would have been in order. Hope this is of some help.

That is very surprising, are you sure that's correct? The F250/350 of the same vintage had a 10.5" full floater with 8 lugs. I suspect that's what your E350 has. Do you have a picture of the differential housing?

I do not have a picture but I did spend several days researching which gasket I needed so I could change out the gear oil. The pattern was definitely the 8.8 and that is what I purchased when I changed the oil. There appears to be some bastardization involved with the E350 cutaway as I also found I had a power steering pump for a diesel rig when I had to replace it. Not complaining just stating some unusual findings.