Any of you do this? I hear its a good swap for the rear axle, bolts right up... Im asking cuz I did a search for (Ford 8.8) and it came up with nothing... A guy at a muffler shop said he knew someone selling one for $150, thats already on an XJ. I've always wanted to get rid of the D35. Im just curious how hard it will be to drop the old one out and install the 8.8. Would I have to get a new drive shaft and all that stuff. I already plan regearing both axle (front dana 30 and the 8.8) to 4.56:1. So how hard will it be for a guy who is just getting into the whole mechanic thing? Man I love smell of oil in the morning.

 

You will need to cut off the spring perches and re-weld new ones on. Same with the shock mounts.I would recommend welding the tubes to the housing, because they are notorious for spinning the axle tubes in the housing. You will also have to mess around with the E-brake for it to work... but I have no idea what work is involved for that part.

Can handle up to about 37's too

 

https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f51/8-...-write-up-880/

Here is one write up on it. If the axle is coming from under another XJ all the hard work should be done (welding spring and shock mounts). Make sure the tubes are welded as stated above. You can get a kit for your parking break. I think if you get the cables from a Grand Cherokee they work as well. I am doing this mod this winter. Have the 8.8 in the garage.

 

http://www.bc4x4.com/tech/2003/xj88/

Another write up

 

http://www.mountainoffroad.com/Catal...stall-kit.html

Good place for parts like the e brake cables.

http://www.jedi.com/obiwan/jeep/ford88.html

A good write up on a guy who put one under his wrangler. Lots of good info here.

 

cool thanks a bunch, that really helps

 

totally random bump me if i am too off topic but i got a D44 in the rear but i am looking to swap out my front axle... D30 is pretty much stock but a D44 upgrade up front is around three grand,, any opinions on what to swap out for the front axle?!?

 

That really belongs in its own thread.




BUT,
What size tires are you planning on running? I've seen 37's run on a decked out D30 before (I wouldn't recommend going past 35's on one though).

You can buy a D44 from a rubicon straight from the dealer for around 2k.. but its really a "fake" D44 (mixed combo of D30 and D44 parts).

I am planning on doing a D60 front swap over the summer for ~1K... but I am getting the axle practically for free.