Dutchess

someone please tell me that this is a good rear axle to throw under my XJ... i have been looking forever and cant seem to find one until this!!

http://seattle.craigslist.org/kit/pts/2783769414.html

VTJeep

Sure.. They do require some modding.. I'd shoot fora c 8.25 if ones available.

Dutchess

you would choose a Chrysler 8.25 over a Ford 8.8?

dogger15

Depends what your plans are for the jeep and what you have now

Dutchess

i have a Dana 35 in the rear and i would like to do a 4 inch lift and run 32s..as far as off road goes i not going to go to Moab everyday but i never want to say "i cant go there"
so i thought if axles are are going to be about the same price, (the ford just needing a littler custom work) i might as well put the best axle i could under there. please correct me if i'm wrong or missing a vital piece of the puzzle!! oh and what should i re-gear to for 32s and a 4inch lift?

mud-dog27

as far as F8.8 goes you want one from a 97+ explorer its the closest you will get for a cherokee fit, you will need to weld on new spring perches, shock mounts and ebrake cables along with a correct driveshaft flange.....SEARCH and you will find more than you need to know its not exactly an uncommon mod. If you dont wheel hard and you dont think you will then just get an 8.25 cause it will bolt right in.

4.56s seem to be pretty standard for 32/33 however if your think you may go 33/35 4.88s would be a better option but again opinions will vary and you will have to decide for your self.

and if you cant find an axle your not looking too hard, hit the wreckers get your hands dirty, they are out there ya just gotta look.

that one you posted s from a '93 F150 i believe it may be a bit wider than what you want, google it, its also drum brakes and i believes its only a 28spline which is only one spline bigger than the D35.....seriously just search this horse has been beaten to death so many times on every forum out there its not even funny.

http://lmgtfy.com/?q=cherokee+ford+8.8+swap

Dutchess

THAKYOU!! that is the kind of reply i needed! i just kinda needed to get my ***** kicked into gear. i want to turn my XJ into an unstoppable machine and i really want the input of the members here because they have experience that i don't have! i know i sound like a broken record but i wanna do it right and do it clean. so thanks for bearing with me and helpin me out!

xjmarc

Actually the F150 version has 31 spline shafts but is full width and has a 5x5.5 bolt pattern.

mud-dog27

no problem and yea its better to do it right the first time....kinda why i held off for a while till i happened to stumble across a steal on a '98 8.8 at a wrecker...got it for $100 with new brakes cause it was closing time and they didnt wanna tally up everything so i got sale price and everything else....then sold the 3.73s on a mustang board for $100

and good call on bolt pattern i knew i was forgetting something else

Dutchess

well i guess my question now should be what axle should i get now that you know my intentions...i'm kinda leaning towards a D44 from a 88-89 XJ

SeriousOffroad

Make that 87-89 XJ.

Dutchess

OOOPS!!! i knew that! didn't they only come on ones with tow package?

Chex_Mex

the 8.8 is stronger than the d44, look it up. i swapped an 8.8 into mine (browse through my build for everything i had to do to install it https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f46/pr...-44359/index3/ ). i went with a 93 explorer (as it was only $100), it had 31 spline, but drums instead of discs. i didn't mind as the e-brake cable just popped in, and the drums are wider & have a larger diameter than the xj drums, so it's still better braking power than what i had (and i can feel the difference). here's a before & after pic

OOdynamite

^^^ sexy

Trev1006

Best to steer away from the drum brake 8.8's. It is a c clip axle and if you break a shaft your tire and wheel are outta there! At least with disc brakes you have something to hold your wheel on in event of breakage.