Help with an axle swap?
#1
Newbie
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2015
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Model: Cherokee
Help with an axle swap?
Hi all, i'm new here and am in need of some help.
I bought a 1990 XJ on craigslist for a really good deal and mostly for a project jeep.
The front was switched to 4.10 gears, and the back are still stock (I believe 3.55)
I've seen a lot of people talking about doing the ford 8.8 in the rear as an axle swap.
If i swapped just the axle in the rear with a ford 8.8, could I use 4wd? I'm new to how the axle's and 4wd work. Right now, 4wd doesn't work due to the gear ratios not matching.
Regearing is an option but seems like a timely project to do, I have a fully capable shop to work in.
I was planning on looking for a ford 8.8 axle for the rear, and would this fix my issue?
Thanks!
I bought a 1990 XJ on craigslist for a really good deal and mostly for a project jeep.
The front was switched to 4.10 gears, and the back are still stock (I believe 3.55)
I've seen a lot of people talking about doing the ford 8.8 in the rear as an axle swap.
If i swapped just the axle in the rear with a ford 8.8, could I use 4wd? I'm new to how the axle's and 4wd work. Right now, 4wd doesn't work due to the gear ratios not matching.
Regearing is an option but seems like a timely project to do, I have a fully capable shop to work in.
I was planning on looking for a ford 8.8 axle for the rear, and would this fix my issue?
Thanks!
#2
CF Veteran
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Hamburg, NY
Posts: 1,258
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Year: 2001
Model: Cherokee
the only way you can run 4 wheel drive is if you have the same gearing in both axles. search the internet to see what ford explorers or rangers (I think) came with the 4.10 gears. I'd have to assume that you would have to look at something with a 4 cylinder. You could also look for an 8.25 that has the 4 banger in it for a rear axle with 4.10 gears.
hope this helped.
hope this helped.
#3
Newbie
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2015
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Model: Cherokee
the only way you can run 4 wheel drive is if you have the same gearing in both axles. search the internet to see what ford explorers or rangers (I think) came with the 4.10 gears. I'd have to assume that you would have to look at something with a 4 cylinder. You could also look for an 8.25 that has the 4 banger in it for a rear axle with 4.10 gears.
hope this helped.
hope this helped.
#4
CF Veteran
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Louisville,KY
Posts: 8,014
Likes: 0
Received 14 Likes
on
14 Posts
Model: Cherokee
The ranger is a inch shorter then the explorer is,The explorer 8.8 is not a bolt in it takes welding and a swap kit before it will bolt in.If you can weld and set up a axle with spring perches you can get a swap kit for this.The 8.8 is harder to find in a 4.10 most i have seen are a 3.73 gear so you can wait for a 4.10 or have the gears changed.And yes both axles front and rear have to have the same gear ratio in them.But before you do a axle swap do you have a dana 35 or the chrysler 8.25?If you have the chrysler 8.25 and can set up a rear end or have a friend that can would be better just to change the gears in that.If you have a dana 35 i would use it as a reason to swap rear ends.If you want a bolt in rear end now the 4 cylinder xjs used 4.10 gears stock you could grab a used rear end from one of those but make sure its the chrysler 8.25.
Last edited by andrewmp6; 08-18-2015 at 03:31 AM.
#5
CF Veteran
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Monett, MO.
Posts: 7,554
Likes: 0
Received 14 Likes
on
14 Posts
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
I would use a 97 up Chy 8.25 29 spline differential and have it re-geared before install. Its a direct bolt-in in your XJ and quite strong a lot less work and a proper fit.
#7
Newbie
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2015
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Model: Cherokee
The ranger is a inch shorter then the explorer is,The explorer 8.8 is not a bolt in it takes welding and a swap kit before it will bolt in.If you can weld and set up a axle with spring perches you can get a swap kit for this.The 8.8 is harder to find in a 4.10 most i have seen are a 3.73 gear so you can wait for a 4.10 or have the gears changed.And yes both axles front and rear have to have the same gear ratio in them.But before you do a axle swap do you have a dana 35 or the chrysler 8.25?If you have the chrysler 8.25 and can set up a rear end or have a friend that can would be better just to change the gears in that.If you have a dana 35 i would use it as a reason to swap rear ends.If you want a bolt in rear end now the 4 cylinder xjs used 4.10 gears stock you could grab a used rear end from one of those but make sure its the chrysler 8.25.
Trending Topics
#8
CF Veteran
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: west chester, pa
Posts: 19,216
Likes: 0
Received 39 Likes
on
35 Posts
Year: 1999
Engine: 4.0
Don't use a ranger 8.8. They got 28 splines. Explorer 8.8 is 31 splines but need welding work to swap in.
U ll actually find explorer 8.8's in 4.10's very often than u would find a 4 cyl Cherokee with 4.10 gears.
