88pioneer Posted February 5, 2010 Share Posted February 5, 2010 Just looking for a few opinions on rear axle choices. I have the 35 with welded spiders :ack: , on 32's. It really needs to go ASAP. Heading to the pull a part tomorrow after school, or first thing saturday morning. I'm torn between an 8.25, 8.8, or the ever elusive 44. The yards inventory shows several 8.8's and 8.25's, and i plan on hunting for a 44. I know to look for a 29 spline 8.25, and the 8.8's have the discs which would be a welcome upgrade. If i find a 44 the choice is obvious, but just looking for people with experience on any of these, likes an dislikes. Thanks for the help. :cheers: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jpdocdave Posted February 5, 2010 Share Posted February 5, 2010 44 is my first choice for simplicity, but seeing how the exploder was the mose common vehicle traded in on cash 4 clunkers, there's a ton of 8.8 axles all over. i'd even get picky on those, and find exactly the gears you want w/ limited slip if you don't plan on going nuts with it. 4.10 and limited slip is available in them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DJM/78 Posted February 5, 2010 Share Posted February 5, 2010 I am almost done with my D44 , They are all good ( built correctly ) anyway . The ford Diff's are easier to find and cheaper to convert to disc brakes . However the D44's are still around . Just a bit more money to convert to disc . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
88pioneer Posted February 5, 2010 Author Share Posted February 5, 2010 The 44 is my first choice too, I plan on looking at every XJ they have there and the few MJ's they have, but i know my chances are pretty slim Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geonovast Posted February 5, 2010 Share Posted February 5, 2010 I wouldn't bother with a 27 spline 8.25. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
88pioneer Posted February 5, 2010 Author Share Posted February 5, 2010 Not planning on wasting my money on a 27, i can live with the 35 for now until i find the axle i want. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DJM/78 Posted February 5, 2010 Share Posted February 5, 2010 Check craigs list . There is one near me for about 100.00 bucks . Probably needs rebuilt but runs . I found 4 in a week , found the best one out of them , paid 300.00 for it . W/ 373 gears . Currently being completely rebuilt . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave Stark Posted February 5, 2010 Share Posted February 5, 2010 The 31 spline Ford 8.8 is the axle of choice, it is actually stronger than the D44 & you can get all the aftermarket mods your willing to pay for. As soon as i get the chance i'm going to the JY & getting one for mine & doing the C clip eliminator 4.10 gears, locker, & a bearing support cover. It should be pretty much indestructible after that... BTW, You can find them on '95 to 2000 Ford Explorers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
88pioneer Posted February 5, 2010 Author Share Posted February 5, 2010 The 31 spline Ford 8.8 is the axle of choice, it is actually stronger than the D44 & you can get all the aftermarket mods your willing to pay for. As soon as i get the chance i'm going to the JY & getting one for mine & doing the C clip eliminator 4.10 gears, locker, & a bearing support cover. It should be pretty much indestructible after that... BTW, You can find them on '95 to 2000 Ford Explorers. Thanks for the tip, were the 31's on the V8 explorers, or on both? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
richasco Posted February 5, 2010 Share Posted February 5, 2010 The 8.25s are nice because it's still Jeep. But it's hard to pass up an Explorer 8.8, you get disc brakes and a lot of them have limited slips in them. Remember to grab the u-bolt plates and the driveshaft flange, you'll need them for the 8.8. Also think about u-bolts, I'll let others start the new/used debate. Look for the other post with the tag codes for the 8.8s. Print it out and take it with you so you know what your looking at for ratios and lsd or not. Good luck finding a D44, there is something to be said for the coolness of the bolt in factory option. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geonovast Posted February 5, 2010 Share Posted February 5, 2010 The 8.25s are nice because it's still Jeep. But it's hard to pass up an Explorer 8.8, you get disc brakes and a lot of them have limited slips in them. Remember to grab the u-bolt plates and the driveshaft flange, you'll need them for the 8.8. Also think about u-bolts, I'll let others start the new/used debate. Look for the other post with the tag codes for the 8.8s. Print it out and take it with you so you know what your looking at for ratios and lsd or not. Good luck finding a D44, there is something to be said for the coolness of the bolt in factory option. 