I'am putting the 8.8in my xj i know i need it from a mountaineer or explorer is there a certain year though? But my main question is. Where do you all recommend getting one? I didnt know if a JY find would be good or not or if they are difficult to find in a Junkyard

 

Pretty sure it's 95-01 explorers you want. Disc brakes and 31 spline
JY is the place if you can't find one on Craigslist. Always check online and local forums/clubs first
There's always someone getting rid of an old one or getting rid of the one they were going to build for their jeep

 

should be pretty easy to find in a junk yard.

as long as its a disc brake 8.8 from a 95+ it will be fine.

 

awesome thanks, Also whats the best gear ratio to run for say up to 35s?

 

Your more than likely going to find an 8.8 with 3.55s...so in that case youll want to regear it for 35s

 

aw4?

4.88

 

X2 on that you will absolutely want 4.88's

 

Are those gears something I need to buy online or what axle can I pull them out of in the junkyard?

 

Dont put used gears in there. Buy them new otherwise they'll wine and wine on you.

 

you wont find a axle with 4.88s in the junkyard. you would have to purchase the gears online or at a local 4x4 shop

 

You'll have to buy the gears, front and rear.
And have them installed by a professional.

 

alright thanks, Ill check around for prices. Will the front axle be ok or is that something i should maybe start thinking about replacing done the road? I'am gonna be locking the front so my concern is buying a locker now for the front axle just to find out later I should'ce replaced the front axle

 

Ford still sells gears for the 8.8 and has OEM 4.88 iirc. I know they still have 4.10s for the 8.8.

 

35" tires? the stock non-vac hp dana 30 can handle it... I build mine up with gears, lunchbox, 760's, spare shafts, ball joints, etc.
I don't like it. too much invested in a stock axle I'd rather have a 44. but it will hold up

 

These might help:
http://www.seriousoffroadproducts.co...ducts_id=92557

http://www.seriousoffroadproducts.co...dto=&x=42&y=15

http://www.seriousoffroadproducts.co...ocker-Ford-8.8

http://www.seriousoffroadproducts.co....8in-31-Spline

http://www.seriousoffroadproducts.co...ARB-Air-Locker