Ford 8.8 swap

[jgb]

In doing research about the Ford 8.8 I found that overall the desert racers hate them but a lot of Jeepers like them.

I also found that a lot of folks who do not have an 8.8 want one and those that do have an 8.8 want a 9". I guess it shows that we are never happy with what we got, always drooling over the next thing

Here are some links for swapping TO the 8.8 if anyone is interested:

www.4x4wire.com/jeep/tech/axle/ford8_8/

www.jedi.com/obiwan/jeep/ford88.html

http://members.cox.net/rough-riders/tech_page/ford8.8/ford8_8.html

www.stu-offroad.com/axle/8.8axle/8.8axle-1.htm

 

[Slangy]

I have also been looking into doing the swap. I have heard some people rave about them and others who hate them. I am still trying to decide if I should just save up a little longer and buy a 9" or save up a little longer and buy a dana 60. I think my biggest concern is rewelding on the brackets to match up to my TJ.

 

[RockChucker]

get the 8.8. it is an awesome axle. i just swapped one in, and for the price it can't be beat. you can pick them up for cheap, there is decent locker selections and other aftermarket support. for the cost of getting one and having brackets welded on, you can have an axle that is stronger than a 44 and have disc brakes already set up for cheaper than you can get a tj 44. i have had no complaints and there are a few guys on the board who run this axle with 37's with no breakage.

as to welding brackets on, there are several shops in the area that do it. six states, ben hanks racing, radjeeper, and rollover motor sports are just a few.

 

[kyojin]

I've had my 8.8 in for over 3 years. Its been a good solid axle. I got it from a junk yard with 4.10's. Its got a lockright and has been turning 37's. Down the road I will upgrade and get the Super 88 kit which gets rid of the c-clips and stronger shafts.

 

[gripguru]

It is a good axle. It pops tubes from the pumpkin, so no serious jumps. I think that is why so many opt for the 9" as it can be trussed completely with ease. It is a great crawling axle. I ran mine with 38s for five years, only problem was needed to weld the housing to the tubes.

 

[Slangy]

What seems to be a decent price for one from a junk yard or someone. I will need to be able to run 4.88 gears and I would like a detroit would I for sure be able to put those in there. I have researched it a lot and pretty sure I can just want to make sure because I am not that smart. What was the total cost most of you had after it was all siad and done. Thanks guys

 

[Bucking Bronco]

the 8.8 also has the 5 on 4.5 bolt pattern if that matters to you where the 9in witll have 5 on 5.5

 

[mesha]

i've got a 8.8 and I like it. I liked not haveing to switch my wheel. Since that was too easy I decided to buy a front 9" which now has 5 on 5 1/2 so I have to switch my wheels anyways. I am dumb.

 

[jgb]

i've got a 8.8 and I like it. I liked not haveing to switch my wheel. Since that was too easy I decided to buy a front 9" which now has 5 on 5 1/2 so I have to switch my wheels anyways. I am dumb.

My 96 Ford F150 has the 5 on 5.5 pattern, of course it has drum brakes too though.

Could you not buy an older 8.8 with the 5 on 5.5 lug pattern and then have matching lug patterns?

 

[mbryson]

My 96 Ford F150 has the 5 on 5.5 pattern, of course it has drum brakes too though.

Could you not buy an older 8.8 with the 5 on 5.5 lug pattern and then have matching lug patterns?

I'm pretty sure he can just have his axles redrilled to 5 on 5.5" (or maybe it's just cheaper to order some alloys with the right bolt pattern?).

 

[1993yj]

Cheapest solution would probably be wheel adapters. Then you can also gain that 1" back from the 8.8 being a bit narrower than the front D30. I personally don't run spacers/adapters cause I could care less about 1" or so, but if I had to match bolt patterns I might.

I like the alloy idea best if cash allows for it.

 

[DevinB]

I love my 8.8. Just make sure to weld the tubes to the pumpkin and you're set.

I bought mine brand new for $450 from a company that bought the remaining stock from Ford when the Explorer went to IRS. It was perfect because it matched my D30 in width (close enough), gear ration (3.55), and lug pattern. Now I've got a Waggy D44 in the front, so I converted its lug pattern to 5x5.5 and got spacers/adapters for my 8.8 and all's well. The only reason I'll trade in my 8.8 is when I go to a D60 in front, I'll just use the matching D60 in the rear.

 

[StormRider]

i've got a 8.8 and I like it. I liked not haveing to switch my wheel. Since that was too easy I decided to buy a front 9" which now has 5 on 5 1/2 so I have to switch my wheels anyways. I am dumb.

Might want to look into the Super 88 kit, along with other improvements, it's pre-drilled for 5 on 4 1/2 AND 5 on 5 1/2

 

[RockChucker]

my axle ran about $650 when all was said and done. this is also good advice with the tubes. i had not heard this and i will for sure be welding mine to the pumpkin.

 

[mesha]

I like the super 88 kit. Beefier, bigger bearings, no more c-clips, right lug pattern, and makes it wider. I also like the price of wheel spacers. I'll probably buy plain old alloys with 5 on 5 1/2 to compromise.

You could use the drum brake set up. I won't because mine already has 4.88s and an ARB and I don't want to mess with swapping stuff around.

I second the tube welding. Mine spun AND it was already welded.(not by me, it won't spin this time).

If you put in an ARB then make sure the mechanic knows what he is doing and will stand behind his work. I spoke with the ARB rep and he told me some tricks to make sure the locker doesn't spin inthe case and brake the copper line. It takes ALOT of preload(enter case spreader). That isn't the best option though. The shop that put mine in the second time, under the direction of ARB, drilled a small bit out and tapped it then welded the tapped bolt. It was on the cap or something. It hasn't spun again.