[wzrroc]

I found a really good deal on a Ford 8.8 to swap into my '95 YJ. ($50 less than the U-pull it junk yard)The axle is out of a '91 Explorer and has drum brakes and a lock right. He says it needs new brakes and a new ring and pinion. That really isn't not a big deal to me seeing as I am going to have it re geared and I was already planning on new brakes.

My question is:
Is it worth it to get an 8.8 with drum brakes? Or should I wait and get one with disc brakes?

[postaldave]

for 50 bucks why would go with drums over discs?
if the pinion is shot what else is wrong? i'd pass big time.

[Axl Jack]

^ I 2nd that statement. If you are going to have it regeared anyway, there is hardly a savings in $50 bucks.

The only benefit is that it already has a LockRight in it.... but since the R&P is bad, who's to say that there isn't something wrong with the locker too?

$50 bucks is worth piece of mind to me.

[mule13]

Id pass, other then the increased strength the disc brakes are a definitive +

[rustywrangler]

I would pass.

[leftlanetruckin]

What are you going to regear to?
I would spend the extra $50 myself too.

Martin

[wzrroc]

i am regearing to 4.88

[MJMPC]

Pass on it and get a 8.8 with 4.11 gears and dics brakes. Might even save some money.

[wzrroc]

I just read that most of the 8.8's with drum brakes have 28 spline shafts and not 31. Thank you everyone for talking me down. I may have found another out of a '98 with disc brakes.

[Joe Dillard]

Originally Posted by wzrroc

I just read that most of the 8.8's with drum brakes have 28 spline shafts and not 31.

You need to totally erase that from your mind! Seriously.

ALL, I repeat, ALL, Explorer style stock 8.8's ALL have 31 spline axle shafts & carriers. None came different from the factory. None - zip - nada - ziltch - wala - zero.

If you doubt me - try surfing 100's of websites that sell Explorer axle shafts, carriers/lockers (Explorer ONLY). Then find even 1 that advertizes a different STOCK spline count than 31.

I have a feeling you'll be looking for a loooooooooooooooooooooooooooong time.

[jbolty]

Originally Posted by wzrroc

I just read that most of the 8.8's with drum brakes have 28 spline shafts and not 31. Thank you everyone for talking me down. I may have found another out of a '98 with disc brakes.

If it is out of an explorer, it's 31 spline. Unless it is a sport-trak, then it may or may not have 31 depending on configuration.

I would not be afraid of drum brakes but if the gears are broken I would be afraid of a bent or spun tube.

[wzrroc]

Originally Posted by Joe Dillard

You need to totally erase that from your mind! Seriously.

ALL, I repeat, ALL, Explorer style stock 8.8's ALL have 31 spline axle shafts & carriers. None came different from the factory. None - zip - nada - ziltch - wala - zero.

If you doubt me - try surfing 100's of websites that sell Explorer axle shafts, carriers/lockers (Explorer ONLY). Then find even 1 that advertizes a different STOCK spline count than 31.

I have a feeling you'll be looking for a loooooooooooooooooooooooooooong time.

Erased. Still doesn't change my mind about not buying that axle.

[Joe Dillard]

I agree - I wouldn't buy it either. As a matter of fact - with that type internal damage, I wouldn't take it for free, even if I was looking for one.

[4.7stroker]

Just for the record if the R&P was good and the correct gear I would go for a drum brake instead of a disk if the price was right.
I did buy a drum over a disk, I have no problems with a drum rear they work just fine and are not a problem to maintain.

Dwayne

[timatoe]

I bought one with drums, cause it was over $200 cheaper than one with discs.