Topic: 5:13's in an 8.8, then what axle should you replace the D30 with?

[chrisfranklin]

If you are running 5:13 gears in a Ford 8.8, what kind of axle do you want to substitute in place of the D30 to accommodate the same 5:13 ratio? 

[Jeffy]

44.  It would seem kind of dumb to go with a 9" or a 60.

[chrisfranklin]

44.  It would seem kind of dumb to go with a 9" or a 60.

A 44 would be just fine.  But say I'm running 35s and want to get the same drive-ability as when I had 4:88s and 31s.  

I know 5:13s and axles -- 8.8 rear, D44 front -- that could handle those gears certainly wouldn't hurt.  

But is 5:13 low enough to get the 4:88/31s performance, but on 35s?  My guess is that it'd be pretty close.  

But I'd still be interested in at least a rear end (just the rear for now) that, in the long run could maybe handle lower than 5:13s.

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Edit:  I played around with the grimmjeeper link and it looks like I'd need axles that could handle something around "5.50" (or nearest ratio sold) to get the same 4:88/31s performance.

[FourbangerYJ]

I am happy with my 5.38's and 35's. On 37's it was pretty OK too.
Find some Waggy D44's. You can go as low as 5.86.

[chrisfranklin]

I am happy with my 5.38's and 35's. On 37's it was pretty OK too.
Find some Waggy D44's. You can go as low as 5.86.

What kind of rear-end are you using?

[Bounty Hunter]

If you are running 5:13 gears in a Ford 8.8, what kind of axle do you want to substitute in place of the D30 to accommodate the same 5:13 ratio? 

Do you already have the 8.8 set up?  If not, consider d44's front and rear with 5.38 gears.  I run 5.38 and 35" tires onroad, 36" to the trail and offroad.  It's a great ratio for this size tire.  You can run a Waggy front d44 and Rodeo rear d44 and get matching 6-lug axles with 4whl disc brakes.

[neale_rs]

I know a guy who runs 5.86 with 35s on his 4banger YJ.  It's too low, he falls behind on the highway.  So 5.38 would pretty much be the practical limit with 35s.

[chrisfranklin]

So, I'd need Dana 44s front and rear?   I'm surprised the 44 can hold lower ratios than the 8.8. 

But I know I'll go 4:88 for the 31s and like that.  Then as soon as I change to 35s in a few years, I'll be dying for the 5.38 ratio.  So, might as well get the axles that will handle that ratio upfront.

[Bounty Hunter]

Not sure how low you can go with the 8.8 but you can go as deep as 5.89 in the 44.  The 'Zu and Waggy d44's are a good combo, I picked up a 2nd set to go in my MJ.

[C.Redbeardd]

5.89's with the overdrive worked fine for me. Could still hit 75 on a good day. Usually around 70mph. Now I have no overdrive... :(

[chrisfranklin]

Do you already have the 8.8 set up?  If not, consider d44's front and rear with 5.38 gears.  I run 5.38 and 35" tires onroad, 36" to the trail and offroad.  It's a great ratio for this size tire.  You can run a Waggy front d44 and Rodeo rear d44 and get matching 6-lug axles with 4whl disc brakes.

I was under the impression the 44s were all 5 lug.  Or maybe I'm confusing the 8.8 specs with the 44's.  Was kind of hoping any change in the rear axle would still incorporate the same 5 lug setup -- I'm still running the stock steel wheels on 31s and wanted to hold off changing wheels until the next tire change.

Bounty Hunter, is the Rodeo D44 the only 44 out there with discs other than the TJ Rubicon "44s" ?

[sharpxmen]

I was under the impression the 44s were all 5 lug.  Or maybe I'm confusing the 8.8 specs with the 44's.  Was kind of hoping any change in the rear axle would still incorporate the same 5 lug setup -- I'm still running the stock steel wheels on 31s and wanted to hold off changing wheels until the next tire change.

Bounty Hunter, is the Rodeo D44 the only 44 out there with discs other than the TJ Rubicon "44s" ?

ZJ has discs as well but just like the Rubi it's a D44 center with D35 outers (i got a pair of rear discs for my D35 off a ZJ) - i hope i remember correctly and not mixing them up.

[chrisfranklin]

I may end up settling for a rear D44 with drums and the 5 lugs.   Would prefer rear discs, but it's done ok with the drums on the D35 and an EBC disc/pad and steel line upgrade on the front. 

For larger tires, though, the brakes will probably need a larger master cylinder swap or something else I figure

[Bounty Hunter]

Don't mention the ZJ, it's a d44a with an aluminum center section, very problematic axle.  The only thing the ZJ is good for is to pull the disc brake parts off for install on better axles.

You can't upgrade the front axle unless you're willing to go with different wheels, 5x5.5" is the smallest lug pattern a d44 hub will fit through.

The Rodeo rear d44 is the only d44 with rear discs I know of that's a decent swap into a jeep.  Very plentiful in the junkyards.

A front d44 is well worth it, for the larger brakes, great histeer options, locking hubs, and serviceable bearings.

[sharpxmen]

Don't mention the ZJ, it's a d44a with an aluminum center section, very problematic axle.  The only thing the ZJ is good for is to pull the disc brake parts off for install on better axles.

hmm, sure didn't look like aluminum to me, either way still has the weak tubes so not much of an upgrade anyway.