trovilcl

Hey everyone so i have the chance to get ahold of a ford 8.8 for $150. My 89' cherokee is bone stock. What do u guys think i should do first. Build a new axle and get the jeep reliable, then save up for the rest of the stuff. Or just get a lift kit and tires and all the other do dads i can afford then slowly build up the axle.

88 Ex Jay

Get it reliable and safe first, then lift and tires, then do upgrades as they come along, you know what they say...if it ain't broke, don't fix it. What did the 8.8 come out of? Explorers and mountaineers are what you want, and get a disc break one from 96 or newer.

trovilcl

So there is a junk yard about 30 min from me and they said they had a 2001 for explorer. i can get the 8.8 for $150. Now the question is should i go ahead and put chromoly axles and a new ring and pinion? Things like that. Cause from what i know the jeep ran great just the front stearing linkages needed some repair and it needs a new battery.

scottmphoto

Get it going good first. As far as upgrades go, it just depends on what you plan to do with it. I'm still running my stock D35 with 3" on 31's but I only do mild wheeling. I'm going to run it until it dies.

McCaffrey

For an 89 there are zero brake options other than OEM. I would upgrade with WJ/ZJ booster/master cylinder and/or knuckles if you plan to run 33 or larger and any moderate wheeling. Ask me how I know. There is some debate if upgrading the booster/master will give more power or just be an easier pedal. From 1st hand experience I can tell you it's slightly more power.

andrewmp6

Yeah fix the problems you know you have first then upgrade later when you the time and money to do it right.

trovilcl

Well guys my budget is limited but ill have $2500 to do whatever i want to it. With that what do u guys think now. Sorry i wasnt descriptive. And Mccaffrey got any tips for doing that booster add on. Cause i think that would be somthing i could do.

Maxxrus08

What are your plans with the jeep. Is it a daily driver or weekend toy? if your going to wheel in it, easy or hard do you want wheel with it? that will help with the answers from the others on here.

kirknd4spd

What size tires do you plan on running and what are you going to do with the Jeep?

FWIW, I've wheeled my XJ hard on the stock D30 front and D35 rear. The front has a Lock-Rite locker, the rear I welded. Never broke either axle on 33's. When I went to 35's, I broke an axleshaft in the rear, but it was fine on 33's, on stock 4.10's, welded spider gears, and 250k miles on all original parts in the axle, wheeling 3+ days a week. Yeah, the D35 is weak, but it can definitely last. So if you aren't going to beat on it too hard, I'd put some money into other things first.

trovilcl

Well the plan is to have a DD but also somthing i can wheel in. I planned on just running 32's on it and picking up a zone 4.5" lift. Also getting yukons ultimate axle kit for the 35. I have heard nothing but awsome stuff from that kit. Eventually id like to rebuild the 30 in the front. Just make it an all around rig that can go pretty much anywhere.

Maxxrus08

I would not drop a dime into a D35. You would save money pulling a Dana 44 or a 8.35 with 29 spline from another XJ and putting a locker in it. I just got a D44 from the jy for $160 out the door. You can get a Spartan locker for $300 or less. 32" will work great with the 4.5" lift. I had to cut my fenders to fit 33" on my 4.5"lift.

gpXJ

I agree with this. While it is fine to "run it until it dies" with the d35, I wouldn't ever advise putting a ton of cash into it, like a super 35 kit or even upgraded shafts. If you are going to put money into something, pick up a 29 spline 8.25 from a 97+ XJ from the junkyard or craigslist (can be had for $150 anytime around me). It is plenty strong up to 35's, and it bolts right in (as opposed to the 8.8, which doesn't).

caronaxtr

^ agree 100% with gpXj. That' pretty much what I did. I'd say do the following (in this order)
1) get it running properly & safe
2) lift it
3) get tires
4) pick up 8.25/29 spline from junk yard, clean it up, new brakes & such, install locker (if you want one) - install it
5) recovery points / equipment. I'm a fan of getting a winch & winch bumper ASAP, gotta be able to get out of trouble just as fast as you get into it.
Search Craig's list, depending your location there are usually great deals out there. Spend your money wisely.

Couple grand well spent.

trovilcl

So with that being said, if i run 4.5" with 31's or 32's you guys thing i should put a sye on it? Im just trying to figure out a buy list for it. And like caronaxtr says "spend your money wisely" Another thing. So if i find a 8.25 what about just leaving the jeep stock and then buying new shafts and lunchbox and leaving the same gears in it until i can get both sets for the front 30 and the 8.25. I would be getting 29 spline shafts with a locker and new tires. Which im thinking about treadwrights guard dog 31's. I know everyone is thinking that im cheap right now. lol.

XsV

I second this. Myself and a buddy pulled an 8.8 out of a Mustang GT for his YJ that we threw a chevy 350 into (he had the 2.4). Now his rear is disc brakes and brakes solid! Handles the power much better, looks WAY better, and the only special adjustments were lines and driveshaft. Highly recommend.