98 brutus

Should I put a explorer rear end on my xj guys at summit told me to get rid of the stock nd throw explorer rear end in?
Helppp!!

Phatwitaph

some jeeps have a dana 35 in the rear, which is considered weak, it will hold up to not insane sized tires and such, if you do not wheel it hard, the ford explorer 8.8 is a very plentyful rearend so you can pick one up for cheap, its alot stronger than the dana 35, its not going to be a direct bolt in though.
If your jeep has a 8.25 i wouldnt worry about it, that rearend is plenty strong.

98 brutus

So then on the ford rear end should I have 4.56:1 gears think that'd be good?? Its really a daily driver for me though but like to have a little fun as well

CheapCherokee

well what size tires are you planning on running?

Phatwitaph

depends on what tires you are running. i think not positive most 8.8 have 3.73 gears, on some there is a tag id attached it that tell the gear ratio or has a serial number that you can find the ratio it came with stock.

98 brutus

I have my 35s on and plan to keep em on that's why I need somthing else but I can change the gearing in the 8.8 to 4.56:1?

Phatwitaph

sure can.

IXNAYXJ

I'm running 5.13 gears in my 8.8, you can swap almost any ratio in. Most 8.8s will come with 3.73s, but you can find them with 4.10s. The Explorer 8.8 is a very strong unit, but make sure you get one from a '96-'99 with disc brakes. They also come in Rangers, but are only 28 spline and have drum brakes.

FOURohXJ

what is needed to be done to swap in the 8.8 rear? because you said its not directly bolt in??

IXNAYXJ

You need to cut off the spring plates from the 8.8 and weld on some to fit an XJ. There are several kits out there, or you can build your own. You'll also need a flange adapter to mate the XJ drive shaft, these are only like $30. It's a very straight forward swap.

98 brutus

Thank you so much guys I really appreciate the help...... letcha all know when this swap takes place... just gotta find a rear end!