[sand zj]

I welded the spyders on my 8.8 the other day and here are some pics and how-to's-

1- Drain diff
2- Clean off gears (I spray liberally w/ brake cleaner)
2a- Let brake cleaner fully evaporate! Wait at least 30 minutes before welding or torching!!!3- Remove limited slip (if you have it)
4- Burn of resedue w/ torch (don't heat it, just burn the oil off)
5- Start welding the spyder gears together and to the carrier
5a- Do not weld the c-clips or keeper pin on a c-clip axle. You need to keep them clear of weld for future repairs or mods!
6- Fill in all the gaps until you have a carrier FILLED w/ weld, the more weld you do the stronger the carrier will be.
7- Let cool, clean, install cover and fill w/ oil.

Notes: Useing a MIG welder will minimize slag thus reducing the amount of crap in your oil to prolong the life to the gears and beaings. Clean welds w/ a wire brush and then rinse out w/ a cleaner. I also run a magnet throught the housing to p-up any metalic resedue. You can also re-install w/ a magnet inside the housing (be shure to keep clear of gears), run untill gears are good and warm, drain oil, remove magnet (you don't want it to jar loose later on). This will help gather any remaining metalic resedue loosened up in break in. You may need to burn off oil throughout the welding process as the oil runs into your welding area. Also, you will want to examine for cracks in the welds from time to time.

[sand zj]

The welded diff works great as a poor mans locker and b/c this ZJ rarely sees the pavement it has very few draw backs.

[ArloGuthroJeep]

Booooogers!

That tone right for speed or ABS or ?

[sand zj]

ABS, I supose you sould use it for speed w/ some work. I use it for...well...it came w/ the axle.

[AgitatedPancake]

I like the idea of the lincoln locker, but not the fact that your destroying your carrier too =(

[sand zj]

Why not destroy the carrier? What would I be doing next? A spool- can't w/ c clips. A selecable locker- comes w/ built in carrier anyway. Plus a new carrier is just a junkyard away or like $50 for a brand new one.

I don't worry about ruining a carrier. If that were the case I would be really flipping out about my windows and interior!

[AgitatedPancake]

ehh its personal, and if you end up having to remove that, you may have to re-set up your gears. Thats why I like lunchbox's =P

[sand zj]

Yes but 1 hour of time + a bit of argon and .035 wire does not equal the $250 minimum for a lunchbox locker. I am however installing a lunchbox locker in my d30 in a couple days (supposed to arrive mon or tues.)

[goodolboy71]

Good luck with that, if its one thing the 8.8 is known for its their weak arse carriers....keep an eye on it, i know 3 others personally who did the same= cracked carrier.....still better than the mini spools others ran though

[rdrbssr11]

Originally Posted by goodolboy71

Good luck with that, if its one thing the 8.8 is known for its their weak arse carriers....keep an eye on it, i know 3 others personally who did the same= cracked carrier.....still better than the mini spools others ran though

true, but with 33's i don't know if you'd consider that an issue.

[goodolboy71]

Originally Posted by RiPPiNiTuP7

true, but with 33's i don't know if you'd consider that an issue.

2 of these were on 33's, but the one who really fubarred it loved the rev limiter in his TJ

[BradMB2004]

good write up!!!

[sand zj]

Well it certainly should be stronger than a mini-spool and if you look at the pics I did my best at strengthening the carrier w/ weld. I will check for cracks periodically as well.

Keep in mind I run primarily in the sand and the most "rocks" this axle will see will be what the Badlands have to offer.

[sand zj]

Goodolboy-

I see you run a limited slip in the rear w/a locker in the front. Isn't that bass ackwards?

[AgitatedPancake]

Originally Posted by sand zj

Goodolboy-

I see you run a limited slip in the rear w/a locker in the front. Isn't that bass ackwards?

Not if he has a tcase with 2wd, then you dont even notice a locker in the front.