Topic: Opinions on Axles, Gears and Lockers

[jfrabat]

Jeffy/Bounty,

So which models should I look for to get an 8.8 from?  I know the Explorers had them, but what years?  And is there any other models that have similar widths to the YJ?  And do they all have the Eaton (I imagine these are limited slip, right?) on them, or should I look for specific model/year combinations?

Felipe

[jcoleman]

the 8.8 is going to come from 96 or maybe even 95 and later explorer models.  No they do not all come with limited slips.  The width is somewhere around 591/2" (stock jeep is 60).  Because you have a yj, the 8.8 will practically bolt right up because it too is a leaf spring set up.  In eastern virginia a used 8.8 costs anywhere from 200-350.  If you go to a pick n pull type place you may be able to get them for less. 

As for Jeffy's comment I have been doing some research and I haven't really seen anything good about the auburn gear locker.  I think I will try and find an 8.8 lsd and put an Aussie up front. 

Also, what sort of numbering or symbols on the axle will tell me it's an lsd?

[jcoleman]

jfrabat this site helped me find some local used parts stores that sell 8.8s.

car-part.com

[jfrabat]

jcoleman,

I've also been hitting the web today, and it seems that the Ford Explorer has had these axles in from 1995 to 2001, but the ones from '95 on have rear disc brakes, which would be another plus.  Keep in mind though, that according to what I have read, the diff cover that comes stock on these things is pretty lame, so you will have to invest on an aftermarket one.

Other things to keep in mind:

1. The tubes are not welded to the diff housing; you may want to weld these when you install yours
2. The pinion is offset a whopping 2-3/16" to the right of center (the stock YJ is 3/4), so this could cause some vibes with a CV joint
3. This axle uses pinion flange, not a pinion yoke like most Dana axles (there is a converter called flange yokes available from Spicer, though)

Check out this site for reference...

http://www.jedi.com/obiwan/jeep/ford88.html

Anyway, this certainly seems like a good option to consider...  I will see if I can find any of these on the junkyard when I go this weekend!

Felipe

[Jeffy]

Early 8.8's also have 27 spline instead of 31 spline axle shafts.  THe bearings caps are known to loosen up as well.  Many go with the cast diff cover with the bearing cap preloads.

Also, keep in mind that even though the 8.8" is leaf sprung, the perches will most likely need to be moved.

[jcoleman]

Also I just did a little number searching.  The ford rear end tags work as follows.  The first 4 characters on a limited slip should say 3L73 for a 3.73 limited slip ratio. (L, of course, meaning limited slip)

I used that car-parts.com thing to find some parts.  I found a place about 20 miles away with two 3.73 limited slips from 2000 ford explorers with about 80,000 miles on them for $150.

[jfrabat]

I found one with 4.10 gears (that's what I have now) in FL, but it's $450...  Also has LSD.

[jcoleman]

I'm not sure if mine includes the brakes. I have to check on that tomorrow.

[Jeffy]

I'm not sure if mine includes the brakes. I have to check on that tomorrow.

For $150, I doubt it.  That will cost $$$ to get all of the components.  At least you'll know the brakes are good.

[jcoleman]

yea, that's what I'm worried about.

[Bounty Hunter]

All Exploder 8.8's should be 31spl.

The pinion offset to the side has never caused problems from what I've seen.

Spinning the axletubes are a slight concern under moderate to heavy use.  I used 55% nickel rod and welded the tubes to the diff on the 8.8 I put into my MJ.

[jfrabat]

The pinion offset to the side has never caused problems from what I've seen.

Not even driveline vibrations?  I have a CV shaft, so the shaft and the diff shoult be aligned so as to not have any vibes, right?  Keep in mind mine is a daily driver, so if this causes bad vibes, it would a PITA when hitting the highway...  And I do remember before I aligned my diff with the CV shaft, it rattled like crazy!

[Jeffy]

All Exploder 8.8's should be 31spl.

The pinion offset to the side has never caused problems from what I've seen.

Spinning the axletubes are a slight concern under moderate to heavy use.  I used 55% nickel rod and welded the tubes to the diff on the 8.8 I put into my MJ.

Whoops, you're right.  I was getting the Ranger and the Exploder changed mixed.  Here's the definitive guide, http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/Axles.html

[Jeffy]

The pinion offset to the side has never caused problems from what I've seen.

Not even driveline vibrations?  I have a CV shaft, so the shaft and the diff shoult be aligned so as to not have any vibes, right?  Keep in mind mine is a daily driver, so if this causes bad vibes, it would a PITA when hitting the highway...  And I do remember before I aligned my diff with the CV shaft, it rattled like crazy!

Canted to the side, down or whatever, it's all just one angle to the driveshaft.

[jfrabat]

Canted to the side, down or whatever, it's all just one angle to the driveshaft.

That's my understanding as well, so because of the angle, there SHOULD be some vibrations...  I think I may go for the D44 after all...  Although it will most likely be more expensive, as it will require a new DS (if I remember correctly, the D44 is longer than the D35, right?)

Felipe