[Towny72]

Well as the group has pointed out to me the 8.8 is going to be my best option for a rear axle swap in my 94YJ. I am still going to look around for a month or so for that white whale XJ D44.... But I bet I'll end up with the 8.8. So anywho my questions are how avail are aftermarket parts for this axle. New upgrade shafts, gears, dif covers. And my second big question would be is this axle as strong or stronger then the D44?


Thanks

Bob

[wendell]

Yep, there's all that stuff in the aftermarket. However the explorer 8.8 is pretty stout out of the box with 32 spline axles, big bearings and what have you. I think it's stronger than the 44.

[1998zj]

It has 31 splines, and yes it is pretty stout.

[Mean Max]

Look on the driver's door of the Ford Explorer donor vehicle for the axle code on the VIN sticker.



Explorer 8.8 Axle codes

43 Open 3200 3.08
41 Open 3200 3.27
42 Open 4.10
46 Open 3.73
45 Open 3200 3.55
D4 Limited Slip 3200 3.73
D2 Limited Slip 4.10
L73 Limited Slip 3.73


Specs:
Code Capacity Ratio
43 Open 3200 3.08
41 Open 3200 3.27
42 Open 4.10
46 Open 3.73
45 Open 3200 3.55
D4 Limited Slip 3200 3.73
D2 Limited Slip 4.10
L73 Limited Slip 3.73
L - Limited Slip Differential
C - Conventional Differential
Code Ratio
41 3.27
43 3.08
42 3.45
44 3.73
45 3.55
47 4.10
72 3.08C
74 3.45C
82 3.08C
84 3.45C
85 3.55C
86 3.73C
87 4.10C
89 (1992-1998) 4.10C
89 (1999-2001) 4.56C
91 3.27C
92 3.08C
95 3.55C
96 3.73C
97 4.10C
F4 3.45L
F5 3.55L
F6 3.73L
F7 4.10L
K6 4.10L
D2 3.45
D4 3.73L
D7 4.10
R5 3.55L
R6 3.73L
R7 4.10L

Max

[fyrdriver]

Look under FAQ there a write up on this. But here is some of it.
The axle shaft strength (tested by Warn Ind.) is as follows:
F8.8= 6,500 (lb. ft.)
D44= 4,600-5,000 (lb. ft.)
D35C= 4,000-4,300 (lb. ft.)

COT: Continuous output torque rating
MOT: Maximum output torque rating
Numbers from January edition of Fourwheeler, page 60.
Dana 35 rear axle COT: 870 MOT: 3480
Dana 44 rear axle COT: 1100 MOT: 4460
Ford 8.8 28spline COT: 1250 MOT: 4600
Ford 8.8 31spline COT: 1360 MOT: 5100
Dana60 semifloat COT: 1500 MOT: 5500

Measurements:
O.D. of tubes: 3.250".
Tube thickness: .250" (some are .188”!)
Ring gear diameter: 8.800".
Ring gear bolts: 7/16" dia. (qty. 10).
Pinion diameter/splines: 1.625 / 30.
Axle shaft/splines: 1.320 / 31.
Rotor thickness (where it mounts to axle is .250").
Overall width* 59.625" (the F8.8 is .950" narrower then a TJ Dana 35).
Hole diameter for ABS sensor in top of housing: .811".
Centerline of housing to C/L of pinion difference is 3.875" toward the P/S.
Pinion offset: P/S to C/L of Pinion, 27-3/4" (no rotor on axle), D/S to C/L of Pinion, 31-5/8" (no rotor on axle). (this measurement is 2.5" more offset to the P/S then a TJ Dana 35).

*Explorer & Mountaineer.
(The F-150 8.8 is drum brake and width WMS to WMS is 65.5”.)

[miwoodar]

Originally Posted by fyrdriver

Ford 8.8 28spline COT: 1250 MOT: 4600
Ford 8.8 31spline COT: 1360 MOT: 5100

How does one determine which option is right for a particular YJ?

Also, does the master cylinder need to be replaced when switching to an 8.8 with disks?

[Poke]

the stonger one

[Mean Max]

Originally Posted by miwoodar

How does one determine which option is right for a particular YJ?
Get a 31 spline from a '95-'01 (disc brakes) or a '91-'94 (drum brakes) Ford Explorer. Look at the codes to select the gear ratio & differential type (open or LSD) you want/need.

Also, does the master cylinder need to be replaced when switching to an 8.8 with disks?
Most people don't, but brake upgrades are ALWAYS a good idea!

Max

[timatoe]

Originally Posted by miwoodar

How does one determine which option is right for a particular YJ?

Also, does the master cylinder need to be replaced when switching to an 8.8 with disks?

ALL, exploder axles will be 31 spline, just get one there drum or disk your option.

[Towny72]

Very nice guys. Looks like that 8.8 will handle anything I ever run in this rig. I never see going bigger then 33's or the swamper 34*9.50s But yes if I want to regear I just need to find the 42axle which is the 4:10 gears.... Love it . ... Thanks again

[Towny72]

Hey is the diff neck longer then the D35. Reason I ask is I am already lifted which has pulled my drive shaft back a bit so I have some room to play with if its longer then the 35, if its shorter I may be cutting it close...............

[Joe Dillard]

IIRC, the 8.8's diff snout is ~1" longer by the time you install a flange adapter.

If you wish - I can go out to my garage & check for the snout measurement.

Just let me know if you like that measurement. Heck, I need to get up & grab a beer anyways.

[Joe Dillard]

Measureing from the center of the axle tube - I get 11.625" to the center of the rear-most ujoint.

Here's how I measured it:

3.25" (axle tube diameter) X .5 (centerline) = 1.625" + 10" from the outside forward of the axle tube to the centerline of that rear ujoint = 11.625".

[Towny72]

Hey Joe, did you grab me a cold one while you were at it.... Didnt think so, thanks for leaving a brother hanging....... Hey man all kidding aside thanks for the measurements.

Now I guess i need to find a #42 8.8 axle and get some perches etc.....

[Joe Dillard]

Originally Posted by Towny72

Hey Joe, did you grab me a cold one while you were at it....

Of course I did - it's Friday night.