Alright I'm looking to build my 8.8 for my XJ. The 8.8 currently has 3.73 gears and a limited slip. I would like opinions, comments, and any helpful information for this swap. Am I able to put studs in that have the same thread pitch as a Dana 30? What wheel adapters would be the best to make the axles equal length and to have the same bolt pattern as the Dana 30? Again ANY AND ALL info is awesome!!

Plans for the build are:

•IRO swap kit with truss
•Spartan Locker
•4.88 gears
•master install kit
•welded axle tubes

My 8.8 studs had the same thread pitch but if you need change them out you can just smack them out with a bfh. The 8.8 is only an inch narrower than the d30. I would worry too much about that its hardly noticable.

Ok awesome! Is there a carrier break or will 4.88 gears bolt in?

ford 8.8 from explorers are same lug pattern as d30, (5x4.5)

U wouldn't notice anything if it's 1" narrower. No need for spacers

I am thinking you mean dana 35 not dana 30. Unless you are somehow modding the 8.8 for front use. It is the same lug pattern and thread pitch as the 35 & 30. No carrier breaks on the 8.8 so you are good to go no matter what ratio you decide.

Max

If you got money to burn http://eastcoastgearsupply.com/i-117...nator-kit.html

I think you'll need a new carrier if you're going to use a lunchbox locker.

So one said no to a new carrier, another says I do... I'd be using a lunchbox Spartan locker in the posi carrier if that works?

I don't think u can do that. A LSD carrier is different from a regular open carrier.

Also why people suggest to replace the carrier is because stock ones are known to be weak and break. You might as well as get a Detroit full case locker. It's only 150 or 200 more than a lunchbox and u wouldn't have to get a carrier either

You will need an open carrier case if planning on running a spartan locker. I was just saying there are no carrier breaks for the 8.8 so any ratio will work an the one carrier.

Max

Ok awesome, thank you! If I have any further questions I will post here!

What happened to the XJ you were working on in the shop trying to get it on the road with lots of mods to it?

Been on the road for a while now! It's the same one

Just finished up the 8.8 on mine. I opted for 4:88 right of the bat. Putting that in the 30 too. I was originally going to go ARB but decided on a LSD. Also, to take care of the weak carrier and worn clutches all in one swoop I opted for the Truetrac. The jeep won't be on the road for another month while I wait for the front to get geared w/a zip, and then wj crossover steering so I can't say how it drives yet haha. I have to drive 9hrs all highway a few times a year, 2 of those times when there's potential for snow, so a full case like Detroit was out, otherwise I would have gotten that instead.

With the 8.8 bolted up and tightened down, I can honestly say there doesn't look like any width difference. Sure if you look close you can see the tires tucked a little more, but no way I'm putting spacers on to fix something that's not a problem.