TDI Comanche Build

[RockChucker]

Personally I’d do the 8.8 right out of the gate. If only for the stronger housing that won’t be bent. I think all Dana 35s are bent. All of them. 😆

 

[The_Lobbster]

I’m super happy with my 8.8 and it’s nice peace-of-mind not worrying about it.

My only dislike with it is the Detroit locker. Massive amount of play when shifting from reverse to drive. Like 1/2 a driveshaft rotation.

Dang that’s quite a bit. A true Detroit true trac? Is that pretty typical?

 

[Greg]

8.8 swap and be done with it... or Chrysler 8.25.

 

[RockChucker]

I’m super happy with my 8.8 and it’s nice peace-of-mind not worrying about it.

My only dislike with it is the Detroit locker. Massive amount of play when shifting from reverse to drive. Like 1/2 a driveshaft rotation.

That’s how mine was too. Seemed excessive but always worked

 

[I Lean]

Dang that’s quite a bit. A true Detroit true trac? Is that pretty typical?

Very typical for a Detroit Locker. The True Trac is a limited slip, and it will not have the same free play.

 

[mbryson]

I didn't have any issues with my Dana 35. However, I have seen them break in some very odd circumstances. I'd scrounge up an XJ 8.25 and run that vs the 8.8 or the D35

 

[RockChucker]

Just saw this…

Ford 8.8 Rear Disc Brake Axle For XJ Cherokee
https://classifieds.ksl.com/listing/68826386

 

[kmboren]

Just saw this…

Ford 8.8 Rear Disc Brake Axle For XJ Cherokee
https://classifieds.ksl.com/listing/68826386

This.
Yukon makes a nice C-clip eliminator kit for the 8.8s. That is what is under my YJ and I love it but probably not needed in your case. The 8.8 c-clip is LESS likely to break than the Dana 35. Or as others have said a Chrysler 8.25 is also a good choice. Either way ditch the 35.

 

[The_Lobbster]

That is indeed tempting. After looking at pull a part, I can get an axle for $150 though, then I can clean it up from there. I’d like to stay spring under in the rear, so starting from scratch will be a bit easier than somebody else’s already been modified housing.

Plus I think I want to go 4.10’s, and just regear and lock my D30 to match.

 

[kmboren]

This is what I used in my 8.8 to keep the YJ sprung under. I love it.

 

[Gawynz]

Sounds like you have very similar goals with your MJ that I have with mine. For what it's worth I went 8.8 rear (factory LSD), sprung under. Swapped in a "large" u-joint hp dana 30 from a '97xj and got away from the CAD system, put a trutrac in the d30. 4.56 gears, 4.0, ax15, 231, 33s.

 

[The_Lobbster]

Sounds like you have very similar goals with your MJ that I have with mine. For what it's worth I went 8.8 rear (factory LSD), sprung under. Swapped in a "large" u-joint hp dana 30 from a '97xj and got away from the CAD system, put a trutrac in the d30. 4.56 gears, 4.0, ax15, 231, 33s.

Sounds pretty close other than the 4.0. My front 30 is from a ‘96, non CAD

I went and tried to pull a 4.10 LSD 8.8 today. Started to pull the driveshaft bolts and noticed the pinion bearings were thrashed, there was a bit of side to side slop in the flange. And of course, not one other 4.10 8.8 in the whole yard. Guess I’ll have to try pick a part next.

 

[The_Lobbster]

Bought a Comanche drive shaft off market place, only to find out later, it’s literally from my exact truck. Kinda cool to reunite it. I have a SYE for the 231, but staying spring under with a longer wheelbase, I think I probably won’t need it.

Also ordered adapters to run JK 17’s. Stag had an issue with his xj rubbing the leafs on the tires with an 8.8 swap, but found out yesterday, MJ leaf mount widths are narrower than XJ’s, by like 3” or something, so hopefully my 3” spacers will clear fine.

 

[The_Lobbster]

I think I wanna end up going long arm in the future, anybody have a suggestion on the best kit? I’m leaning towards Rusty’s or Core4x4 out of Orem. Doesn’t seem like there’s any used kits for sale so new is probably my best option.

 

[The_Lobbster]

Got some more or less brand new 255/75r17 MT2’s, $450 for the set. $50 for some JK wheels, and another $150 worth of spacers, 1.5” for front, 2” rear for my future 8.8

Personally I like the pizza cutter look, and even better, the price was right for some meaty tires.

 

[The_Lobbster]

Found a 4.10 LSD 8.8! I need to go pull it, but it’s freaking hot out so I’ll probably wait for an early morning to do so.

 

[The_Lobbster]

Suggestions to get around 4” of lift in the rear while still SPUA? I ordered the Deaver SPUA kit mentioned earlier. Rusty’s 4.5” leafs are back ordered and no ETA.


My current leafs don’t seem to be too saggy, so I until I figure out the leaf situation, I decided to order an add a leaf and shackles, which per the ad, would net around 4” lift, just for giggles.

I’m guessing everybody would recommend I just order new springs instead? Plan is for a flatbed which will probably be heavier than an OEM shortbed.

 

[The_Lobbster]

One ton steering score!

Anybody have a reamer I can borrow?

 

[The_Lobbster]

Picked up my 8.8 today, was fairly cool this morning. 4.10 LSD unit, dropped off a spare dana 35 for the core.


And got my SPUA kit from RuffStuff. Very well made kit! Can’t wait to weld it on after some clean up of the old perch

 

[RockChucker]

Picked up my 8.8 today, was fairly cool this morning. 4.10 LSD unit, dropped off a spare dana 35 for the core.


And got my SPUA kit from RuffStuff. Very well made kit! Can’t wait to weld it on after some clean up of the old perchView attachment 151475View attachment 151473View attachment 151474

Really? A core? That’s insane. Since when and why do junk yards have core charges?