I have a friend with a 92 Ford Explorer, 5.5 Superlift and 33" TSLs.


Anyways, He is going to be doing an axle swap this summer for a D44 and a Ford 9" out of a 90something Bronco. Long story short, he is looking to get rid of the 8.8 and offered to GIVE it to me. Its been through a lot, and he welded the gears (Properly,) But I have heard the 8.8 is stronger than the 8.25. But then again, I have also heard that the 8.25 is comparable to a D44. Just looking for some insight as to weather or not this would be a worthwhile swap for my well taken care of 8.25. Thanks!

-Jake

 

The later model 97-01 8.25 is comparable to the D44. The later model has larger diameter 29 spline axle shafts, the earlier model has 27 spline shafts. The only reason the earlier model is considered an improvement over the D35 is the larger diameter, thicker wall axle tube. The early 8.25s axle shafts as actually smaller than the D35 are just as prone to break. The D35s biggest problem is the weak axle tubes will bend with moderate offroad use and cause the axle housing to leak and put the axle shafts in a bind causing them to snap. I would ****** up that 8.8 in a heartbeat. What have you got to lose.

 

For free yes. But have you factored in all the brackets and fab work that is involved in making a 8.8 work?

Do you DD your XJ? Welded diff sucks on road.

 

if you don't take it will your friend give it to me?