aby

I've been reading/learning as much as I can for my 93 XJ project but I'm having trouble deciding on a rear end upgrade.

Quadratec has a complete Core 44 axle assembly with 33 spline axles and ARB air locker for $3600, or a detroit locker for $3400. I'd pick 4.56 gears as it seems like the best balance of off road/on road use. http://www.quadratec.com/products/52467_176X_PG.htm

Or I could get a Ford 8.8 with 3.73 LSD from a junk yard for about $200 - $300, figure out if it's true, determine my driveshaft angle, buy the 8.8 kit with new shackles/etc, get at truss, clean everything up, pay someone to weld all the parts for me, paint it, install, and maybe one day do a gear/locker upgrade.

I figure the 8.8 would cost about $1,000 when all is done (minus new disc brakes, both options need this.) A locker cost about $1,000 plus if I want to re-gear to 4.10 or higher that's another $300 to $500?


Your advice is appreciated.

Edit: 30 spline axle version is $2600, http://www.quadratec.com/products/52467_172X_PG.htm
I'm planning on 3" or 4" lift with 33" tires, debating on a long arm kit. I need to learn how to weld, in the mean time I have to find a shop to properly weld the brackets for a long arm kit... therein lies the problem.

Jeepin'_Aint_EZ

If you want a D44 that bad I'll sell you mine with chromo shafts, 4.56's and an arb air locker for 2500. I'll even throw in a compressor lol. You're crazy considering spending that kind of money on a d44.

Source a factory d44 from an older xj like an 88-89 then modify it from there.

aby

I don't want a dana 44 that bad, but I'd like to finish the rear end of my build so I can drive it.

Is it really just dana 44? The specs made it look stronger with larger pinion and axles plus a stronger diff cover.

To compare, I'd need to search junk yards for a factory D44 or find one for sale at about $500-$600? Then make sure it's true, weld the axle tubes to the pumpkin, get an armored diff cover, re-gear to 4.10 or higher, then add a locker? $500 + $200 + $150 + $300 + $1000 = $2150?

Is that a fair cost estimate?

If you want to drop the price of your D44 with ARB I may be interested, doesn't seem reasonable to buy a used part for the same price as brand new right?

andrewmp6

And you know you can get the explorer 8.8 stock with 4.10 gears,Open the drivers door and look at the door sticker under axle you will want to see 42 that's 4.10 open diff or D2 that is lsd 4.10.But do you want to say 33s or go up to 35s later on ?

aby

Fair point about the 8.8 option.

I've been planning for 33's but am open to suggestions. It looked like 33's would be the best balance of on/offroad use.


Really I was looking for a bolt on solution I could do at the same time I'm repairing the suspension and replacing gaskets/seals.

bad_idea

Go 8.8, I did. I work in a fab shop, so the fitting/welding is easy for me. That said, I've only got about $300 in to mine. I scoured Pick n Pull until I found an Exploder with the 8.8, 4.10 LSD. I then took the fairly new disk brakes off of another one and swapped them to the axle I wanted. Pulled another passenger brake hose and swapped it to the driver's side. Bought the bracket kit off a guy on Craigslist cheap. Bent new brake lines for the axle and used the Cherokee brake hose. Still have to get the parking brake set up. Welded it up on a saturday and drove it to work Monday. Do you know anyone that welds? Where are you located? Maybe a forum member would be interested in making a couple dollars. It's an easy swap.

From what I understand, if you want to lock it you will need an open differential. Below are two excellent links with information on the axle:

http://www.therangerstation.com/tech...lorer8_8.shtml
http://www.therangerstation.com/tech...le_codes.shtml

andrewmp6

You have a chrysler 8.25 now right ?Thats more then enough axle for 33s.

Fred/N0AZZ

The Chy 8.28 is equal in strength to a D44 with the 29 spline axel I run one with 33 and 35" tires. The D30 and it both are stock with 4.56 gears and Detroit Lockers.


I carry spare axles but so far in 4 yrs have never broken one and they are easy to add disc brakes to also.

Jeepin'_Aint_EZ

I was making a funny before. No one's getting my D44 unless they take the whole XJ lol.

Fred, for as many times as you've posted about carrying spare axles and never needing them, you should put that in your signature haha.

aby

Yes, I have a Chrysler 8.25 with 27 spline axles, not positive what gearing yet but read that it's likely 3.73. (5 speed manual)

I think I'll skip rear end upgrades for now and just hit the junkyard for ZJ disc brake parts.


Thanks everyone!

andrewmp6

Unless you go 35s or bigger and break that 8.25 i would stick with it.Some will tell you to swap to the later 8.25 it has more splines but with 33s i don't think its needed.

aby

You're right, I was trying to figure out the cost/benefit/time of the different rear end options, specifically because a locker and rear disc brakes are on my wish list.

After my first post I saw a G2 D60 option for about $3,000 with locker and disc brakes, but it still needs brackets welded.

I'd rather save the time and run what I have until it breaks or I get stuck, so I'll buy a nice winch and AGM battery instead.

andrewmp6

Did you add the cost of shipping to the price tho ?A axle is big and heavy and if you want it dropped off at your house things get pricey as hell.

bad_idea

Here's another idea for you, especially if this is your daily driver. Buy a later 8.25 from the junkyard. Build it with new gears, locker, and disc brakes. Paint it up nice. Then swap it out for your axle. Down time is an afternoon. Then sell your axle to recoup the cost of buying that axle. Much easier to setup gears with the axle out of the vehicle. If you are paying someone to do the gears, you can drop the axle off with them instead of the jeep.

Fred/N0AZZ

If you install a full case locker in the rear like a Detroit all you need to do is pick up a set of used 29 spline axles from a later model XJ and your good.


If its a manual trans I doubt it is a 3.73 gear, I think they were 3.08's but may be mistaken.


As for carrying the spare axles and other parts starter, alt., belts, several hundred feet of recovery strap and a 100' recovery cable with a snap and ring, 75# of tools, etc. your right to much.........But I would rather have it and not need it than need it and not having it.