[FortCollinsZJ]

I just got done installing the 8.8 into the ZJ, and took it for a spin this morining, the left shaft is bent BAD. Its really wobbly, anybody have one near or in fort collins? know where I can get on on the weekend?

[stangman68inftc]

Originally Posted by FortCollinsZJ

I just got done installing the 8.8 into the ZJ, and took it for a spin this morining, the left shaft is bent BAD. Its really wobbly, anybody have one near or in fort collins? know where I can get on on the weekend?

Martins, the junkyard in greeley, closes at noon on saturdays if I remember correctly but they likely have one. I would try the 4wd junk yard off of Willox although I don't know their hours. Also try Loveland Auto Salvage although their prices aren't always that good.

[FortCollinsZJ]

Im going to ro one from my brothers old explorer parked out back, I just went to remove the the cross pin on my 8.8 and the bolt that holds the cross pin in the carrie is broken. I have no clue what to do now.

[stangman68inftc]

I don't know much about the 8.8 but on a 30 don't you need to use a small punch or something to hammer out the small sleeve thing that holds the cross pin in? Are you doing this with the carrier in or out of the housing? Do you have to remove the cross pin to change the axle?

[elmer_fud]

Originally Posted by stangman68inftc

I don't know much about the 8.8 but on a 30 don't you need to use a small punch or something to hammer out the small sleeve thing that holds the cross pin in? Are you doing this with the carrier in or out of the housing? Do you have to remove the cross pin to change the axle?

yep, you have to remove the cross pin to remove the axle shafts in a c clip axle.

maybe try drilling the cross pin out if it doesn't come out with a punch

[jeepster93]

Wow! you just discovered 2 of the 3 weaknesses of the 8.8. All at once. One weakness is bending axle flanges, another is that carrier cross pin retainer bolt is fragile. FYI- the third weakness is the pressed in axle tubes-weld your tubes.


I bought a video on the 8.8 and one of the first points he makes is to be careful with that bolt.(ARB replaces that bolt with a more robust one)
I have an extra bolt and have an extra limited slip carrier I will offer you. but have no clue how to remove the old cross pin with a busted retaining bolt.
No extra axle shafts though, never thought I would ever need any.

[FortCollinsZJ]

Ok, I drilled the hell out of that little pin and eventually it gave way and let me slide the cross pin out, pulled the left side shaft (really bent) and then got to work on the other 8.8 for the donor shaft.

It came apart MUCH easier, the retaining pin didn't break, and I got the left side donor shaft out, put it in my jeep 8.8 and put the pin from the donor 8.8 in, the threads were destroyed in the carrier so I had to tack weld the pin in, very small tack, easily ground out. put it all back together, up on some stands, started it, awesome no more wobble!

I looked over at the other wheel, it has a SLIGHT wobble. Just enough to tick me off.

So my new question is; Are both right and left side axle shafts on an 8.8 the same length? IE can I use a left side shaft on the right side?

[churchofjt]

I can't say I've measured, but I don't think so. The center section isn't actually centered, so I always assumed they are different size shafts.

[FortCollinsZJ]

I knew the diff was off center by a bit, but I thought maybe the carrier was offset inside the housing, Im retarded for thinking that. I now know they are different. But what is more retarded is ford making the diff offset. :

[aaronc88]

yeah different sizes