Rod/Reel Question

Probably a dumb question but could I put a 5/6 wt. reel on a 9’ 8 wt. rod? I bought a cheap combo and the fly reel busted on my first big red. A friend of mine offered a free 5/6 wt. reel as a replacement and was wondering if it would work? Thanks in advance for your help.

You could use that reel but you will be limited on the amount of line you will have. You will need to use a 8 wt line so your backing will be way short.

That makes a lot of sense to me. Thanks for the help! I will just find a good 7/8 wt. reel and do it right.