XJ Axle Swap

85zebracherokee · #1 (**permalink**) 06-18-2006, 09:42 PM

What does everybody think about the ford 8.8 axle swap for a cherokee.
And does anyone know where any articles are on the swap?
I know that 95 and up explorers have disc brakes but thats about it.

Bounty__Hunter · #2 (**permalink**) 06-18-2006, 10:03 PM

This article has a ton of info and a bunch of links to web articles. I'm wrapping up swapping an 8.8 into the rear of My '88 Comanche.
http://jeepsunlimited.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=674123

90Xjay · #3 (**permalink**) 06-18-2006, 11:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bounty__Hunter

This article has a ton of info and a bunch of links to web articles. I'm wrapping up swapping an 8.8 into the rear of My '88 Comanche.
http://jeepsunlimited.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=674123

http://www.bc4x4.com/tech/2003/xj88/

TwistedCopper · #4 (**permalink**) 06-18-2006, 11:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 85zebracherokee

What does everybody think about the ford 8.8 axle swap for a cherokee.

That's a good choice, look for one with the limited slip if you don't plan on adding a locker. Some came with 4.10 gears so, you may want to look for one of those if you want, then you'd only have to regear the front axle

85zebracherokee · #5 (**permalink**) 06-19-2006, 10:48 AM

I was thinking about a locker. and a set of 4.10's would help out a ton.Right now I have a 93 cherokee 4.0 5-speed with 3.07's which is great on fuel economy but once I get a lift and bigger tires that will really suck, as I found out on a 90 cherokee that I had.

nica89yj · #6 (**permalink**) 06-19-2006, 05:44 PM

Man i want a Ford 8.8 for my 89 YJ! What gearing does my wrangler have? I would not like to regear and upgrade to a ford 8.8 at the same time. Ive read that some 8.8s have the same gear ratio that the wrangler has, allowing u to skip the regear process.( I know its not the YJ forum but it was relevant to current post:)

Chapes1010 · #7 (**permalink**) 06-19-2006, 06:43 PM

Why dont you try finding a Ford 9" they are stonger and easier to work on, but harder to find in some cases. My cherokee has one in the back and i have 2 spares sitting at my buddys just incase it wants to break which i doubt will happen i have a heavy right foot but i need it with a 4.0.

Jeepr · #8 (**permalink**) 06-19-2006, 08:28 PM

It's a good swap if you have a Dana 35. Not really worth the investment if you have a corporate 8.25.

Of course if you find one with 4.11s and discs it would be a pretty nice swap. It will probably cost more than regearing your Corporate axle, but you will have disc brakes.

Another good swap is a factory Dana 44 if you can find one, they usually have 3.75 gears .

85zebracherokee · #9 (**permalink**) 06-20-2006, 09:11 AM

I do have the 8.25, but parts are too expensive for them. And I really would like the disc brakes. Plus if the axle breaks the 8.8 seems to be alot easier to find than the 8.25.

Bounty__Hunter · #10 (**permalink**) 06-20-2006, 12:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeepr

It's a good swap if you have a Dana 35. Not really worth the investment if you have a corporate 8.25.

I disagree, it's worth it regardless of having an 8.25 rear. The 27spline 8.25 isn't much stronger than a D35 and the later 29spline 8.25 is only marginally stronger than the D35. Jumping up to the 8.8 is a great upgrade in terms of strength, disc brakes, and the OEM availabilty of limited slips and gearing down to 4.10.

currupt4130 · #11 (**permalink**) 06-21-2006, 10:02 PM

You do understand a 44 is 30 spline right, the later 8.25 isn't marginally stronger than a 35. It is stronger, period.

currupt4130 · #12 (**permalink**) 06-21-2006, 10:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chapes1010

Why dont you try finding a Ford 9" they are stonger and easier to work on, but harder to find in some cases. My cherokee has one in the back and i have 2 spares sitting at my buddys just incase it wants to break which i doubt will happen i have a heavy right foot but i need it with a 4.0.

Please find me a ford 9 that is close to stock width for a XJ/YJ/TJ, has a 5x4.5 pattern, and isn't in crap shape.

90Xjay · #13 (**permalink**) 06-21-2006, 11:46 PM

Somebody else had a wonderful tech article full of pics of a 94 XJ axle swap to an 8.8. It covered everything even how to measure to re-weld the shock mounts and spring perches.. I can't find that on the web now..

Chapes1010 · #14 (**permalink**) 06-22-2006, 01:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by currupt4130

Please find me a ford 9 that is close to stock width for a XJ/YJ/TJ, has a 5x4.5 pattern, and isn't in crap shape.

ones out of shoebox broncos are almost perfect but you need wheel spacers, and yeah you probably cant find any with 5X4.5 i guess im used to it i have both ford axles in mine a 9"and a dana 44 so i dont have to worry about the 5x4.5 situation mines bot 5x5.5 front and rear

Chapes1010 · #15 (**permalink**) 06-22-2006, 01:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by currupt4130

Please find me a ford 9 that is close to stock width for a XJ/YJ/TJ, has a 5x4.5 pattern, and isn't in crap shape.

ones out of shoebox broncos are almost perfect but you need wheel spacers, and yeah you probably cant find any with 5X4.5 i guess im used to it i have both ford axles in mine a 9"and a dana 44 so i dont have to worry about the 5x4.5 situation mines bot 5x5.5 front and rear