Originally posted by mbryson
Ford 8.8's with Disc brakes are pretty cool...still c-clip, but pretty beefy. I'd think they're at least good to 35" which is where I think the XJ chassis' limitations lie.
There's always the XJ D44 {they're easier to find than you think} in fact, if you set me up with a 8.8 with disk brakes, 4.56 and an ARB I'll trade you straight across for my XJ D44 with ARB and 4.11.....
Shiat, I bet you would.
Dana 35s are shaped like an oval and have really small axle tubes. The best way to tell if you can't by the shape is to crawl up under your rig and read the casting next to the diff cover. It will have a number stamped on the casting that will read "35C".
More than likely, you've got the Chrysler 8.25 rear with 27 spline shafts. In '97, the year of the new body style, XJs were then upgraded to 29 spline 8.25s.
Look for an 8.8 out of a '95 or newer Ford Exploder or Mountaineer. These come stock with 31 spline shafts, disc brakes, 4.10s and some have Trac-Lok. These axles are a tad bit stronger than a standard D44, but as mentioned, the shafts are still retained by c-clips. However, if you were to blow the clip or break a shaft, the
calipers will retain them. They are not a direct bolt up though, you'll need to weld on some new spring perches and shock mounts, but no biggie. Also, these are around 59.5" wms, so you may want to add a spacer.
HTH.
