Thinking of swapping to a Ford 8.8 axle?

[ZMBEKLR]

We were having a discussion on my build tread about swapping to an 8.8 and it's specs

I found the below on another site and thought I would share it for all to use:

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There are many different variations of the Ford 8.8 axle. One of them is best suited for the use in a Jeep and that would be the Explorer (or Mountaineer) 31 spline 8.8. If you have found one off a Aerostar, Mustang, F-150 etc, you should really pass it up and look for a Explorer axle if you wish to retain a similar track width on your Wrangler. Trying to start your build-up with the wrong axle will be frustrating and expensive although you may have picked it up for cheap in the beginning.

Ford 8.8 assembly specs:
Cover bolt 28-38 ft.lbs.
Pinion bearing preload 16-29 in.lbs.
Pinion bearing preload 8-14 in.lbs (used)
Ring gear backlash .008-.015
Ring gear bolt to case 70-85 ft.lbs
Side bearing caps 70-85 ft.lbs.


Explorer 8.8 Measurements:
Weight (complete assembly w/ brakes etc.): 174 lb.
O.D. of tubes: 3.250".
Tube thickness: .250" (some are .188â€

[Jay W]

Lots of cool stats there.

Real world experience: I have seen a stockish Explorer on 35s with the 8.8 break a Dutchman 31spline shaft.

[Wrench]

-ZJ E-brake cables (drivers and passenger side)
Mopar P/N 52008904 & 52008905
NAPA P/N 95342 (right) 95347 (left). (not for YJs)

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My YJ has an 8.8.

I am fighting some fitment issues with the e-brake cables. Looks like the original installer used the Ford cables, and they need some modification to work correctly with the factory YJ setup (has looped and cable-clamped cable end on drivers side). I am not fond of the setup, so if anyone knows some direct fit cables for this, please let me know.

One issue that this article does not seem to mention is that the 8.8 is a c-clip axle. Unless converted, your axle has the potential of walking out on the trail if you break an axle shaft. The disk caliper will hold it from going out completely, as long as it can hang on without breaking off.

[rjjff]

Not affiliated just saw it on cl.
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http://boise.craigslist.org/pts/5126700357.html

[klinger]

When I had my tj I ran a 8.8. The only issue I had was I wore out the clutches on the limited slip. I modified the tj e brake cables to work on the 8.8 and never had any issues with it. If you do go 8.8 route do the c-clip eliminator, I think yukon makes it now.

[scumby]

https://kpr.craigslist.org/pts/5128435937.html

https://kpr.craigslist.org/pts/5126529226.html

https://kpr.craigslist.org/pts/5127928923.html

last one is an 8" out of a mustang

[tobyw]

None of those are what he wants. Needs to be factory disc brakes to have the desireable 31sp shafts. I've done a bunch of 8.8 swaps over the years, no real magic to it but only worth it if you start with the right one...

[ZMBEKLR]

None of those are what he wants. Needs to be factory disc brakes to have the desireable 31sp shafts. I've done a bunch of 8.8 swaps over the years, no real magic to it but only worth it if you start with the right one...

YAH............what he said

[bronchole]

Looks like you have all the info you need. I'd be interested in the 35 spline axle info if you run across it.