SpokaneDmax

I know a ton of people run the 8.8 in their jeeps. My question is, is the 9" that much stronger andor a better axle? It would be out of a 70's ford, 5 lug not 8. 31 spline. Does everyone run the 8.8 because there are more readily available and parts are found everywhere? Im up grading my front and rear and cant decided what to use.

Atmos

the 9" is by far one of the best axles. ever. and not only is it wildly popular for for daily crawlers, ultra 4 cars, jeep speeds, but also drag cars. when built up it is REALLY strong and still light weight

only reason that most of us pick the 8.8 is that it has the same lug pattern as front. and width. but if you're swapping out the front too then a matching 5 lug dana 44 is a great option. or if you've really got some skills, do 9" axles front and back

N20jeep

I would never swap a 9" over an 8.8. Unless it had a HP third member, and a fabricated housing or a nice truss setup

xjmarc

I think most people forget the 9" can also be found in a 5x4.5 bolt pattern just like stock jeep axles. They came in cars and rancheros. The 9" is becoming a bit more rare since it hasn't been put in a vehicle since the early 80s and the earlier mentioned reason like people using them in drag cars and such. It's weak points are the third member which you can easily replace, and the 8.8s stock carrier is weak as well. Guess it's a ford thing.

SpokaneDmax

The reason for looking into a 9" is width. Most are hp at least the ones I have seen. It will be under leafs, and maybe down the road one day a 4 link. My front will be 3 link. Im looking to run 35s, and would like full width 44 and rear to match. Anybody know off hand how much wider yhe 9in is that the 8.8.?

N20jeep

Most are lp, I don't know where you're seeing more HP

xjmarc

Typical full width 9" is 66" wms to wms. Explorer 8.8 is 59.5" and stock XJ rear axles are 60.5".

Atmos

bingo. thus the reason why I'm not building a fabbed 9 right now. the cost is through the roof

andrewmp6

The only shorter 9 inches are 60s mustang and the early bronco,Those sell for high dollars and most are 28 spline which is the weaker one.But currie does make a 9 inch housing and axles for the xj http://www.currieenterprises.com/ces...8.aspx?id=2720 Its a good starting point if you want it bullet proof it can be done.If you had 35 spline axles made put a truss on the back side it would handle anything you can throw at it.

TheCK4x4

Full width hp d44 front and ford 9" rear on 35s with 3 link long arms , Rear is out of a 79 f150

SpokaneDmax

Thats the set up ive been looking at ck. Only out of a 76 f150. Could you send me some pictures of you front set up as well. Any problems with running it?
Maybe I was wrong on the hp 9in. It looked to be hp though. It would be a 31 spline.

TheCK4x4

I've never seen a hp 9" unless it's aftermarket or you buy the kit and 3rd member to make if a hp. And nope no problems at all so far haha

SpokaneDmax

Ok. I may have viewed it wrong. Just a picture of it on cl I saw.

hankthetank

there are a few variations of the factory drop outs in the 9". ideally you would want the "N" case with thick factory pinion support. that's the only one I would use in place of the 8.8 along with a big bearing housing. if you cross reference the prefix on the casting tag id, you will be able to figure out what you have easily. my bet is you have the stronger "n" case with no depressions and the extra ribs.
all of this info has a high Googlability factor as well.

TheCK4x4

Here's a pic of a hp 9" but it has the currie hp kit on it which replaces the 3rd member