TH99TJ
TJ Enthusiast
What's wrong with your fat heavy 8.8?
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
What's wrong with your fat heavy 8.8?
What's wrong with your fat heavy 8.8?
Ok back to reality with some real data
S35 w/arb 1400$
100$ install kit( only need carrier bearing shims,could be less)
Compressor and wiring varies
8.8 swap-
Buy 8.8-free to ??
1100$ arb
Compressor and wiring varies
440$ artec swap kit
300$ gears and install kit(or more)
Rear driveshaft $100 to shorten(or more)
Wheel spacers 120$ for 2. rough country garbage,goes up from there
Ebrake cables 80$.
Rear brake hose?
So to total minus compressor and wiring we have
1500$ and an afternoon drinking beer to install s35
Or 2000$ as a starting point for an 8.8 swap. Not including gear setup,welding supplies,paint,paying welders shop rate.plus whatever a good 8.8 is going to cost you to have in your garage.separate shipping for all that stuff won't be cheap either.
on top of that you get offset pinion vibrations,wheel spacer bs,extra size,weight and extra strength that isn't needed.
In conclusion-8.8 swaps aren't cheaper,aren't easier and aren't solving a problem something else can't do.
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.
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.
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.I don't see anyone lying about the costs.
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?
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 ideaYou 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
that is the pointit's not a good choice
that is the point
You seem to want the last word saying the 8.8 is a good choice. Its absurd
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?
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?