builtnotbought89'

TOTM FOR SEPTEMBER 2012 AXLE TECH!

Let's see what you guys have under your XJs; gears, lockers, shafts, seals, install info... Let try keep this limited to axle innards, leaving suspension, & brakes for another TOTM!.
(running outta suggestions...)

TOTM (Topic Of The Month) is a group effort posting helpful info. Post what pics you have on the topic, as well as helpful info for people looking into these topics for their first time. The idea is to have a less hardcore verison of pirates TOTM here on CherokeeForum.

Remember to update any of our older TOTM threads as you build, & help me, help you, by throwing out some suggestions for future topics here. http:// https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f67/to...umpers-118393/ https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f67/to...gestion-93121/

xjmarc

Front is a 78 F250 D44 with a Spartan, Yukon 4.56s and Yukon shafts with Spicer life joints. Warn premo lockouts, UCF cover and currently going through a Chevy 3/4 ton brake swap. Would NEVER build another D44 but it's working for now.
Rear is an oddball Chevy van FF D60 with factory 4.56s, homebuilt cover made of 1/4" plate and welded. Soon to be disc braked.

Atmos

hpD30- 4.56's/ aussie
8.8/ chromos/ detroit/ 4.56's
ruffstuff covers and install kit

quick review:
I went to this setup with 33's from being stock. it feels very similar to stock power (4.0/Aw4). I would've liked 4.88's for sure
the detroit is practically invisible I only barely feel it when I gas it on turns

cheap future upgrades for D30 are ABS shafts and spicer 760 ujoints

this 8.8 was an awesome upgrade I absolutely love it. it's such beef compared to the 8.25 I wish I took a picture
credit for installation work goes to Chad even though he'll never read this. thanks buddy

builtnotbought89'

I went from D30/D35, 3.55s, & 31"s to an 8.25, 4.56 gears, Aussie, Yukon shafts, & riddler covers! Then tossed the scrapped Aussie after it failed, & welded the rear spiders.

I didn't set up the D30, cause I didn't have the bearing puller or press.... I just got the 3.73 carrier, & master install kit for a buddy to do it.

The 8.25 I did set up however, but wouldn't recommend the average back yard mechanic take a shot at setting their own gears.

My axle info start here & goes to about page 21 - https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f46/bu...18/#post886379

builtnotbought89'

Pics

93XJLI

How is everyone's everyone posting their setup a good tech thread, especial especially when most people here run stock axles? Why not list axle info, widths, carrier breaks, donor vehicles...

builtnotbought89'

I gave the link to my thread which has more gear swap info than I care to type up from my phone, & at work! If you have helpful info post it up...

93XJLI

Witch? It's a little early for Halloween.

SeriousOffroad

Front:
HP Ford Dana 44 narrowed, by yours truly, to Grand Waggy width
Chevy Flat Tops w/Ford Outers for Disc Brakes and 5 on 5.5 wheel bolt pattern
Eaton E-Locker
4.88's

Rear
XJ Dana44,
AlloyUSA shafts
Eaton E-locker
4.88's
Disc Brake Conversion

builtnotbought89'

Probably testing your memory... do you have any specifics for the narrowed 44, & or a build thread?

SeriousOffroad

A good write-up can be found here:
http://www.naxja.org/forum/showthrea...hlight=bolt-in

3278

Is there a direct-swap axle for my XJ that would get me disk brakes? Say, a Patriot or ZJ axle? I've heard buzz about the idea, but I don't think I've seen a write-up, and Search didn't help me this time.

SeriousOffroad

No, none what so ever.
Adding an axle that has OEM disk brakes will require cutting and welding.

XJ Abuser

Ok this TOTM is appropriate for my newest venture so I will share what I have learned. I have purchased a Ford 8.8 for matching bolt pattern and discs, then decided I didn't want to build the turdy. So I then scored a set of 88 grand waggy axles to build. The rear axle would have been over $700 to convert to discs, regear etc.

So, with more research I found that Isuzu rodeos have d44's in them and 4.30 gears along with discs. With this axle I won't have to regear or convert thus keeping initial costs down.

Some specs on Isuzu axles, wms is different depending on year. Prior to 98 they are either 58" or 59.75" so check. 98+ is 63". Prior to 98 they are a standard d44 meaning that all d44 bearing sizes and carrier splits apply. In 98 the d44 became a hybrid utilizing a larger diameter pinion. WARNING 98+ d44 will not accept off the shelf d44. Components unless a kit is purchased from independent4x.com.
Isuzu uses the 6 on 5.5 bolt pattern just like waggy and Toyota wheels.

Disclaimer: I am no expert on this swap. I have only done research and subsequently purchased the 98+ axle for install. I only want others to know they there is another option that some have installed successfully in their cherokees. When I finish the axle swap I will add to this initial post with pics and other info I find helpful.
ETA: useful links
http://www.zu4x.com/modules.php?name...howpage&pid=21
https://www.independent4x.com/mercha...php?cPath=1_12

jon_89

Front: Hp30 with 4.56, alloy tube seals, and an arb.
Rear: Xj 44 with 4.56 and an arb.
I plan on building a ford hp44 after winter.