#9
CF Veteran
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Southern Maryland
Posts: 1,381
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
Year: 1991
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 1999 4.0L
Easiest is to look for 29-spline 8.25 with 4.10 gears, You can swap one of those in an afternoon in your driveway easily enough.
You can find a Ford 8.8 from an Explorer that will have 4.11 gears (close enough) and disc brakes already on it, but as said above you have to do some other work to it, and its not a perfect fit.
Another option is just have a shop install 4.10 gears in your existing axle. Not worth it for a Dana 35. Completely plausible if you have a C8.25 (your 1990 would be 27-spline, but you can upgrade to 29-spline parts at the same time as the upgrade, just have to buy the right carrier and new axle shafts). Definitely if you have the Dana 44.
You can find a Ford 8.8 from an Explorer that will have 4.11 gears (close enough) and disc brakes already on it, but as said above you have to do some other work to it, and its not a perfect fit.
Another option is just have a shop install 4.10 gears in your existing axle. Not worth it for a Dana 35. Completely plausible if you have a C8.25 (your 1990 would be 27-spline, but you can upgrade to 29-spline parts at the same time as the upgrade, just have to buy the right carrier and new axle shafts). Definitely if you have the Dana 44.
#10
CF Veteran
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Oregon Coast
Posts: 1,508
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes
on
4 Posts
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L I6
Help with an axle swap?
Easiest is to look for 29-spline 8.25 with 4.10 gears, You can swap one of those in an afternoon in your driveway easily enough.
You can find a Ford 8.8 from an Explorer that will have 4.11 gears (close enough) and disc brakes already on it, but as said above you have to do some other work to it, and its not a perfect fit.
Another option is just have a shop install 4.10 gears in your existing axle. Not worth it for a Dana 35. Completely plausible if you have a C8.25 (your 1990 would be 27-spline, but you can upgrade to 29-spline parts at the same time as the upgrade, just have to buy the right carrier and new axle shafts). Definitely if you have the Dana 44.
You can find a Ford 8.8 from an Explorer that will have 4.11 gears (close enough) and disc brakes already on it, but as said above you have to do some other work to it, and its not a perfect fit.
Another option is just have a shop install 4.10 gears in your existing axle. Not worth it for a Dana 35. Completely plausible if you have a C8.25 (your 1990 would be 27-spline, but you can upgrade to 29-spline parts at the same time as the upgrade, just have to buy the right carrier and new axle shafts). Definitely if you have the Dana 44.
#11
CF Veteran
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: west chester, pa
Posts: 19,216
Likes: 0
Received 39 Likes
on
35 Posts
Year: 1999
Engine: 4.0
Easiest is to look for 29-spline 8.25 with 4.10 gears, You can swap one of those in an afternoon in your driveway easily enough. You can find a Ford 8.8 from an Explorer that will have 4.11 gears (close enough) and disc brakes already on it, but as said above you have to do some other work to it, and its not a perfect fit. Another option is just have a shop install 4.10 gears in your existing axle. Not worth it for a Dana 35. Completely plausible if you have a C8.25 (your 1990 would be 27-spline, but you can upgrade to 29-spline parts at the same time as the upgrade, just have to buy the right carrier and new axle shafts). Definitely if you have the Dana 44.
#12
Seasoned Member
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: spring grove il
Posts: 378
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
Year: 2001
Model: Cherokee
8.8s with 4.10s are a dime a dozen. Get one with an open carrier so you can lock it. By the time you buy a 8.25, gears, master install kit, pay to have the gears set and disc brakes. Your looking at a minimum of $700. You could buy an 8.8 and swap kit for under $400 and have a much stronger axle and not need to use degree shims. You can install an 8.8 in a few hours. I did mine in about 8 hours with fully rebuilding it and welding the truss on.
#13
CF Veteran
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Soddy Daisy TN
Posts: 5,420
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Year: 97
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
If you are still running stock wheels keep in mind the 8.8 is a bit narrower than a stock XJ axle, slightly more than an inch. So with stock wheels and any tire larger than a 29 you take a chance of rubbing the leaf springs, not much of an issue with aftermarket wheels with better backspacing.
#14
CF Veteran
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Louisville,KY
Posts: 8,014
Likes: 0
Received 14 Likes
on
14 Posts
Model: Cherokee
Which rear end do you have in it now ?Here is how to id which one you have https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f2/axle-info-148057/ if its a dana 35 i would swap it if its a chrysler 8.25 i would think about swapping your front axle to anything xj 91-99.I think it would be easier to find a front axle in 3.55 then a rear axle with a 4.10 in a junkyard.And how do you plan on using your jeep?If its just a daily driver that will never see off road really any stock rear axle even the dana 35 will be ok.
#15
Junior Member
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: Missouri
Posts: 41
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Year: 92
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
For the 8.8 to match your front axle you'll want a 95-01 explorer axle. Door code will be a 42 for an open carrier or a D2 for a limited slip. Heres a page to look at for the codes. http://therangerstation.com/tech_lib...le_codes.shtml