LOL, I would argue a different story on both counts. I would also agree that C-clip axles aren't the best option, and Everything brakes...

But if I understand correctly, the work and money that goes into a 8.8 could get you a D60 or C10.25 ect... so in compairisen to what the 8.8-D60 costs, and work being close to the same why go with a 8.8.... And I would agree with this logic.

BUT the 8.8 has the same lug pattern, close to stock width, a good upgrade from factory ect.. SO for somone who wants to keep the D30 and the 5x4.5 lug pattern and doesn't want to swap front and rear, or narrow a set of axles ($$$) to keep it street legal(factory width) the 8.8 is a GREAT option. but for the same money you could get more.

If I read this correctly I belive these are the thoughts, on both sides. I would agree with both sides as well. It really comes down to what your going to do with it and how/if you really wheel it.

My hang up with the 8.8 is being stuck with the D30...

Just my thoughts.

 

January 06 edition of Fourwheeler, page 60.

COT: Continuous output torque rating
MOT: Maximum output torque rating

Dana 35 rear axle COT: 0870 MOT: 3480
Dana 44 rear axle COT: 1100 MOT: 4460

Ford 8.8 31spline COT: 1360 MOT: 5100

Dana 60 semifloat COT: 1500 MOT: 5500
************************************************** ****


Warn Axle Test
Axle................Dana 35......Dana 44.......Ford 8.8
Weight............155............167.............1 74
RingGearDia......7.56...........8.5..............8 .8
Pinion Dia.........1.4(26sp)....1.37(30sp)....1.62(30sp)
Axle Dia...........1.16(27sp)..1.30(30sp)....1.32(31sp)
Tube Dia..........2.5"............2.75"...........3.25"
Disks...............no.............Rubicons....... all 95+
Break Strength..4161 ftlb....5982 ftlb.......6200+ ftlb**

**The machine Warn used to test axle breakage maxed out at 6200; at which
the 8.8 had yet to break. Estimates of 8.8 breakage were in the 6400 range.
************************************************** ****

OEM and Aftermarket Axle Shaft Ratings
(seems very conservative)

O.E.M Dana 44 30-spline shafts - 2835 lb/ft
O.E.M Ford 88 31-spline shafts - 3725 lb/ft
Super Dana 44 33-spline shafts - 3969 lb/ft
O.E.M Dana 60 35-spline shafts - 4557 lb/ft
Yukon Ford 88 31-spline shafts - 5131 lb/ft
Yukon Dana 60 35-spline shafts - 6380 lb/ft

 

thats the thing the 30 will for the most part outlast a D35 rear. there isn't much work involved with an 8.8 its flipping a set of hangers. any half decent welder can accomplish that. not to mention its stock widthish, often with 3.55s-4.10s, alot beefier, cheap, readily available. the 10.25" is to wide and makes the front seem stupid. by the time you start moving up to a 1 ton rear you are not going to keep the little D30 in the front so you are already dropping money into both. Overall price wise I already have an 8.8 so it makes sense to swap it into mine only thing i will pay for is moving some mounts. the axle is already built with 4.88s and an LS turned almost locker.

 

Time to stoke the fire
FIXED

If your just dropping one in and not going ape**** crazy on it I can understand getting an 8.8. It is a stronger axle and its wallet friendly option.. Especially with many having disc breaks, lsd's, and better gearing. I dont think anyone should argue, the D35 doesnt hold a candle to an 8.8.

BUT if youre going to spend the money on shaft and lockers and even trussing why in the world would you go with a c clip axle?...
Yeah, that beast of a mustang (nice example to demonstrate strength btw) did well with that 8.8, but if that mustang has his wheel and shaft thrown out on the track, it sucks and he'll certainly hear his bank account crying, but hes not going to be sol stuck on some mountain miles and miles away from help or a tow.

A built up D44 can be just as if not more durable than an 8.8 without the ****ty c-clip.

And yes D44's for the xjs are rarer than 8.8's but if youre dropping that kind of cash on anything, can you excercise a little patience.
[/OFF TOPIC]

 

I think the only thing the 44 has over the 8.8 is the non c clip..other than that i wouldn't build up a 44 for the rear..but i guess we all have different opinions!

