One advantage of an 8.8 is that you dont have to change out the carriers for the lower ratio gears. Dana axles have carrier breaks that may require you to get a new carrier when changing gears

 

Most people leave the D30 but maybe throw a chromo or Super kit in there.

 

i have and 8.8 in my f150 which has the bigger shafts but im running 38s and have yet to brake an axle and it gets wheeled pretty hard the dana 44 is a good choice to just no disks but it will bolt right in

 

The 8.8 is a great axle but, my opinion is keep it all Jeep if you can, Baby. I'm one of the guys who lucked out, though. I got a complete 87 XJ that was a prior police vehicle for $400, running. I scrounged the D44 and complete OEM skid plate set out of it. Then gave it to my son.

 

no idea how you have the bigger shafts.

explorer 8.8's have 31 splines which were the largest diameter put in the ford 8.8's

 

im assumeing he is talking about the 31 over the 29 spline axles the mustang,rangers,thunderbirds and other light trucks/vehicles with the 8.8.

 

pretty sure sam knows a bit more about axles than you.

 

do you ahve to run a bastard u-joint in the 8.8 ? or what part number would be great if you have one.
thanks

 

i dont think this is a pissing match here dude. and im pretty sure i can get a 4.10 8.8 all day long and have it setup w/ brakes for what ive seen XJ 44's going for, in unknown condition

 

the dana 44 has a 8.5" ring gear and 30 spline axles...so nick would be correct the ford 8.8 is bigger..............Not by much.

 

You can get the adapter flange or run a bastard joint. Ive got the bastard joint in mine and it works just as good. Im not 100% sure so dont quote me on this but i think the Spicer PN on that is 5-134x.

 

I have and 8.8 and its a good set up

 

a dana 120 is bigger than both, doesnt mean its better.

 

yeah the D30 is a pretty good axle but if you have the vacume disconect I would convert it to a non disconect for starters and then stronger shafts if you do alot of hard off roading.

 

so if you change out to an 8.8 in the rear do you have to change out the gear set in the D30 up front? or can you leave it? will the difference gears in front and back cause a problem? its probably a stupid question but i'd rather ask then try to drive that way and mess something up.