Topic: d35 - upgrade - sweet deal or not?

[Jeffy]

IIRC the axles are still 27 spline but it being a FF, that's not as much a problem.

[sharpxmen]

so the kit never had a 30 spline option? i think that's more on the diff end so would be silly not to offer the alternative. What's the size at the hub end? (if you lknow).

[stan98tj]

The Ford Explorer was/is quite a popular vehicle. I have family in Europe that owned one a while back. Now, I understand that you may not see an Explorer every day where you live in the Netherlands, but I bet you do see other Ford products or SUVs. Research the rear ends in some of the Ford SUVs sold in Europe now, like the Ford Maverick or other brands that are basically Ford but may be called something else. I'm sure you'll find your 8.8 for cheaper than you think, it just might not come from an Explorer.
Here is a site with some swap info:
http://www.jedi.com/obiwan/jeep/ford88.html

Use that when you look for your 8.8 especially if you need to look for an 8.8 in something other than an Explorer. Stay away from the Mustang 8.8 as it will be too narrow.
If you want pics or info you can also check my build.
Ideally, if your Jeep is a 5spd, you would want to look for an 8.8 with 4.10 gear and at least limited slip or posi. At least then you can lock the front and at least have a rear with some traction aid. Of course if you want to regear to deeper gears, then the 4.10 ratio isn't important.

[FourbangerYJ]

so the kit never had a 30 spline option? i think that's more on the diff end so would be silly not to offer the alternative. What's the size at the hub end? (if you lknow).

Nope only 27 spline. I had one of those on my D35 for a while. Then the R&P said see ya. I sold the whole thing for $250. I paid $600 for the FF kit.
The hubs are/were the same as the D30  hub kit (5 on 4.5 not 5 on 5.5)
They stopped making them before the 30 spline upgrade shafts and carriers hit the market.

[sharpxmen]

would have been nice to have 30 splines at both ends, googled it and they were available in both 5 on 4.5 and 5.5 pattern but probably the bearings and splines were the same.

[Eucalypta]

Wasn't able to visit my buddy and examine the FF D35 so no pics available yet.

You all did convince me to switch to the 8.8 instead of the FF d35, although it would be a nice experiment, if only my wallet would allow it 

Stan98TJ: thnx for the link: I am on the lookout for the Ford 8.8's; the link will be helpfull.

[stan98tj]

Stan98TJ: thnx for the link: I am on the lookout for the Ford 8.8's; the link will be helpfull.

Just do a bit of research and see if the 8.8 was used in other vehicles in Europe like the Ford Maverick or vehicles made by Ford but under a different name and then use the link i sent you so you can at least have the dimensions of the correct 8.8 so you can compare. Good luck, I'm sure you will find one for the right price!

[Jeffy]

Just do a bit of research and see if the 8.8 was used in other vehicles in Europe like the Ford Maverick or vehicles made by Ford but under a different name and then use the link i sent you so you can at least have the dimensions of the correct 8.8 so you can compare. Good luck, I'm sure you will find one for the right price!

I think for him a Toyota HiLux 8" would be easier to find.