 

Yeah, thats the great thing, we can all build it the way we want.

I just have this aching fear with an 8.8 that If I built a serious rig Id be off some gnarly trail brake a shaft and it along with my wheel would scoot off.
And Im aware technically the disc brakes could hold it on, but not that well, and its severly damaging to them.

But it really doesnt matter right now as Im building a modest rig, and Ive got a weaker c clip axle..

 

Very legitimate fear haha, i admit i worry about that all the time, but theres about 500 8.8s in the junkyard by my house, and i think i need to go buy some shafts before my next trip, if i ever get around to going that is

 

I just rear here & there in this thread..kinda skipped through.
I have a 29splinne C8.25, a D35, a couple D30 and a 8.8 in my garage..I know lucky right?
But anyway the 8.8 is a 31spline with 3" tubes and the thing is massive! I can huck around a c8.25 or a D35 or a trusted d30 no problem...but I can't lift that 8.8 without trying hard! that thing is pure beef!

In the crawling crowd, I would rather grab a full width D60 instead of the 8.8 But where I know its popular is the gofast crowd..you not gonna snap shafts in the whoops..your gonna bend axles! So the 8.8 is a huge upgrade and is a cheap and easy way to get a good beefy axle!
Crawling I'd go tons...gofast the 8.8 takes the cake for cheap and easy.
They can be had for like 100 bucks out by me lol.

As far as c clip vs non clip...I say screw it..who actually likes working on drum brakes here? Run disks..you won't fix the issue but it can be limped home on!
I runa LSD C8.25 29spline and Zj disks because it was cheaper and easier & pretty damn equal in strength.
My whole axle with new shoes & pads & rotors for the ZJ setup cost me just shy of $400. Thats all new brake hardware..rotors were 60 a peice:/
Anyway $400 for a good strong disk brake axle with a LSD that'll handle 31s or 33's easily!
A good D44 around me would cost 300-400..and I'd have used drums and no LSD...only gain is the 44 isn't a clip....I'll take my C8.25 anyday of the week. Thats my take on it all!

 

the c-clip does not make the 8.8 any weaker. and besides, i you are that concerned with the c clip, you can eliminate it and go to a press on bearing style like a d44.

and the 8.8 still has larger shafts, larger pinion, larger ring gear, stronger pinion yoke design,


if youre going to run up to 37" tires and less than 300hp, im still going to say that the 8.8 is the best option. it has been proven time and time again to be able to handle that kind of abuse.


everyone has there own opinion on what axle they want to run, but you cant deny the 8.8 being stronger overall vs the d44



EDIT, keep in mind i am referring to the 31 spline 8.8 out of an explorer...not the 8.8 out of a ranger or mustang

 

Just throwing it out there even with the cclips an 8.8 all around has higher breaking points and there are tons of cclip elimintators out there for cheap.

 

^^this... c-clip eliminators for all you haters }¦-> so if I build slowly and put everything together (as my wallet allows) I'm gonna end up with a f'ING brute (coulda swore they.made 35 spline shafts too ) of a rear axle. Stronger then a d60 and stock width. So if, like me, you are into keeping the general dimensions, amenities and creature comforts as well as look of stock (guess its an ocd thing) but with much bigger tires... I would is say the 8.8 is for me. Not to mention the fact that I bleed Ford blue.

 

no idea were i got my info on the two lol



bit of a ford guy myself

 

I can put the explorer 8.8 in my other baby too. I have a 5spd and 5.0 ill be stroking... gonna need the XtrA strength. I had a 31 spline with discs got for free. Gave it to a friend bein a dumbass :-(:-(:-(

 

No... Not stronger than a dana60 man... lol... Lets be realistic bud... as much money as you spend on building a 8.8 all out i can mildly build a dana 60 and the 60 will still be stronger... And i would bet you couldnt build a 8.8 to be as strong as a stock dana 60... Not the model i got anyways everything your listing i have stock and ive got a larger stronger ring and pinion... No way bro... No way...