8.25s are nice because they're Jeep.. yes. But for a wheeling truck, the 27 spline versions aren't all that worth it. 29s are. Granted, you can convert a 27 to a 29, but that requires a gear setup as the carriers are different. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave Stark Posted February 5, 2010 Share Posted February 5, 2010 The 31 spline Ford 8.8 is the axle of choice, it is actually stronger than the D44 & you can get all the aftermarket mods your willing to pay for. As soon as i get the chance i'm going to the JY & getting one for mine & doing the C clip eliminator 4.10 gears, locker, & a bearing support cover. It should be pretty much indestructible after that... BTW, You can find them on '95 to 2000 Ford Explorers. Thanks for the tip, were the 31's on the V8 explorers, or on both? Not sure, but from the research i've done it looks as if all of them had the 31 spline. Be sure to take it from the explorer though, the Ranger came with a 28 spline, which is still strong, just not so much as the D44. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
richasco Posted February 5, 2010 Share Posted February 5, 2010 Suggesting that someone spend time and money on a 27 spline 8.25 is like suggesting someone spend time and money on a D35. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dasbulliwagen Posted February 5, 2010 Share Posted February 5, 2010 Suggesting that someone spend time and money on a 27 spline 8.25 is like suggesting someone spend time and money on a D35. How do you tell the difference? I'm not sure how many people want to go tearing into diffs at the JY, and I'm sure the JY wouldnt like it either! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geonovast Posted February 5, 2010 Share Posted February 5, 2010 Year is the first clue. 92(93, whatever the first year was)-96 is 27 spline. 97+is 29. Otherwise, there is no way for sure to tell without popping the cover. The housings are the same. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimoshel Posted February 5, 2010 Share Posted February 5, 2010 RE:Ford Explorer rear. Is the lug pattern the same as the MJ? If not what do you do for spare? Carry two? On one of my MJ'S there is a 5 lug D60 in the rear and a 6 lug D44 in front. Rather than mess with 2 spares I'm scrapping both axles and installing a matched set. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete M Posted February 5, 2010 Share Posted February 5, 2010 All explorers have 31 splined axleshafts. 95-01 have disk brakes. The lug pattern matches your Jeep. width is 5/8" more narrow on each side. Pretty much all other 8.8s should be avoided. and IF you can break a shaft on an 8.8, I just might hire a helicopter and bring a spare out to you. :D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CWLONGSHOT Posted February 5, 2010 Share Posted February 5, 2010 Guys, you need to know the facts. This hatred of the dreaded "C" clip is UNFOUNDED!!! Yes the D35 is a problem rear. But do you know why? I don't wanna hear what you read, I wanna know if you really know why they bring on the suckage. The "C" Clip axle design you say.. NOPE. The 27 Spline axle maybe.. NOPE. The small ring gear or bearings?? NOPE and NOPE. The core of the problem with the D35 is its HOUSING!! 90% of the problems with this axle are a direct result of the axle housing flexing . Resulting in the ejection of the axle from the housing when the "C" clip fails. It fails because the axle housing twists or flexes enough to "pop" the clip and out comes the axle. YES some people have broken the shafts, (self included) but its diameter and 27 spline count is much stronger then you have read and have been lead to believe. Many of the people who have broken a shaft would have VERY likely also broken a bigger shaft under identical circumstances. I have known, personally known, of more than a couple D35 with alloy axles and reinforced housings standing up to aggressive driving with big tires and lockers. The 27 Spl 8.25 Crico axle is a "C" Clip axle and is still a GOOD upgrade to the D35. Its housing is DAMN STOUT!! That's the reason its such a good axle. The spline count is a consideration as its usually just as easy to look a bit more and get a 29spline, but if all you can get or the price is great on a 27spline GO FOR IT!! Don't discount this axle!! Its housing is way strong! Hold on to your hat... the 8.8 is ANOTHER "C" clip axle. It too has a housing that's as big as a D60 for crying out loud!! Any of you who have drug it thru the rocks with 33/35" tires will attest to! Yes it is WAY strong! I agree