JFAComanche6 Posted April 10, 2013 Share Posted April 10, 2013 Has anyone ever put a rear axle from an Explorer in a Comanche? I've heard of people putting the 5.0 v8 engines in their Wranglers, but I was looking at the rear axle of my Explorer and it's way bigger than my D35, giving me a couple ideas..... :brows: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ellman605 Posted April 10, 2013 Share Posted April 10, 2013 I imagine its a pretty straight forward swap. I did it in my wrangler. No idea about mounts though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JFAComanche6 Posted April 10, 2013 Author Share Posted April 10, 2013 I imagine its a pretty straight forward swap. I did it in my wrangler. No idea about mounts though. The axle does look pretty narrow, though. I guess I'd have to measure it. But as far as toughness, it's a pretty good rear end? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thomas Posted April 10, 2013 Share Posted April 10, 2013 I haven't done it in my Comanche but I did on my Cherokee..you probably have the Ford 8.8 in the explorer. It's a good cheepish swap Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zebvance Posted April 10, 2013 Share Posted April 10, 2013 I have one I'm putting in right now and I just order the 8.8 swap kit from ironrockoffroad.com. It is a great upgrade. Depending on what year explorer your 8.8 rear end is coming from, some are better than others. 97 and newer are best, they are 31 spline and disk brakes. If you look hard enough you can even find one that came with 4.10 gears if you are going to upgrade tire size from stock. 96 and down are 28 spline and drums. Still a good bit beefier than the dana 35 and still worth the up grade. The explorer bolt pattern is the same as the Comanche so you are good there. Also the width of the explorer 8.8 if I'm not mistaken is only about 1 inch shorter. So its not very noticeable and if it is, its nothing some wheel spacers and fix. In my option the ford 8.8 97+ (the one I have) Is the best, easiest, and cheapest swap you can do with out replacing the front axle at the same time and going one tons. Here is a 8.8 strength test. I think it is a very under rated axle as far as strength is considered. The 8.8 can almost hold its own with a d60 The axle shaft strength tested by Warn Ind:F8.8= 6,500 (lb. ft.)D44= 4,600-5,000 (lb. ft.)D35C= 4,000-4,300 (lb. ft.)-------------------------------COT: Continuous output torque ratingMOT: Maximum output torque rating(Numbers from January edition of Fourwheeler, page 60.)Dana 35 rear axle COT: 870 MOT: 3480Dana 44 rear axle COT: 1100 MOT: 4460Ford 8.8 28spline COT: 1250 MOT: 4600Ford 8.8 31spline COT: 1360 MOT: 5100Dana60 semifloat COT: 1500 MOT: 5500] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JFAComanche6 Posted April 11, 2013 Author Share Posted April 11, 2013 Yea I have a 97 right now with a 3.73 rear end (I think) and the disc brakes. I wanna get a 4wd donor Explorer possibly someday or if the engine/transmission in my current Explorer lets loose, the Comanche will probably get a new rear end and be my DD again. Are the brakes pretty easy to hook up to the MJ's system? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zebvance Posted April 11, 2013 Share Posted April 11, 2013 From what I heard there is not to much to it but I havent gotten that far yet. Keep a look out for a step by step install in my build thread in the next couple of weeks. I hope to have it all installed and rolling over to the local transmission shop to regear the front to 4.10's to match the rear in the next 2 weeks. As far as your 8.8 you lucked out pretty good and have the best one you could of got minus the 4.10 gears. They sell pretty easliy to any body that has a jeep and is looking for a replacement for that turdyfive also. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JFAComanche6 Posted April 11, 2013 Author Share Posted April 11, 2013 I honestly would like to keep the 3.73 ratio if possible. I could easily run some 31's with a 3 inch lift with that ratio, right? As far as your 8.8 you lucked out pretty good and have the best one you could of got minus the 4.10 gears. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zebvance Posted April 11, 2013 Share Posted April 11, 2013 Yes that should be about the ratio you need to run for 31's I'm runing 3.55's right now with 4.0 auto and 32's its not unbearable but i find my self getting 10-12 mpg and right in the shift range on highway. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
92tanMJ Posted April 11, 2013 Share Posted April 11, 2013 I honestly would like to keep the 3.73 ratio if possible. I could easily run some 31's with a 3 inch lift with that ratio, right? Yes that should be about the ratio you need to run for 31's I'm runing 3.55's right now with 4.0 auto and 32's its not unbearable but i find my self getting 10-12 mpg and right in the shift range on highway. 31's with 3.55s on my 98 xj gets 14-16 city and 18-22 high way. 3.73 shouldnt give you any trouble at all Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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