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ILikeMud
09-14-2005, 10:22 PM
Alright, my friend is going to sell me the 8.8" rear axle out of his 90 F150 for $50.
Now I eventually, read in a few years, want to be running 38s on my ZJ. So can this axle hold up to 38s if I build it? Welded tubes, axle shafts, locker and gears. Would it take the abuse of the 38s and some hard wheeling?

What's a good choice for a front axle? Again will have 38s on it one day.

OverkillZJ
09-14-2005, 10:24 PM
People have busted 8.8's on 31's. Others have run 38's. It depends on a lot of factors.

If you want to do it once, just go 60's.

[/thread]

Jim311
09-14-2005, 10:31 PM
38s may be pushing it. If you're going to go to the trouble of swapping in an axle, run whatever will support the size tire you plan to run. Just because someone has broken one on 31s doesn't mean you'll necessarily break yours.. you can break any axle if you wedge it right.

ILikeMud
09-14-2005, 10:52 PM
The reason I want to do the swap now is I figure I might as well considering I'll have the thing all hauled apart to put the long arm in.

I know I could easily run D60s but they are rather costly. So I wouldn't mind looking into other options. 14bolts and whatever else you can think of.
I want to lift this thing up as the budget boost isn't cutting it. Hoping to lift it over the winter.

Kraqa
09-14-2005, 11:14 PM
i got my read d70 for 50 and it has 35 splin shafts.

rear axles are cheep. very cheep. it is the front axles that get pricy. there is no real frnt axle that will stand up to hardcore abuse on 38's other then a d60 and up. i run a d44 with stock shafts stock spicer ujoints and i have had very good luck with it (no breaks yet) althought i run mine open. if i were to lock it i woudl be doomed.

if i were you i woudl go otu and get the 8.8 for 50$. throw it in play around with it then over the next little whiel keep your eye out for REAL axles rear 14blt, d60,d70. and front d60 or even a f250 HPd44,

with my experience. the firt axle you swap in you will learn ALOT. for 50$ for the 8.8 you can't go wrong. get a set of 35's and play around for a while. make sure you knwo what yoru getting into. then when it comes time throw in the 60 and 44 and you'll thank me in the end.

ILikeMud
09-14-2005, 11:22 PM
Yea I was thinking that actually. Just toss the 8.8 in with a locker and run 35s. I'm sure the D30 front could take it.

OverkillZJ
09-14-2005, 11:23 PM
. I'm sure the D30 front could take it.

My HP30 must've missed that memo.

ILikeMud
09-14-2005, 11:26 PM
. I'm sure the D30 front could take it.

My HP30 must've missed that memo.

Well ok, I've heard some mixed things. Hell my buddy is running 37s on his stock d30 front and amc 20 rear (w/ one piece axles) for about a year now. Daily driver and wheeled hard.

OverkillZJ
09-14-2005, 11:28 PM
. I'm sure the D30 front could take it.

My HP30 must've missed that memo.

Well ok, I've heard some mixed things. Hell my buddy is running 37s on his stock d30 front and amc 20 rear (w/ one piece axles) for about a year now. Daily driver and wheeled hard.

Under a vehicle half the weight of your ZJ, with 1/3rd the power.

ILikeMud
09-14-2005, 11:32 PM
Yea that's true.
It could take it if the axle is open. I think.

I won't know till I try it.

ELLLLLIOTTTTT
09-15-2005, 12:13 AM
i wouldnt get that 8.8 from an older f-150 though.

ILikeMud
09-15-2005, 12:27 AM
why is that?

OverkillZJ
09-15-2005, 07:12 AM
Do you know if it's a 27 or 31 spline. An 8.8 isn't just an 8.8.

ILikeMud
09-15-2005, 10:38 AM
I'm not sure what spline it is.
How can I tell without pulling a shaft?

JohnBoulderCO
09-15-2005, 10:52 AM
Either it's 28 spline or 31 spline.

nate
09-15-2005, 11:21 AM
F-150 8.8 is 31 spline, though it's fullwidth, like 65" I believe and also 5 on 5.5. Only things that were 28 spline were Rangers, Astrostars, etc. Maybe Crown Vics?

I'd like to see what a guy was running to blow the 8.8 with 31s.

matts96zj
09-16-2005, 09:34 AM
that f-150 axle is gonna be uber wide compared the the front 30 & also has a different lug pattern... just an fyi

Mtn WJ
09-16-2005, 11:52 AM
Matts correct you will have a lot of issues with the F150 axle if you plan to run the front stock.

All F150 8.8's are 31 spline which is good. They are also 65 inches wide and a 5 on 5.5 bolt pattern. You can have the axles re-drilled to a 5 on 4.5 for about 100 bucks total. Or you can just run 2 different bolt patterns from front to rear. Then you will still be over 5 inches wider in the rear of your ZJ than the front which means it will drive like crud unless you put 2.5 inch spacers on the front of each side which is pushing it a bit for a front axle but can be done.

I think unless you plan to swap out the front axle you should hold out for an Explorer 8.8 axle. It seems however if you want to run 38's you are going to need to swap out the front axle as well. Which in that case get a Ford D44 for the front to match the F150 8.8 and do them both at the same time. Then you will have the same bolt pattern and widths.

Crown Vics by the way unless they are PI rated police cars and other specialty vehicles have 28 spline 8.8 axles and are 65 inches wide. Not the best choice for an axle swap on a 4x4 but used a bunch for hot rods.

You can also convert 28 spline car axles to 31 but it is pricey and is more intended for people like performance Mustang owners who already have the 8.8 in their car and want to upgrade axles to handle their HP increases.

ILikeMud
09-17-2005, 12:41 AM
I think I'm gonna go with a D44.
So just get one from an f150?

MaineZJ
09-17-2005, 04:59 PM
8.8

http://www.fototime.com/ED99442C3153D64/conv.wmv
http://www.fototime.com/35BD34077F784A4/conv.wmv

ELLLLLIOTTTTT
09-17-2005, 06:47 PM
I think I'm gonna go with a D44.
So just get one from an f150?

a.) f-150 never came with a D44 rear AFAIK
b.) 8.8 is stronger than D44 (sorry Matt)
c.) with the fab work required to fit a D44 might as well get a 8.8

ATL ZJ
09-17-2005, 07:05 PM
c.) with the fab work required to fit a D44 might as well get a 8.8

..might as well get a FF d60 or d70. wish I had sometimes... They're available here for $85 each.

deadman
09-17-2005, 07:08 PM
Just go mog!

:smt033


If you want it easy go wit a 8.8 Explorer axle... the f150 one isn't worth the work. Would look wierd with rear being much wider.

Leave 35c, or go 8.8 Xploder, or jump to 60s... :smt108

Kraqa
09-17-2005, 07:28 PM
my point exactly. Most if not all guy who swap in a 8.8 learn so much frm the swap. then they get the idea that since they know how to swap. why not go bigger. You might aswell just skip this step and go to 60's.

ELLLLLIOTTTTT
09-17-2005, 10:23 PM
8.8 is a good stepping stone. its more practical than building a d60/70. especially for a DD jeep. i would have skipped right to D60's if I needed to. 33's + D60s = overkill in the worst kinda way.