TH99TJ
TJ Enthusiast
It's too strong, I can't break it, I lost ground clearance and all the parts are available at AutoZone off the shelf. Can't have that! HaaLMAO
Explorer 8.8 diff offset
- Thread starter Johnnyrtheplumber
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It's too strong, I can't break it, I lost ground clearance and all the parts are available at AutoZone off the shelf. Can't have that! HaaLMAO
TH99TJ
TJ Enthusiast
The 8.8 is a good axle in my opinion. In my experience, the S35 would have been my first choice, but I did the upgrade during COVID and it was hard to get the S35 kit. That being said, I ended up having to do a lot more to accommodate the bigger diff of the 8.8 and needed more clearance. My end all goal was to build my TJ for 33s. I ended up having to throw the 4” Currie springs on to add a bit more lift as well as a a body lift to give the 8.8 more room with the gas tank skid clearance. From there, I ended up throwing 35s on and am now a bit under geared with 4.10 and will probably do another regear soon.
Had I bought a Dana 44 or waited to find an S35, I would have a bit more cash in my pocket but would have kept my TJ on 33s. So I am pleased with how it ended up. This is just my experience. Take it as it is.
I ran an 8.8 in my 2000 tj for years without an issue. Your numbers are off.
Ford 8.8
explorer housing with disc brakes 250.00
bracket kit 250.00, plus 300.00 for welding brackets
e-locker 941.00. I ran a True trac and then a Detriot
ford 8.8 gears 199.99
install kit 90.00
super 8.8 kit 490.00 uses 9" housing ends and set 20 bearings
park brake cables 40.00, same as rubicon
brake hose..... same $0.00
total $2560.00...... $2070.00 if you don't go with the Super8.8 kit
Turdy5
gears 199.00
install kit 126.00
revolution gear super 35 kit with arb $2033.00
plus the expense on a compressor, wiring.
total $2358.00 plus compressor
super35 you are limited to 35" tires.
Ford 8.8.... yeah, the center section hangs a little lower, but knowing I can run a larger tire and run more HP through it and never have to worry about it. Priceless.
Look up the rev gear super35 kit. 1400$and the artec kit 440$ cheapest i could find it. I just looked it up. Someones numbers are definitely off. And they arent mine
I already said the s35 was good for 35s. That will carry you until you need d60s. There is no need for an imbetween axle.
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It's been said already but yep some of those numbers were off a little. Most Dana 35's came with either 3.07 or 3.73 gears unless you have a 4 cyl then 4.10. And they all had drum brakes. There isn't any reason to add spacers as the little bit of axle difference isn't a issue.
The 8.8 out of an Explorer came with 3.73 or 4.10 gears so there isn't a need for new gears if you matching in the front. Most times when doing the Dana 35 you are going to lower gears already for taller times so that is a wash for either axle.
Next is that the Super 35 ONLY is offered with 3 TAD's and if you don't want one of those choices then what?
We all build our Jeeps for what we're trying to do. Dislike the axle choice is fine but for those wanting it offer the help where needed. Sure point out the reasons not to but IMO leave it at that.
The 8.8 out of an Explorer came with 3.73 or 4.10 gears so there isn't a need for new gears if you matching in the front. Most times when doing the Dana 35 you are going to lower gears already for taller times so that is a wash for either axle.
Next is that the Super 35 ONLY is offered with 3 TAD's and if you don't want one of those choices then what?
We all build our Jeeps for what we're trying to do. Dislike the axle choice is fine but for those wanting it offer the help where needed. Sure point out the reasons not to but IMO leave it at that.
The whole point is its unnecessary to run more than an s35. I see guys with ownership bias trying to justify their past choices. And in both cases lying about the costs.
I don't see anyone lying about the costs. And I'd disagree that some people don't need more than a S35. Yes they are good up to a 35" tire but if you want larger than that but don't need a Dana 60 then a 8.8 could be a option.
There are a few members running a 8.8 without any issues.
So instead of ragging on the choice just be willing to accept it. We all have out own reasons to go with what we have. Same as the choice of engine swap or stroker. And if doing the engine swap which power plant you choose to use.
Isn't it great being in a place where you can choose?
leaving out costs,chosing the highest priced s35 they can find ,posting a nonexistant price for the artec kit and substituting a cheaper locker is disingenuous.other guy tried to say it was cheaper too.
Past 35s you need more than a Dana 30/44 in front unless you are very easy on it. You could go Dana 60 or 9" front and an s8.8 rear but why would anyone do that?
Again personal choice.
Yes the Dana 35 is fine for up to 35" tires & a stock motor.
There are MANY bracket & truss kit for the 8.8 so it isn't like you can't find one.
You can build the RIGHT Dana 44 for larger than 35" tires. I have one and been running 38" tires on it & there are guys running 40" tires in them.
a great example of being able to do something without it being a good idea. Everyone gets a star is a feel good idea.but running an 8.8 in a tj because you can isn't a good idea
Barnes 8.8 Truss $319
https://barnes4wd.com/products/jeep...p-kit-with-truss?_pos=4&_psq=8.8&_ss=e&_v=1.0
Artec $359
https://artecindustries.com/collections/axle-swap-kits/products/tj-8-8-swap-kit-with-truss
RuffStuff $321
https://www.ruffstuffspecialties.co...5P0GSOGCRmInVx472Y1fx9YhjtzUTQ2waAtEpEALw_wcB
Ballistic Fab $310
https://www.ballisticfabrication.co...7XFoAOctFM6sKbtoTbQ7_p3v82eCR2SwaAs-kEALw_wcB
If you're looking for under 40" but larger than 35" tires I'd argue that it might not be. Are there other options? Yep But I can find 8.8 axles for $50.
So for you it's not a good choice, great move on and enjoy life.
https://barnes4wd.com/products/jeep...p-kit-with-truss?_pos=4&_psq=8.8&_ss=e&_v=1.0
Artec $359
https://artecindustries.com/collections/axle-swap-kits/products/tj-8-8-swap-kit-with-truss
RuffStuff $321
https://www.ruffstuffspecialties.co...5P0GSOGCRmInVx472Y1fx9YhjtzUTQ2waAtEpEALw_wcB
Ballistic Fab $310
https://www.ballisticfabrication.co...7XFoAOctFM6sKbtoTbQ7_p3v82eCR2SwaAs-kEALw_wcB
If you're looking for under 40" but larger than 35" tires I'd argue that it might not be. Are there other options? Yep But I can find 8.8 axles for $50.
So for you it's not a good choice, great move on and enjoy life.
that is the point
You seem to want the last word saying the 8.8 is a good choice. Its absurd
It's not a good choice for you. But for others it was. Why is this so hard to understand? Might not be your axle of choice but it's what worked for others.
Many don't agree with some of my choices either but it's what has worked for me so that is what matters.
Is the 8.8 the end all best choice? Nope but they are easy to find and can be had for cheap many times. Would it be the first choice I'd recommend for an axle swap? Nope but I also ain't going to rule it out as an option.
So absurd to you but not for others.
Anyone stuffing anything larger than a 35" on an 8.8 (that is already too narrow) needs a wider axle. The whole point is that some people care about how all these bits and pieces fit together. The 8.8 proponents can't even make a case for this axle without revealing why it is a poor fit or why nothing matters for their purposes. And for those who inadvertantly showed why it doesn't matter, why do anything in the first place?
OK....
Again you have your reason for running what you do. You can find fault in anything just like anyone else can. So with that Bye Bye.
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