Djkindt

So as the title states, I purchased TWO 8.8's.
I originally bought a 3.73 limited slip with disc breaks in the rear. Got a great deal on it!
Then today at the 4x4 swap meet I picked up another with 4.10 gears from an '01 explorer. Here's the pros and cons I've came up with as of now:

3.73:
Pro's: cheaper to re-gear my front dana 30, better road performance??
Cons: Needs new rotors and possibly backing plates
4.10:
Pros: Lower gears for the trails (my xj is no longer my DD), Rotors and backing plates are good, and I think it's newer than the other one
Cons: Difficulty finding 4.10 gears for the front at a reasonable price (I can get 3.73 for $30)

Any other things I should consider? at the meet I also picked up a set of 34" swampers that I will be running. They're about 50% so more like 33's, but I'm not sure what gears would be better for these size. I want to be able to drive my jeep to the trails with no issues, but as mentioned it's not my daily driver anymore. What do you all think? Just looking for opinions and experiences with similar setups. Thanks!

OverlandZJ

4.0/AW-4?

Neither will be "right" for 34's, 4:56 or 4:88's would be what you want. So i'd opt for the 4:10 axle.

Start looking for a 4:10 front axle.. probably pick one up for around $150-200. Cheaper than regearing.

Metmknice

IF you can find a 4cyl 4WD, it should have 4.10s so that should be easy enough. Rotors are pads are EASY to replace.
But, as said above, 4.56 or 4.88s are more appropriate for those tires.

Djkindt

Yes I forgot to mention it's the h.o. 4.0 with an ax-15 5 speed. Thanks for the quick response. Looks like I'm going with the 4.10's!