[RowdyMoose]

Hey guys,

Before I get flamed, I've done some searching and all I've found so far are people talking about this, and not any sources. I'm looking to do an axle swap for the rear of my 98 TJ. Looking right now at a Ford 8.8 from OK4WD.com. I was wondering if anyone knows of any other companies that sell bolt-on 8.8's? I'd love to do the work myself, but I'm under a bit of a time crunch, so the bolt on is a much better option for me.

I'm mainly going this route cause I've seen the quality of their work, but this is the only option that I know of. Any others out there?

Thanks!

[BigWaylon]

my local shop www.carolinarockshop.com will build and ship any axle you want...as "bolt-in" as you'd like when they're done...

not much on their website, but just give Andy a call...

Greg

[RowdyMoose]

Does anyone else know of any other shops that sell 8.8's for TJ's? I've talked to OK4WD, and Carolina Rock Shop and just figured that there had to be more than just 2 places nationwide that do this.

Russ

[RockRunner85]

Most people just get buddies in there local club to help out welding on brackets for an 8.8. Although any offroad shop should be able to do it. Thats the easy part. Hard part is the gears.

Here are some sites of places that build axles, not sure on the ford 8.8.

http://www.dynatrac.com/
http://www.currieenterprises.com/ces...t_rearend.aspx

[RowdyMoose]

Originally Posted by RockRunner85

Most people just get buddies in there local club to help out welding on brackets for an 8.8. Although any offroad shop should be able to do it. Thats the easy part. Hard part is the gears.

Here are some sites of places that build axles, not sure on the ford 8.8.

http://www.dynatrac.com/
http://www.currieenterprises.com/ces...t_rearend.aspx

I might have to give currie a call and see if they offer any "bolt-on" 8.8's.

If I weren't under such a time crunch, I'd just go junk-yard diving and find a good used one and do the work (setting the brackets--still have to get someone else to do the gears), but I'm currently working away from home (live in Arkansas, and working in Mass) so I don't have all my tools here, and I'm also looking for a quick turnaround as I've got to get this Jeep running before I have to leave here, or the moving company will charge me a lot more!

Thanks for the info though!

Russ

[RockRunner85]

Originally Posted by RowdyMoose

I might have to give currie a call and see if they offer any "bolt-on" 8.8's.

If I weren't under such a time crunch, I'd just go junk-yard diving and find a good used one and do the work (setting the brackets--still have to get someone else to do the gears), but I'm currently working away from home (live in Arkansas, and working in Mass) so I don't have all my tools here, and I'm also looking for a quick turnaround as I've got to get this Jeep running before I have to leave here, or the moving company will charge me a lot more!

Thanks for the info though!

Russ

If your going to get one built I doubt its going to be that much more ($400 probably) to go with a Ford 9" or Dana 60. What tire size you you plan on running. If going 35 or larger might be better to get something more beffier up front.

[RowdyMoose]

As for now (and probably the next couple of years) I plan on running 33's.

That's one reason why I went with the 8.8 as it comes with the 4.10's which should be just right for 33's on an auto tranny.

About the front, it's still the stock D30 with stock gearing as well. As I mentioned I'm under a time crunch so I'm not going to worry about the front until I move. For now I just need the Jeep to be able to drive itself on a trailer, so the front should be fine as long as it's not put into 4WD.

I'm looking at maybe going HP30 or possibly a D60 for the front once I get settled in around the end of November. I'm still doing research into that.

I'd love any advice anyone has to offer about front axles as well (sources, prices, good, bad, etc).

[otisdog]

The 8.8 is a good choice for you - the gears are right and it's a tough axle. As far as the front, unless you are going to get super serious the D30 will hold up well. Put some Alloy USA axles in it with the full circle clips, keep your stock axles for spares and go to town.
Jim

[RockRunner85]

Originally Posted by otisdog

The 8.8 is a good choice for you - the gears are right and it's a tough axle. As far as the front, unless you are going to get super serious the D30 will hold up well. Put some Alloy USA axles in it with the full circle clips, keep your stock axles for spares and go to town.
Jim

x2 With those 33s your running should be perfect.

[Andy-WhiteTJ]

You can also go here: http://www.drivetrainspecialists.com...-services.html

[Iceman_RNR]

Originally Posted by RowdyMoose

About the front, it's still the stock D30 with stock gearing as well.

then why not go with a TJ Dana44?
They come in different gearings and more than likely you'll be able to find one with your current gearing (3.07, 3.73?).
You will not have disk brakes, but it'll be a direct bolt in/on
Here's a post on JU with 2 Dana44 axles for sale:
http://65.42.106.152/forums/showthread.php?t=672385

edit: one of them even has disks

[RowdyMoose]

Originally Posted by Iceman_RNR

then why not go with a TJ Dana44?
They come in different gearings and more than likely you'll be able to find one with your current gearing (3.07, 3.73?).
You will not have disk brakes, but it'll be a direct bolt in/on
Here's a post on JU with 2 Dana44 axles for sale:
http://65.42.106.152/forums/showthread.php?t=672385

edit: one of them even has disks

Thanks for the info! However, I'm wanting to go up to at least 4.10's--that's one reason i chose the 8.8. But I'm still open as to what to put on the front--build up the LP30, go with a HP30, or upgrade to the 44 or 60.