[LandonW]

Hi,

So I'm pretty new to the entire jeep scene, and have recently sold my motorcycle (sad face) but that free's up about $3,000 for some jeep fun!

I started out with the 2.5" rough country lift, replaced both my front and rear main seal's and will soon replace my steering box with the durango/dakota box to end all the leaks, also plan on getting my winch in the next week!

More to the point I found a local craigslist add on a 8.8, to replace my d35;

http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/pm...412178326.html

Was wondering if this appears to be a good deal? I'm not too worried about the install itself, just the welding of all the mounts and such as I have no experience with that.

Also the future plans for the jeep include a BL/MML aussie locker in the d30 front axle, and 33" tires

Thanks for any help!

[Strebs]

If the gearing is the same as yours, it's not a horrible deal. However, you'll need new spring mounts and brackets as the TJ uses different ones than the XJ.

You should read through the writeup at Stu Olson's site:

http://www.stu-offroad.com/axle/8.8axle/8.8axle-1.htm

That will give you a pretty good idea of what to expect. Welding is a huge piece to this one.

[SolidBrass]

I doubt you want 3.55 gears much if you run big tires. I bought a 8.8 built to my specs from ECGS (eastcoastgearsupply.com) for a reasonable price. If your not a welder or a gear guy who knows if you wan't to build that axle yourself. 2cents

[mdm]

It's not really that good a deal. You can find them for around half that if you put on your junk yard boots. The ad doesn't say what the donor vehicle model/year was. The donor vehicle model/year will make a difference in width, number of splines, and type of brakes. The best donor vehicle is a 1995 to 2001 Explorer or Mountaineer. This will give you the best width axle for the TJ, 31 splines, wheel stud pattern that matches the TJ, and disc brakes. Other years/models may be wider or shorter, have 27 splines, drum brakes, and four studs.

Do some research and then do some more searching. Here's one of the best resources for the 8.8 swap you'll find:
http://www.jeepsunlimited.com/forums...d.php?t=371713

[LandonW]

Thanks for the replys guys, Just got a little excited cause I almost never see these adds on my local craigslist. I'll keep looking and try to get something a little cheaper with the right mounts!

[mdm]

Originally Posted by LandonW

...I'll keep looking and try to get something a little cheaper with the right mounts!

If it already had the right brackets on it, it probably won't be cheaper.

[RckyMtnTJ]

That may not be that bad of a deal. What people may not realize, you are in Canada. I don't think you often find 8.8's for alot less than $300. I don't know what that spring mount kit is worth, but you could likely resell that to make up the difference. Check out www.car-parts.com to see comparables for an 8.8 in Vancouver.