Same with the 8.25.

I like 8.8s. I run one in my Mustang with 33 spline axles, c-clip eliminators, a spool and I welded the tubes. IF you do run an 8.8, I'd strongly suggest welding the axle tubes to the housing all the way around, they are known for turning when they're abused. There's plenty of write-ups on how to do this correctly. The aftermarket support is pretty much unlimited, which is great for future upgrades. They can be built to handle over 1000 hp. I run a 44 in my XJ. The 44 has a good aftermarket too and it's non c-clip from the factory which is nice. I'd pick either of these long before the 8.25 but the 8.8 gets my vote. Especially if you can find a disc brake one.

 

FWIW,
I offer the Superior Alloy Shaft/C-Clip eliminator kit on my site. One of the side benefits is that it inceases the axle width so you are a little bit wider than the stock XJ axle width.

Installing this kit makes the 8.8 darn near Bomb-Proof.

Keep in mind that the stock 8.8 carrier is a bit on the weak side. Replacing it with a full case locker (ELocker, Detroit, etc) is a very wise upgrade.

 

just out of curiosity, how many people have heard of a broken 8.8 axle shaft or c-clip related failure? granted i would of liked to buy one of the disc brake equipped ones, but due to time & money constraints, i ended up with the drum brake one for a total of around $600 (that's the axle, brackets, gears, bearings, locker, brake parts & diff cover).

 

I paid 125 for a disc break 8.8 for my old cj a few years ago. You gotta go get dirty at the pic n pull and take it out yourself. Mine came with 4.10 gears and an electric semi locker thing in it. It was mountaineer axle. Ive never broken one but I wouldn't do an upgrade to something that can have my wheel fly off. And guys break d60's so breakage does happen. Next one I do in my MJ I will be getting the c clip elimination kit from serious offroad.

 

I've seen several break under XJs and TJs but we ride hard down south. Any axle can and will break, I snapped a shaft in my 60 running 35s.

 

hahaha well it seems the general consensus that the Ford 8.8 with Disc brakes should be the first choice and throw a locker in it and weld new brackets...sound about right?

 

Yes.

 

okay, what was this C-clip eliminator you mentioned?

 

http://www.seriousoffroadproducts.co...ducts_id=87121

 

Thanks

 

@ Trev1006, that's a definite great deal! i'm hopin to get my a$$ to the jy to find some discs to swap onto it. but all the searching i did the lowest i found for a disc'd 8.8 was around $300 (craigs list & jy's) so i went with the drums knowing that i would eventually swap discs onto it

@ Dutchess, if you are getting an 8.8 with discs, you won't need a c-clip eliminator (as the calipers / discs will hold the tires in place in the event of a shaft failure).

 

Not necessarily.
It depends on the situation. The bolts that hold the caliper in place aren't always going to hold up to the force of an oversized tire/wheel trying to depart the axle housing. In most cases the disc brake caliper will allow you to limp to the side of the trail.....and Disc Brakes>Drum Brakes ant day.

 

while i agree with everything you said seriousoffroad, even with a c-clip eliminator, you will have to limp away. i doubt anyone who breaks an axle will want to contiue serious wheeling until they pull off to the side & replace it

 

True. I was just pointing out that you can.
With a set of drum brakes and a broken shaft you're not going to limp anywhere.

 

unless of course you have one of those tire retainers! lol

http://www.allthingsjeep.com/ort-5060.html