Ok I have read in a lot of jeep and 4x4 mags talking about upgrading your D35 with a 8.8 is not worth it. they say it is not mush stronger. I think that is just BS. I have seen 9 sec mustangs, with full slicks and spraying 150 shot off the line, lanch and them hold up just fine. i just don't see how they say they are only alittle stronger and not worth the upgrade. what are yalls thoughts on this?

 

I think what they are likely saying is the return on investment isn't that great..Upgrading to an 8.8 for the average joe is a lot of work and if you can't weld costly..a 97+ 8.25 with the 29 spline axles would be a better upgrade for most people, and a D44 even better..mainly because they are direct swaps that require not modifications.

 

It is very well worth it. X2 on the hard work though. You will more than likely need to regear to match your front. But you can get the with 4.10s and a LSD. I got mine for 100 bucks. You surely won't find a 44 that cheap.

 

IF you can get the brackets relocated, the 8.8 is a great upgrade. You can also get disk brakes.

 

an 8.8 with the super 88 kit is pretty friggin stout

 

If I could weld I'd do an 8.8 for sure I just can't weld and know one I know has a welder to do such a job. Maybe I'll have to check a few shops and get prices on the welding,..

 

you will also want you axle tubes to get welded so you dont spin a tube

 

Pardon my ignorance on this one, but in the Hot Rod world I come from, everyone talks about a Ford 9" rear end as being the best and most desireable. Is this Ford 8.8" the same thing? Thanks!

 

No, the 8.8 is a traditional axle with a diff cover like the turdy five. The 9" is a drop third member type axle, and while they are very strong, they are quite a bit bigger. Us XJ guys want as much ground clearance as possible, so a 9" is out, unless you're running pretty big rubber. Also the 9" is wider than our XJs, so either you have to get them narrowed, or deal with full sized axles. HTH!!

 

I re-geared an 8.8 for a local XJ guy a while back. The axle is stout but there are a few drawbacks. The tubes spin in the diff rather easily so a couple of really good welds at the diff are must have's. Secondly, the diff itself is rather large and will grab more rocks than an 8.25" axle.

For my money I'd stick with an 8.25" or a Dana44 before putting an 8.8" under my heep.

 

A 8.8 with the Super 88 kit in it is stronger than a Dana 60 hands down... I've never heard of any one spinning a tube in a 8.8 either.

Now as for welding there is a way around that, there is a kit out there that the spring perches are bolt on for those that can't weld..

Now if you are running 33's or bigger I wouldn't worry so much about how it hangs cause its only like 1/2" more than a D44 of which it is much stronger...

 

Stronger than a Dana60?!? You're not serious are you?
Google should be on your list of places to visit before posting.

Spun tubes links found in under 60 seconds:

http://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/11...xle-brace.html

Stonger than a 60? No that's down right hilarious!!
http://www.jeepsunlimited.com/forums...d.php?t=674123

Bolt-on spring perches won't prevent spinning a tube.

For those that are considering an 8.8 vs. D44
http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=24854

 

I said with the Super 88 kit it is stronger, look up the strength. A Dana 60 is not as strong as most give it credit for.

And as for spinning tubes, I said "I never heard of it happening." not that it couldn't. And I've been around and owned several vehicles with 8.8's in them..

And I never said bolt perches would do anything about spinning tubes it was a option for those that can weld to install the axle in a XJ.

A 8.8 is hands down better than a Dana 44......

 

C-clips, tubes that spin in the diff, 1 spline more than a d44 (unless you get a 27 spline 8.8), not a direct bolt on, yeah...hands down a better option.

It'a an alternative to a D44.

 

Frank what about the 8.25 Cryco axles in your opinion. Are they strong enough to withstand the trails you guys have in Colorado? What about lockers in them, which are the better ones?