8.8 Axle Swap Into A 90 Comanche

[92tanMJ]

Gotcha, sounds like you have a plan then

[Biotex]

Now that my 95/96 XJ Brake Booster & M.C. have arrived, I can start sorting out the lines.

 

Here is a picture with them labeled:

 

[zackcj7]

 How much, if any did the 8.8 swap change your ride height in the rear? Being spring under did the thicker tubes noticeably lower it any?

[Biotex]

 How much, if any did the 8.8 swap change your ride height in the rear? Being spring under did the thicker tubes noticeably lower it any?

 

Nothing noticeable IMO. Probably 1/4"

[Zebvance]

I just did the swap any it was 1/4 inch.

[Crash]

Did you by chance change/swap out the stock prop valve for a ZJ/WJ valve? It is supposed to change the front/rear amounts applied. 

[Incommando]

Being a c-clip axle isn't a downside, have you seen an 8.8 fail due to c-clips? And I'd question being 20% stronger than a d44.

 

Don't forget they commonly spin the axletubes inside the diff housing under a load. This is usually solved by welding the tubes to the housing. I used 55% nickel rods when I welded mine.

Not exactly accurate. I have seen a couple of 8.8's fail and lose an axle shaft in person and know of more. That is why the NHRA requires that they c-clip eliminators for many classes. This is very serious on a drum brake rear as the whole shaft/brake/wheel assembly will leave the vehicle in the event of a c-clip failure. On a disc rear this is mainly mitigated by the bolt-on caliper retaining the disc and keeping the whole shebang from moving out laterally. Granted this is for a different scenario involving higher horsepower and more traction than most of us deal with but it is IMHO worth mentioning.

[Incommando]

 

what is the amp output of the welder you are using?

 

Millermatic 251

 

250 A at 28 VDC,

40% Duty Cycle

 

200 A at 28 VDC,

60% Duty Cycle

 

Why do you ask?

Just wondering, I have been looking into getting a better welding machine than my 90 amp Harbor freight. It's good for small things, I already killed one while working on a small project but, thankfully the warranty replacement was simple.

That is quite an upgrade. The Miller will run you over $2K. I am a 1/4 owner of a Millermatic250. If you have some buddies who could also use a welder enough to justify the price then going in on one like a timeshare is not a bad idea. 

[Zebvance]

Did you by chance change/swap out the stock prop valve for a ZJ/WJ valve? It is supposed to change the front/rear amounts applied. 

Yes I did

[Bounty Hunter]

 

Being a c-clip axle isn't a downside, have you seen an 8.8 fail due to c-clips? And I'd question being 20% stronger than a d44.

 

Don't forget they commonly spin the axletubes inside the diff housing under a load. This is usually solved by welding the tubes to the housing. I used 55% nickel rods when I welded mine.

Not exactly accurate. I have seen a couple of 8.8's fail and lose an axle shaft in person and know of more. 

So they 8.8's you witnessed break were due to the c-clips?  Or they broke a shaft and the axle walked out because it's a c-clip axle?

 

Would take quite a side load to break 'due' to c-clips.

[87manche1]

I cannot find a 3.55 limited slip ford 8.8 so that kinda sucks

[xjustinx]

I cannot find a 3.55 limited slip ford 8.8 so that kinda sucks

You have a Pull-a-Part near you? Mine had decent amount of them, actually I had a hard time finding a 4.10 open axle. Only had one explorer sport with one in it, I got lucky.

[92tanMJ]

Open axle?

 

 

I cannot find a 3.55 limited slip ford 8.8 so that kinda sucks

You have a Pull-a-Part near you? Mine had decent amount of them, actually I had a hard time finding a 4.10 open axle. Only had one explorer sport with one in it, I got lucky.

 

I don't think there are any open 8.8 in 3.55. Why wouldnt you want the limited slip? :hmm:

[87manche1]

I have 2pull a parts not a single 3.55 in any of the explorers.

According to ranger station and explorer forum 3.55 are only available in open axle not ls.

I had limited slip so I didn't wanna down grade traction got a 8.8 w4.10 gears limited slip. And I found a dana 30 w 4.10s for 50

[87manche1]

http://www.explorerforum.com/ntrprize/Axle.htm

[92tanMJ]

I have 2pull a parts not a single 3.55 in any of the explorers.

According to ranger station and explorer forum 3.55 are only available in open axle not ls.

I had limited slip so I didn't wanna down grade traction got a 8.8 w4.10 gears limited slip. And I found a dana 30 w 4.10s for 50

 

Dana 30 with 4.10s for $50 bucks??! Hook a brother up!

[87manche1]

I'm on it like flys to s#$ t

[92tanMJ]

I'm on it like flys to s#$ t

 

Hell yeah man! 8.8 with 4.10 limited slip AND you found a dana 30 with 4.10s for $50! :bowdown:  Teach me your ways

[xjustinx]

Open axle?

 

 

I cannot find a 3.55 limited slip ford 8.8 so that kinda sucks

You have a Pull-a-Part near you? Mine had decent amount of them, actually I had a hard time finding a 4.10 open axle. Only had one explorer sport with one in it, I got lucky.

 

I don't think there are any open 8.8 in 3.55. Why wouldnt you want the limited slip? :hmm:

Put a Spartan locker in it.

[92tanMJ]

 

Open axle?

 

 

I cannot find a 3.55 limited slip ford 8.8 so that kinda sucks

You have a Pull-a-Part near you? Mine had decent amount of them, actually I had a hard time finding a 4.10 open axle. Only had one explorer sport with one in it, I got lucky.

 

I don't think there are any open 8.8 in 3.55. Why wouldnt you want the limited slip? :hmm:

Put a Spartan locker in it.

Gotcha, I didnt know that you couldnt put a locker in a limited slip dif.

[Zebvance]

 

 

Open axle?

 

 

I cannot find a 3.55 limited slip ford 8.8 so that kinda sucks

You have a Pull-a-Part near you? Mine had decent amount of them, actually I had a hard time finding a 4.10 open axle. Only had one explorer sport with one in it, I got lucky.

 

I don't think there are any open 8.8 in 3.55. Why wouldnt you want the limited slip? :hmm:

Put a Spartan locker in it.

Gotcha, I didnt know that you couldnt put a locker in a limited slip dif.

 

 

you can but you have to change out the carrier I think

[xjustinx]

 

 

 

Open axle?

 

 

I cannot find a 3.55 limited slip ford 8.8 so that kinda sucks

You have a Pull-a-Part near you? Mine had decent amount of them, actually I had a hard time finding a 4.10 open axle. Only had one explorer sport with one in it, I got lucky.

 

I don't think there are any open 8.8 in 3.55. Why wouldnt you want the limited slip? :hmm:

Put a Spartan locker in it.

Gotcha, I didnt know that you couldnt put a locker in a limited slip dif.

 

 

you can but you have to change out the carrier I think

Correct, it has to be an open carrier. I will say so far I really like the spartan. I almost never notice its even back there on the pavement. I dread the day I ever have to remove it though lol. Damn c-clips

[onlyinajeep726]

Hate to rehash an old thread, but I found this through a Google search (saved me from making another thread).  This is great info!
I'm ready to hit up LKQ and find me an Exploder axle for my MJ.

 

. :MJ 1: .
 

[MidTenManche]

Some Great information on this post... I picked up an 8.8 with 4.10 and LSD for 100 bucks... still waiting on that D30 for 50 though. Hats off.

 

Anyone around TN know of a good D30 with 4.10 let me know.

[Skorpyo]

Photos from first post here: