Ford 8.8 inch rearend in a YJ?

[Craig]

1065787

I've been looking into getting a stronger rearend for my 93 YJ. I've been seriously thinking about the Ford 8.8 inch rearend from an Explorer. By going with this, I can convert to disc brakes in the rear. Before I do this I would like to know if it's strong enough to handle 35 inch tires with some moderate abuse off road. I would also like to know if anyone here has done this swap before and what's involved. Is the 8.8 inch any wider than the stock jeep axle? If it is, is it expensive to get it shortened? Anything else I need to know? Thanks for the help.[addsig]

 

[jterp]

1065788

I don't know about the 8.8, but a friend put a Ford 9" (out of a pickup i think) in a YJ and had minimal complications.... this message is turning out to be pretty unhelpful.. sorry...


edited by: jterp, Apr 25, 2003 - 03:44 PM[addsig]

 

[Snitty]

1065849

actually... contrary to what you would think... the ford 8.8 from an explorer is narrower than the stock jeep axle... but if you think about it, it makes sense... the jeep axles set the tires outside of the tub, the explorer axles keep the tires inside the tubs width... the explorer is wider, but the axle is narrower... you won't need to cut it down... i'd suggest some different offset wheels... and yeah... go for it... it will handle the tire, i know many guys who use that axle for drag racing... if it can handle a jump from 0 to 500 lb-ft of torque in an instant, it will handle the gradual torque of a jeep and those tires... AND most of them came with limited slip as well... thats a plus[addsig]

 

[Bounty__Hunter]

1065857

The 8.8 is a good strong axle that will hold up to mild wheelin with 35" tires. It's about 1.5" narrower than the stock YJ axle, about .75" per side. Tough to notice a difference.[addsig]

 

[Jeepster05]

1065864

I think I'm getting an 8.8 rearend too. If you get one get one off an explorer 1995 to present for the posilock. [addsig]

 

[Craig]

1065874

Ok, so if I put the 8.8 into my jeep and the rear is a little narrower than the front, is it going to affect the handling? Can it be lengthened? What is the gearing like compared to the jeep gearing? Also... what is a comparable axle for the front? Thanks again.[addsig]

 

[Bounty__Hunter]

1065885

The D30 in the front is not that bad, will usually handle up to 35" tires in moderate terrain.

You can add 3/4" wheel spacers to the rear axle, but it's not necessary. It will not affect handling.

They come with many different gear ratios and diff options, so shop around for the ratio you want, and a limited slip if you want one.[addsig]

 

[Snitty]

1065895

yeah.. the front axle can usually withstand more than the rear axle, it never has the torque that you would be placing on the rear axle... and when in 4wd, the torque to move the vehicle is split anyway, so it would only get about half of what you'd ever put on the rear....

... i am not quite sure on extending them... you would have to extend the axle housing... then either extend the axle shaft, and REALLY weaken it, or get longer shafts... not worth it

edited by: Snitty, Apr 26, 2003 - 03:55 AM[addsig]