Get a 8.8 out of an Explorer and it is 1.25" narrower. Then get rid of the stock wheels and get some that don't have 5.25" of backspacing. All problems are solved.

 

That's a stretch

 

x2^^^ 8.25 29 spline is even with a d44..8.8s a beefy rear

 

IMO it depends on what YOU want. I'm doing 3/4 ton full widths on mine and will be running a 35" tire. Theres no way I would run 35's on a Dana 30 but thats me ,seen way to many 30's break with tires under 33"s.

 

Yea, hell the 29spline 8.25 is only slightly larger than a d35 shaft.1.18 to 1.21 of the 8.25.

With the d44 being 1.31 and 8.8 being 1.32.

The 8.25 has smaller tubes, smaller ring gear, smaller pinion, smaller tube thickness, inferior yoke design, smaller aftermarket...all in comparison to the 8.8

Among the other strength differences between the 8.25 and 8.8

 

The 8.25 gets way more credit than it deserves.

Yes, its a decent diff. But, its no super axle like many people here make it sound

 

On top of 12" disc brakes vs. 10" drums on Dana 35 the 8.8 is superior in:

The axle shaft strength (tested by Warn Ind.) is as follows:
F8.8= 6,500 (lb. ft.)
D44= 4,600-5,000 (lb. ft.)
D35C= 4,000-4,300 (lb. ft.)

Dana 35 rear axle COT: 870 MOT: 3480
Dana 44 rear axle COT: 1100 MOT: 4460
Ford 8.8 28spline COT: 1250 MOT: 4600
Ford 8.8 31spline COT: 1360 MOT: 5100
Dana 60 semifloat COT: 1500 MOT: 5500
COT: Continuous output torque rating
MOT: Maximum output torque rating

 

Get a 44 rear, parts are super cheap and easy to come by, not to mention any upgrade imaginable is available for it.

As for the front, the 30 is okay, but if youre thinking of making it a super 30 just buy a 44 for it.

or... find a 70s ford pickup for cheap (<500) and get yourself a 9"/HP44

 

this is actually what i was thinking of doing. that's what brought on this whole thread...