its stronger then the D44 because of this housing! FORGET about the "C" clip eliminators, besides they don't fit with most lockers we all want to run. You done need them anyhow! Welding the tubes is another hot topic. I doubt the majority of us will really need this. but its a simple thing to do and offers insurance or at the very least peace of mind. So do it if it makes you feel better. I just hate misinformation!!! Know the facts and make you own INFORMED decisions!! NOT the hype from the guy who knows a guy whose brother has a friend that broke one... People will most ALWAYS blame something else for there misfortune or problem and not take responsibility for it. CW Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
deziped Posted February 5, 2010 Share Posted February 5, 2010 CW you nailed it. You gotta cut thru the HYPE & make a common sense choice based on your intended vehicle usage. Overkill is a waste of hard earned dollars. :cheers: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave Stark Posted February 5, 2010 Share Posted February 5, 2010 Guys, you need to know the facts. This hatred of the dreaded "C" clip is UNFOUNDED!!! Yes the D35 is a problem rear. But do you know why? I don't wanna hear what you read, I wanna know if you really know why they bring on the suckage. The "C" Clip axle design you say.. NOPE. The 27 Spline axle maybe.. NOPE. The small ring gear or bearings?? NOPE and NOPE. The core of the problem with the D35 is its HOUSING!! 90% of the problems with this axle are a direct result of the axle housing flexing . Resulting in the ejection of the axle from the housing when the "C" clip fails. It fails because the axle housing twists or flexes enough to "pop" the clip and out comes the axle. YES some people have broken the shafts, (self included) but its diameter and 27 spline count is much stronger then you have read and have been lead to believe. Many of the people who have broken a shaft would have VERY likely also broken a bigger shaft under identical circumstances. I have known, personally known, of more than a couple D35 with alloy axles and reinforced housings standing up to aggressive driving with big tires and lockers. The 27 Spl 8.25 Crico axle is a "C" Clip axle and is still a GOOD upgrade to the D35. Its housing is DAMN STOUT!! That's the reason its such a good axle. The spline count is a consideration as its usually just as easy to look a bit more and get a 29spline, but if all you can get or the price is great on a 27spline GO FOR IT!! Don't discount this axle!! Its housing is way strong! Hold on to your hat... the 8.8 is ANOTHER "C" clip axle. It too has a housing that's as big as a D60 for crying out loud!! Any of you who have drug it thru the rocks with 33/35" tires will attest to! Yes it is WAY strong! I agree its stronger then the D44 because of this housing! FORGET about the "C" clip eliminators, besides they don't fit with most lockers we all want to run. You done need them anyhow! Welding the tubes is another hot topic. I doubt the majority of us will really need this. but its a simple thing to do and offers insurance or at the very least peace of mind. So do it if it makes you feel better. I just hate misinformation!!! Know the facts and make you own INFORMED decisions!! NOT the hype from the guy who knows a guy whose brother has a friend that broke one... People will most ALWAYS blame something else for there misfortune or problem and not take responsibility for it. CW I agree that what i want to do is overbuilding the axle, & that in most cases you could simply bolt the thing in & go, but i don't want to have to worry about this thing again. My truck currently has the D35, 2wd, 235 75 R15's, this thing has 150K miles on it & when i jack the truck up i can grab the wheels & i have between 1/4" & 1/2" of in & out play on both sides. This thing has been run through it's paces, but nothing that should cause it to have that kind of play. Plus, i want to do a stroker & really don't want to worry about it then... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimoshel Posted February 5, 2010 Share Posted February 5, 2010 :agree: 100% With CW Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mvusse Posted February 5, 2010 Share Posted February 5, 2010 I have personally seen (and heard) a D35 shaft snap. But the owner was asking for it. He was in a Cherokee, climbing a steep obstacle. When he lost traction near the top it started bouncing. Rather than let off and try again he stayed on the gas with almost all of the weight on the rear axle. And yes, that probably would have broken a shaft in a stronger axle as well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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