I put a "Performance series" Auburn unit in my 88 Camaro (all by myself) about 1.5 years ago, and absolutely love it.
My everyday vehicle is a 96 F-150 auto 4x4 short box (and I absolutely love it as well), and recently the rear-end's been howling and getting worse. Too busy to attempt another differential job, took it to a well-known 4x4 shop. Estimate is $1,600 (axle shaft replacement, bearings, seals, and either the Auburn, or Eaton unit). 160K hard miles, so not surprised.
Anyways, having to make a choice between the Auburn or Eaton, I remember doing this research before, and seem to recall everyone favoring the cone-based Auburn over the Eaton's by just a tad. Dudes at the 4x4 place seem to favor the Eaton - say its more traditional design, easier to service, and a little more forgiving in city driving (which I do some).
So for this Ford 8.8, what's the vote? Eaton, or Auburn ? Actually its a little late, I told em to go ahead and order up the Eaton, and just do it. (still like to hear the consensus)
Thanks!