00t444e

Where a I work at has a few old non running vans. One of them is a 99 with a ford 8.8 open with 3.55 gears. I can get it for next to nothing. I was thinking about putting a drop in locker in this axle and replacing my 8.25 limited slip with this. That way I would have a locked axle for cheaper than putting a locker in the 8.25 and it would be a stronger axle. The question is are the van 8.8s a direct bolt in or will the leaf spring mounts need to be moved?

Big David

The 8.8 axle is wider than the current one.

srb53150

it would be less work and expense to just put a locker in the 8.25

LACK

What kind of van first of all.

Look underneath it and see if it is a spring under or spring over axle. It may be wider that the explorer 8.8 as well. You will also need an adapter for your u-joint, the 8.8 uses a different style.

Chances are you'll need to get new spring perches welded on, new shock mounts, brake lines, and a u joint adapter at minimum.

00t444e

It's an E150, yes it has the springs over the axle.

LACK

Its most definitely wider than the cherokee axle then, won't match the width of the front dana 30.

andrewmp6

Most vans have wider axles then a pickup so no it won't work.And its probably the wrong lug pattern also.You need one from a explorer/mountaineer 95-01 and no ford axle is gonna be bolt in that all take welding to move the spring perches and shock mounts.For a bolt in axle it has to come from a xj anything else is not.And unless your trying to run bigger then a 35 inch tire your 8.25 is more then strong enough.