8.8 swap research project

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[Lilredwagon]

Well gentlemen and women, it is time to put some serious effort into finding an 8.8 and putting it in my jeep. The vehicle is an 88' xj 4.0 auto with a trac lok D35. Enough said I want to put in a disc brake lsd 8.8 im almost positive my gears are 3.07 and i believe some of the explorers had matching gears.
What i need to know is what are the best doner vehicles to find that axle in and exactly what goes into installing it.

        -Dean-

[Liza]

96 and up Explorers have 8.8 with disc brakes.

You need an axle, a bracket kit and the means to weld said brackets onto axle, yoke adapter, parking brakes, probably some replacement brake & parking brake parts depending on the shape of your axle, etc.

Here's a good write up (it's for a YJ...but it gives you the right idea):  http://www.jedi.com/obiwan/jeep/ford88.html

[Lilredwagon]

That is a very good write up but it left me with questions. That was a sua to soa conversion so basically anything shock related didn't help, what do i need to do to bolt up my shocks? Also i would like to know more about centering the axle and aligning the pinion.
i also gathered that the spring perches will need to be moved out 5/8" on either side and that my U-joints are 1310's so ill need to get the adapter unless there is a 1320 shaft that will fit, is there such a shaft available?

[navman 5.0]

here's a huge thread on it http://www.jeepsunlimited.com/forums/showthread.php?t=674123
and half way down the page here http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=451154
both have a ton of info. If you aren't looking to go to a pick and pull you can search the area easy on www.car-parts.com
I will be doing my 8.8 install this winter as well.

[jps4jeep]

ahhh... 95 and up explorers 

like mentioned, you can buy a set of perches and stuff.. or reuse the stuff you need to cut off/move

explorer 8.8's did not have 3.07, I believe the highest gear you could get is 3.54 or3.55 what ever the ford gear is. you can get a 8.8 3.07 gear set from a ranger or f150.. one of the two. but 3.07 is a crappy gear ratio for a jeep.. I would look for a 4.10 set and swap in a set of jeep 4cyl gears into the fron axle.

They make an adapter to bolt up to the flange on the 8.8 and receive a standard U-joint. I would go with a 1330 or larger joint. you are going to have to modify your rear shaft regardless, it will need to be shortened so I would recommend putting the largest joint on the shaft that will not bund at what ever your shaft angle is.

[Ian]

you can just order a shaft and they will put the adapter on it.  you just need to meause the bolt pattern and know what length you need.  i got a good shaft cheap from Adams Driveline in Vegas.

[Liza]

You don't always need to modify the driveshaft. 
The Spicer yoke adapter (P/N 2-2-1379) will take a 1310 u-joint, so you don't need an adapter ujoint if you go that route. The one that comes on the 8.8 takes a 1330 joint.

[Krome]

you might be able to source a d44 for that xj for under 300 bucks. bolt in with matching gear ratio. just an idea!

[98xj]

I got my d44 out of a 87 xj. 3.55 gears. Found it on craigslist, think I got it for $400.

[Liza]

Granted, an XJ D44 is a much easier swap, but they are much harder to find in good shape.

[Twisty]

I like the D44 more than the 8.8.  If I had the option I'd go D44 hands down.

[98xj]

Mine needed new brakes and some new seals and new clutches for the LS

[jps4jeep]

Mine needed new brakes and some new seals and new clutches for the LS

what gears do you have?

I have a couple D44 open carriers for 4.10 and higher gears, if you want them and swap the gears and run a lunch box locker, all yours.

[jps4jeep]

Higher Ratio gears... numerically lower gears.. if you still have 3.55 this will sork.

[Mitch]