Hey i found a ford 8.8" with disk brakes, lsd, and 4.10 gears for $300. That would be cheaper than getting my rear 8.25 regeared to 4.10s (would cost about $600 for back axle). So is $300 a good deal for that? I know with my revese cut Dana30HP and that axle i could run some 35s or even 37s

 

well i wouldnt run 37's on a d30 but you can get away with 35's. additionally 4.56's are much more ideal for 35's but on the other hand 8.8's are really nice axles. i would go for it but i would regear both axles since you have to do the d30 at that point anyways.

-Kyle

 

That axle isnt like shorter is it? The guy said its like 1.5" narrower or something...its from like a 98 explorer

 

it is a bit shorter, you may have to run a bit less BS in the rear to accommodate for that. but PLENTY of XJ guys run the 8.8.

-Kyle

 

Also I believe the 8.8 lug patturn is 5x5.5 not 5x4.5. You may need to look for wheels for the 8.8

 

i think ill jsut leave it, try to find someone to regear mine a bit cheaper. My 8.25 is a 29 spline and im only going to run 33s max so it can handle it, after the cost of install and stuff on that other axle and the fact that it has a factory lsd which probobly could break i dont think its best to mess with an axle swap.

 

ya the 8.25 can handle it. the only problem is the limited aftermarket support (IE: lack of locker selection) with the 8.25 but worse has happened.

-Kyle

 

Actually i was changing my diff fluid on my 8.25 and noticed it appears to be leaking from the drivers side where the axle shaft meets the diff pumpkin... ugh.

 

it's a wee bit narrower, 5/8" per side i hear.

if ya truly want the width back i wouldnt run less backspaced wheels because then you wont be able to rotate your tires (well ya could but it would look goofy)

if anything a set of spacers or even better a super 8.8 kit which eliminates all the weak points on the 8.8, such as the weak carrier, and c-clips, and also gains you your width back.

 

it's 5 on 4.5, although 8.8's did come in 5 on 5.5" back in the day, exploder axles that are the desirable swap into xj's are all 5 on 4.5

 

uhhh.... huh? there isnt supposed to be a seal there


do you mean at the outer axle seal near the wheels?

 

no not that seal. but i think it might just be one of the little tubes or lines that comes out of the top of the axle shaft, one of those must have a small leak....

 

you mean axle tubes?

 

The axle tubes that atatch to the differential that contain the axle shafts which spin inside hte tubes. i thikhn its leaking from some line/tube that is on top, maybe like the diff breather.

 

if its leaking from the diff breather try taking the fill plug off and see if some fluid comes out. often times that is the result of overfilling the diff.

-Kyle