[marcop11]

I recently busted my rear derailleur and a friend gave an XT 9 speed derailleur, but my XT shifters and cassette are only 8 speed. R they compatable??

Thanks!!!

 

[Shayne]

Yup

As long as the shifters and cassette are both 8spd it doesn't matter what derailleur you have on there.

 

[marcop11]

Great thanks!!

 

[kuki]

I have the same issue.
My shimano alivio 8 speed rear derailleur broken. I want to install shimano slx 9 speed instead. Will this still work on my bike even though the back chain wheel is 8 cogs?

 

[Aresab]

Wow, reviving a 5 year old thread! Anyhow, yes, 7/8/9 speed derailleurs all use the exact same cable pull ratio. To go from an Alivio to an SLX will be a nice upgrade. You will have to shorten the cable and housing since the SLX is set up differently (or you'd have some odd cable bend somewhere ...I'd guess). Also, remember 10 speed versions are not compatible.

 

[kuki]

RSabarese, thanks for your answer.