Ford Front Axle

[jimoshel]

Has anybody ever mounted a Ford front axle under a Jeep? I recently got a '94 Explorer for the sole purpose of installing the 8.8 rear axle under a MJ. Been looking at it and that axle, front, looks like it would make a good one for a 4wd conversion. Thinking about using both axles for a 4wd conversion. Just wondering.

[BIGHEEP]

It is a strange two piece Dana 35 axle that is designed to work in that truck with its suspension design. It would take a huge amount of work to make it fit. The D35 is not exactly known for their strength. XJ D30 axles are cheap and common. Save yourself a headache.

[mvusse]

I am (still) in the process of fitting a Ford front axle under my truck, but it's a solid axle Dana 60, not a twin traction beam Dana 35.

[jimoshel]

This thing looks heavy enough to work under a deuce and half. I'll see if I can't get a pic and or ID it tomorrow. It's got the same shape as the rear 8.8.

[CoryMJ89]

Stay away from the twin beam crap not worth ur time

[BIGHEEP]

It's not as heavy duty as it looks. It is a twin traction beam axle not a solid axle. It is a variant of IFS with CV shafts. It looks so big because it is actually part of the suspension system.

[jimoshel]

Originally I just dropped to one knee and looked under the bumper. This morning I raised it up on a ramp and crawled under it, getting a better look at everything. I'm dropping the whole idea.

[HOrnbrod]

Has anybody ever mounted a Ford front axle under a Jeep? I recently got a '94 Explorer for the sole purpose of installing the 8.8 rear axle under a MJ. Been looking at it and that axle, front, looks like it would make a good one for a 4wd conversion. Thinking about using both axles for a 4wd conversion. Just wondering.

 

Does the 94 Explorer have disks on the rear 8.8 Jim? I think they started in 95 IIRC. :hmm:   That would be a good swap for your MJ too.

[jimoshel]

They're drum.

[Pete M]

still should be 31 spline and tough as nails. :D

[jimoshel]

It's a moot point now. I just stuck a couple Ben Franklins in my pocket and watched it disappear down the driveway. Good riddance.

[TylerJY]

ewww,,, ttb...

[Zebvance]

I call it the...... Scissor axle. I have worked on one from a bronco. A Dana 44. They are pretty strong and perfect for 4wd Pre runner type stuff. Not a terrible axle in general. But it would be a huge task to try to put one under a mj. Even if its the Dana 35 ttb which is what I'm guessing would be under the exploder it would prob be stronger than the Dana 30. If you have the time, tools and know how to do it, it can be done and I personally think it would be awesome. That's just me. If you don't want to invest the time

And money just go with the Dana 30. Also I have heard here and there of people finding a certain year waggy Dana 44 and putting it under Cherokees. I guess it's one of the easiest swaps. Haven't done much research on it though.

[dakal]

the guy that owned my mj before i bought it, put a chevy 44 in front. its been fun making it work. getting ready to start over with getting it to work.

[mvusse]

I'm almost done getting a Ford Dana 60 to work. All that's left is track bar bracket, drive shaft and brakes.

 

Done with steering (I think, still have to double check that), lower control arm mounts, upper control arm mounts, shock mounts and spring plates.