Looking to finally swap out my d35, and found a local who is parting with his 8.8 he built for his xj. Has ruffstuff perches, solid diff cover, and tubes are welded and all new brakes, it's also geared at 4.88. problem is that it has an Aussie locker with the stock carrier. I know it seems to be a weak point in that axle, so I'm wondering what you all think or if anyone has run the stock carrier. It won't be for any crazy wheeling, but I'm at 4.5 and 33s now, it's just that I can get it at a better deal with it being setup and already geared (and of pay to regear the front). Any inputs appreciated guys

 

Honestly unless you go bigger then 35s or try to be a hardcore rock crawling your fine.I have seen full size broncos with the 8.8 on the stock carrier handle 37s and abuse before.And the only one i seen break snapped the axle shaft in it not the carrier.

 

What's he asking? Will likely be fine. Cheap enough, then you can afford to fix it if it breaks. IF it breaks.

 

Its a pretty strong carrier. I run 35s & mine is welded. It finally broke the welds after much abuse but the carrier was fine. I really abuse my XJ but that's what I bought it for. Also, the front 30 has held up a lot better than I thought it would.

 

Thanks guys, yeah I finally found a couple threads, just wanted some input on if anyone else was running them. Seems like it is the weak point, but the weak point for that axle, so it is stronger than say the 35 or 8.25...thanks again guys!

 

A dana 35 is basicly a paper weight,A 8.25 is good tell 35 inch tires while the 8.8 is good tell 37 inch tires.