Easyduzit

I have a lead on a Dana 44 rear from a TJ (low pinion). It has a disc brake conversion already installed and all the brackets (perches and shock mounts) have been cut off. The guy was using it for a different project that didn't get completed.

What do you think about putting this in my '88 XJ? It has the same gearing, 3.73. Would I need a new driveshaft?

What else would I need to do besides weld up the brackets?

I am also looking at an 8.8 already set up for the XJ. Both axles are about the same cost.

Thanks for the help. This is the first venture into axles and I have researched a bit on them already, but nothing has come up this specific.

MWildmann

I think that all TJ and XJ used the same u-joint at the pinion end of the rear driveshaft. I also think that your driveshaft length will not be an issue as there is only one driveshaft for a D35 and a 8.25, the 8.25 has a much longer pinion than a D35. You should be able to weld perches on there and bolt it up. Only thing that might be a little goofy is getting the e-brake hooked up. Do a search for ZJ disc brake conversion and you'll be able to find a write up on how to get your e-brake sorted out. Strike that, just found it: https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f2/no-...version-17386/.

KTMrider

The ford 8.8 has 4.11 gearing. go with the d44. that way you dont have to get the front axle or rear axle geared to match the other. That would cost more than welding on the nessasry brackets for leafs and shocks.

Easyduzit

Actually the 8.8 already has the 3.73 gears installed. I am still leaning toward the 44 though.

Any more information out there?

Rock Toy

If both axles cost the same, and both axles have to have all the brackets welded on, and both have the correct gear ratio. I would go with the 31 spline Ford Explorer 8.8. It is so much stronger than a Dana 44 that it is really closer to the Dana 60 in strength. Plus, the later years had disc brakes.