Whats the best Axle to swap in a rear 97 TJ
- Thread starter JaredMD
- Start date
the best options to keep the same width and bolt pattern are a D44 out of an XJ or an 8.8 from an explorer (95 or newer is best cause you get disc brakes) or a D44 from a TJ (imo, prolly the least desireable because it will liekly cost you $1K+). On al lbut the TJ axle you will have to weld on new brackets for your coils, control arms and track bar. You can buy a kit from Rubicon Express amd just weld away...or you can have someone like Rocklogic (463-1220) weld it on for you...they do quick good work for a great price. With the 8.8 you will need to get some conversion parts for the yoke and the e-brake lines (its easy to get, and has been done a million times)
RockMonkey
Suddenly Enthusiastic
What do you want from it? What will you use it for? What tires do you want to run? What gears and locker? SuperG pretty much summed up your options (missed the 2WD V6 toyota truck axle), but how 'bout giving us some insight on what you want from it so we can narrow down which choice might be best. 
fonzisjeepn
Registered User
- Location
- Logan, UT
38.5 inch tire what are you thinking anything smaller then a dana60 would be stupid. Just call up an offroad shop tell them that's what you want and bring the VISA.
- Location
- Bountiful, land of rocks
jeeptjstud said:
In my opinion, anything over a 35-36" requires a D60 or 14 bolt for long term reliability.....(or some $$$$ on alloy axles and whatnot--take your pick)....{from a guy that ran 35" tires on a D30/D44 combo--there was a reason I carried a lot of tools and spares}
- Location
- Bountiful, land of rocks
jeeptjstud said:
no, NO and yes.....
You've got lots of options only limited by your imagination, how you wheel and what you want your rig to do. I decided it was easier to run 8 lug and just buy some new wheels (and a new rig, and etc.)
fonzisjeepn
Registered User
- Location
- Logan, UT
jeeptjstud said:
Custom built axles are the only way to go if you want the same width. You can order the set up with stock spring perches and everything I believe.
- Location
- Bountiful, land of rocks
jeeptjstud said:
Full size Wags will have about the same width, but you won't find a D60 or a 14 bolt under them. D60 fronts are found under 1 ton 4x4 pickups. D60 or 14 bolt rears are found under 3/4 & 1 ton pickups. You'll need a set of stock axles cut down or a Currie, Dynatrac, etc. setup to run "pretty much the same width" as a stock TJ. Go to your favorite off-road shop and bring your VISA card....
jeeptjstud said:
Just a question, Why are you running the 38" tires and what kind of wheeling do you plan to do with it? This might all be a mute point if you don't use the transfer case lever. That's a hella big tire to expect a 5 on 4.5" bolt pattern axle to hold up to any kind of stress.
Skylinerider
Wandering the desert
- Location
- Ephraim
If I were going to run a 38" or bigger tire I would deffinately want full with 60's. with that size tire and lift to go with it your going to pretty unstable going with TJ axle width. It will be alot more stable going full width.
fonzisjeepn
Registered User
- Location
- Logan, UT
Let me give you some words to live by. This is a fact the I learned when I built my jeep. Do it right the first time saves you time money and a lot of stress. Trust me Put 60's under it long arm kit and a roll cage then your done, a little love and care and some wheeling for a long time.
JUST DO IT RIGHT THE FIRST TIME AROUND.
Don't try to make a hard core wheeler and a grocery getter out of the same jeep. It dosen't work.
JUST DO IT RIGHT THE FIRST TIME AROUND.
Don't try to make a hard core wheeler and a grocery getter out of the same jeep. It dosen't work.
RockMonkey
Suddenly Enthusiastic
BAH! Run TJ width axles, and narrow the chassis to make it stable!skylinerider said:
Milner
formerly "rckcrlr"
- Location
- Hiding behind a camera
fonzisjeepn said:
This is VERY good advice!!
I am afraid there is NO easy/cheap/magic answer for you. Ideally in a TJ high enough to run 38's you really have only one good option, a highpinion 60 that is custom built for your rig. (could do a True Hi-9", but that is a whole new game and time will tell) Anything else is a comprimise....comprimise in strength, or durability, or pinion angle/vibration, or.....
I Understand what you are trying to do. We all are cheap and look for a way to save $$, but this is one place that it is worth spending the $$$$. I have watched so many people try to save a $ and end up just spending it twice to do what they should have in the first place. I have been doing it for 17 years!!
Just do it