Axle options

[ThePhantum]

So, I found out that the drivers side axle tube on my 8.25 is bent. It's not bad and it's still driveable...but I need to start thinking about replacing the axle. To me, there is no sense going with another 8.25...I might as well just go D60, 8.8, etc.

The question therefore is, what vehicles should I be looking at to obtain one from? I'm sure that some fab will need to be done to make it fit and gearing is not an issue as it will be regeared and an ARB installed prior to putting the axle in...it's more about overall width.

Right now, I'm thinkin' 8.8 out of an Explorer...it's 31 spline, it'll give me a rear disc brakes and the correct lug pattern. Any other ideas?

Oh yea, it's a 1997 XJ Sport, Auto, I6.

TIA

Steve

 

[Nay]

If you want to maintain stock width, and you don't want to cut down a full size axle, then here are some options, in my order of preference:

1) XJ Dana 44
2) Toyota 8" (60" WMS to WMS off of the last gen 4Runner/Tacoma)
3) Explorer 8.8

I like the Toy 8" because you can get one with 4.56 gears and a factory electric locker for about $700. This is less than the cost of the ARB and gears for a Ford 8.8. Plus it has about 1" better clearance than the 8.8 with the strength of a D44. It has 12.1" drums, so no need for discs. Problem is the 6 on 5.5 bolt pattern...but I think this axle can be done for less than even an XJ D44 if you want 4.56 gears and a selectable locker.

Search www.car-parts.com for Toyota rear axles (the year 2000 will work) and see what you can come up with if this interests you (you can choose the specific options, such as gear ratio, electric locker, ABS or non-ABS, etc.). Nonetheless, you can't beat an XJ D44 for bolt-on simplicity.

Nay

 

[Redcbr007]

I would go 8.8 due to its strength (better then a 44 not as good as a 60) and bolt pattern(4x5.5). Yah the yoda is good, but you still need to spend the $$ on new rims/axles/or custom adapter (and its only as strong as a 44). Plus parts are very very common & lots of upgrades available. Ok, ok 1 last thing, if anyone complains about c-clips then get a life...you can get eliminators plus its not like the axle's going to come off anyway since its held in by the caliper bracket.

Just my 2 pennies

-Red

 

[Nay]

I suppose the question is "what size tires will you run". The Toy 8" should be fine for up to 35" tires, much as a D44 is fine. For 33"-35", the 1" better clearance of the Toy 8" more than offsets the extra work required to adapt it, at least if you rock crawl.

If you are talking bigger tires to play in the Southern mud, then scrap it all and go D60. Better to do it right once than a bit cheaper twice.

Nay

 

[Renklaf]

I wouldnt say the toy 8" is good up to 35's. My cousin has 37" MT/R's and has only broken 1 axle in 2 years. He eventually put chromo's from All Pro. and havent had any problems since.

 

[small pederson]

I would go 8.8 due to its strength (better then a 44 not as good as a 60) and bolt pattern(4x5.5). Yah the yoda is good, but you still need to spend the $$ on new rims/axles/or custom adapter (and its only as strong as a 44). Plus parts are very very common & lots of upgrades available. Ok, ok 1 last thing, if anyone complains about c-clips then get a life...you can get eliminators plus its not like the axle's going to come off anyway since its held in by the caliper bracket.

Just my 2 pennies

-Red

he would never need all the "strengths" the 8.8 has to offer over a 44. 44 would be the simpleist install.

 

[REDXJ4FUN]

8.8 vs 44 hear we go again


PS can we get a :beating head horse: smiley

 

[jjvande]

stick with the jeep axle...

 

[ZachMan]

Get an XJ D44.

But, if you bent an 8.25 axle tube I don't think D44 or 8.8 has tubes that are as thick as an 8.25, notice I said "think". They are both stronger, but the 8.25 has thick tubes.

 

[freerider15]

I would personally go 9" or D60. It will more than likely save ya money in the long run.

 

[small pederson]

I would personally go 9" or D60. It will more than likely save ya money in the long run.

yes, however, you'll be banging that 9" pinion on everything with 32's or 33's, not good on a 9". the 8.25 tubes are wider in diameter, but im not sure if theyre thicker walled. xj 44, truss it, lock it, disc it, never worry about it again

 

[freerider15]

Yeah, that is true. But I'm on 35's and maybe going bigger in the future so its good for me. But a XJ 44 is definately a good choice.