eggdashure

Last year we as a family purchased a pop-up camper and my Jeep was to tow it. With 3.55 and 31's towing a pop-up, I barely made it over the mountains in Colorado at times! (Floored going 25 MPH was unbearable!)

After several years of waiting, I had finally had it! I wanted new axles even if it was only a step up from 3.55 to 3.73. So, I saw an ad on craigslist advertising a D44 (with a Detroit Locker) and D30...so I called the guy up. He told me they were still available and were a matching set at 3.73, he wanted $150 for the D44 and $75 for the D30. I talked him down to an even $200 for both. My thought process here was this will help marginally in the short term, plus I would have the carriers needed if I were to regear later. He even drove them the 45 minutes to my house. Cool!



He dropped them off in the evening so I really couldn't give them the attention I wanted to. But, he assured me on the gearing and I was stoked to see the rear already had discs, so I didn't question it.

Next day, I washed the very muddy axles off and found Surprise #1 "Solid" axle cover buried underneath. Ok, but that doesn't look like a D44 to me...so I asked the community here at Cherokee Forum and they identified Surprise #2, I am the proud owner of a Ford 8.8 axle! Whoever owned this axle had it setup for a 3 link of some sort. I'm going to cut all of that off and have someone weld on a couple leaf perches for me. The welds from the 3 links look a little sketchy...(Anyone in Grand Junction that could help me out with a couple perches and shock mounts?!)



Surprise #4 came when I pulled the cover off of the 8.8. It has a Mini-Spool in it...not exactly the best option for a Daily Driver. I'm still debating whether to buy a lunchbox locker or just get a used set of spiders. I know what I SHOULD do, but convincing the wife to spend another $300 likely won't happen.



Surprise #5 came when I looked at the ring gear and found 410 stamped on it. Wait...what?! 4.10's...sweet bonus! Now I don't have to regear...at least the rear. My happiness quickly went to a grimace when I realized I likely have a worthless D30 with 3.73's that I just paid for. Well, better make sure. Surprise #6 I found 410 stamped on the D30 ring as well. Sweet matching set of 4.10 axles.



So, there's the story so far...now that I think I have everything figured out it's time to build!

The plan:

• Knock off all of the 3 link metal on the 8.8
• Add proper spring perches
• Add proper shock mounts
• Procure a set of spider gears (or possible locker) for the 8.8
• Sand and paint everything
• Machine the rotors and fresh brake pads all around
• Lube Lockers
• Install and wheel!

Open to ideas!

SeriousOffroad

Leave the truss in place for added strength.

No need for LubeLockers unless you plan on being in and out of the axles frequently. Right-Stuff Gasket Maker FTW!

Ridler Diff Covers would be a wise upgrade.

Use Anti-Wrap perches.

Good time to install raised shock mounts for added clearance.

If you have a Limited Slip Carrier, simply swap in new LSD components as well as new side and spider gears.

Let me know if you need help sourcing any of these.

eggdashure

Lube Locker was just in case I found a good deal on a Lunchbox Locker later on.

Yea, trying to remove that truss would be a b!tch...it will stay in place, but I'll just knock off the two mounts on top for added clearance.

Fairly certain this has an Open carrier, which would work better for a locker. I'm considering picking up a 3.73+ LSD carrier on eBay...but that would need to be shimmed and adjusted...right? Or is is plug and play once I install my ring?

How much for the anti-wrap perches and shock mounts?

SeriousOffroad

http://www.seriousoffroadproducts.co...y-Ford-8.8-Kit

yarom

"He told me they were still available and were a matching set at 3.73, he wanted $150 for the D44 and $75 for the D30. I talked him down to an even $200 for both."

I need to move to Colorado. In WA you can't find a D44 for less than $400 and these are just crappy ones for a rebuild...

Whatever you got, that's quite a deal... Put a nice locker in the back and you are done...

Lead Foot

Thats what I was thinkin. lol Though there is a way better selection and prices over on the west side than Yakima area.

Big David

You can't put a mini-spool in a LS carrier.Your's is a open carrier.

It's not a simple plug & play if you get a LS carrier to drop in your housing.

Look to pay someone to set it up for you.I'd just get a lunch box locker or a selectable,if you can afford it,& put it in.You can install the lunchbox yourself.

Great find!

eggdashure

Thanks! Continued to "find" even after the sale was completed, though I'm not complaining!

Yea, everything I have been reading says mini-spools only work/fit in the open diff. I think my best bet is going to be to purchase a cheap set of spiders to get me by and save up for a lunchbox.

It's not worth it to pay someone to put in an LSD when I will just end up wanting to put a lock in anyways.

Also guys, just to note...I've been waiting for almost 3 years for someone to come along that didn't know what they had! Hence the good deal! May be related to that new Colorado law

Oh wait, Washington has that law too, right?

eggdashure

Hey Serious, will that flange work with my driveshaft? It's a front driveshaft used for my SYE setup...

Aljay

I would not put a stock LSD in there. Stock 8.8 LSDs suck LSD offroad is pointless lock it up . I just bought an open 3.55 8.8 for my rig and have another with 4.10s I intend to add a spartan or an aussie to the 3.55 axle saving the 4.10 for later .
I would hit serious offroad up for his 8.8 swap kit it is the best bang for buck I have looked around alot.

SeriousOffroad

Yes it will.

Thank you Sir!

Aljay

You will be getting my money soon for a few goodies. Wish you sold the 5.3 swap in a kit !

Thats a seriously sweet XJ !

eggdashure

Order placed Serious! Thanks!

Do you mind jumping over the hill to install?

Aljay

If the axle tubes are not already welded to the center section get that done too , do not overlook that ! I can't tell from the pics if they are ?

eggdashure

That truss is welded in place right next to the pumpkin. So I think I'm ok...