Topic: Ah, the Internet...

[Jeffy]

Look, I got called out on a Ford 8.8" vs. D44 thread!  It was to be expected though.  I knew it would happen.  Lots of 'Me Too's' on the forum.  I've only been called out on one other froum and the Moderator had to have a little chat with the other person.  Funny thing is I'm one of the stock holders of the company/forum/website.

Then you would be the only one with that opinion.  Every article (that I have seen) that comes out rating diff strength puts the 8.8 near 1/2 way between the 44 and the 60.  None say they are equal.  So with an 8.8, being out of a known vehicle and also not a custom setup, parts (like those axle shafts you mention) are as readily available as for a 44 swap.  The F8.8 is the new D44.

Here's what I wrote originally.  The person asking the question didn't specify year on the Ford.  The forum is so biased that talked a bit more about the D44 swap but tried to give pro's and cons' of each.

I wouldn't really say one is stronger then the other since they both have their own advantages.  You'll get upgraded brakes with either so that's a bit moot.  I believe pre-95's only came with drums so if that's the case then.  Axle tubes are 3.25" necked down to 2.75" at the housing.  D44 axle tubes are 2.75". The D44's yoke will bolt up to your existing driveshaft U-joint.  You might even get away with using the same driveshaft.  The pinion yoke is about an inch higher and an in longer so if you have a lift it might work ok.  Otherwise, you'll have to cut down your driveshaft. D44 brakes will hook up without any problems.  I'd get the E-brake cables so you can swap the driver side cable.  They will hook up like the D35.

Aftermarket favors the D44 a bit since it's more common.  Aftermarket shafts are plentiful since the D44 uses the same shafts as the TJ D44. (the housings a true D44 though.)  Gears in the D44 will either be 3.54 or 3.73:1.  The 8.8" could have 3.54, 3.73 or 4.10.  Ranger XLT's have 4.56's.  So if you want 4.10 or 4.56 the 8.8" might be a considerations since it means you won't have to regear it.  Although, if you're going to go lower then it won't matter.

Although if I was going to do it again, I might consider a Toyota 8".

Here's my final response,

So you're saying what  looks good on paper is always better then?  If that was the case then why do Toyota owners beaf up their 8" rear.  On paper, it's clearly the weakest isn't it?  I believe only one magazine ever mentioned a SOA without saying it's bad.  Does that mean it's a poor choice?  There seems to be many CJ's and YJ's out there that think different.  Will, they ever endorse a DIY lift, probably not.  Too much liability. Is it for everyone, no.

How about the Skyjacker monolinear leafs?  They looked good on paper.  There was a lot of hype when they were still in development.  When they came out, it was a bit more lack luster.  You don't even hear about them anymore.  It still doesn't mean they're bad.  They're just not for everyone. (*he happened to have one.)

I didn't say either is better since I don't know what he's planning on doing with his Jeep.  It's easy to just say yes or no.  I tried to give some quick pro's and con's of each.  I even went as far to say that if I was going to choose either, I wouldn't.  But everyone's needs are different.

So what am I saying here.  xxxx, research as much as you can yourself.  Everyone's got an opinion and different needs.  You need to choose and not let others choose for you. Good luck.

[shotgun]

AH  yes the internet is the world of opinion and everyone has them.  I personally think the non c-clipped dana 35 is not a bad axle, not good either. Just usable.

MY OPINION is that if the person is worried about strength, why go 8.8? Go straight for a 5 ton axle. what works for some doesn't for others.

[wildman4x4nut]

I got called out by a guy on a board becuase he felt I was lying to everyone about me being wounded in Iraq. When I first joined the board all I said was that I had been shot but then when someone asked what really happened I explained about being shot by friendly fire, so this bozo told me I wasn't due any respect.

[ratherbejeeping]

But we've all done it.  Hell I get "called out" every damned time somebody asks about my Jeep.

[Jeffy]

Eh, that image is so old.

The problem with many of the older forums out there is that there are a bunch of Me Too's who follow someone who doesn't know what they're talking about, blindly.

Then the sorry bastard who asked the question is left SOL.