Installed the Yukon Super 88 C clip eliminator kit today on my Ford 8.8

[bajabronco]

I finally got around to installing my Yukon Ultimate 88 C clip eliminator kit today in my rear Ford 8.8 in my XJ. It is a fairly easy install if you take your time. The hardest part was using my crappy slide hammer to pull the axle bearings on each side of the axle. It did add 2" to my rear axle, which now makes it 1" wider than my front D44.- I think that might be the only down side to the kit. I only got a couple pics of pulling the backing plate, cutting the axle housing to the flange, and then installing the new bearing seat.

 

[RCP Phx]

Seems like a very expensive fix to a small problem, specially since you have disc brakes. In 50yrs I've only seen 1 c-clip failure but now you have a ton custom parts that make field repair almost impossible. I just carry spare c-lips as I have disc brakes and Yukon axles.

 

[RCP Phx]

I almost forgot, in 1982 I lost a axle on a semi-floating axle (non c-clip) on my oval track race car, that was fun!

 

[bajabronco]

RCP, I did the swap for a couple of reasons, one of the main ones was 1. To solve some of the problems the 8.8 has with C clip axles and my e-locker , then of course the benefits of 2. To increase the strength of the axles to 4340 chrome molly. 3. To allow me to get off the trail if so brake an axle and could be days from home. With the wheeling and trails that I do with my friends, I have seen a number of snapped rear axles. I usually have spare axles, but I am trying to cut down on carrying so much weight and crap in my rig. You are 100% right, the caliper for the rear disk brakes will hold in the axle for a little while, but not when the trail has a day or even longer to get out of it. (We were just up on the Dusey Ershim for three days ) I got a screaming good deal on the kit, and thought I would try it out!

 

[RCP Phx]

You kind of made my point. I have always made trail repairs "on the trail", the group that I wheel with could make a "spare" Jeep with all the "universal" parts. We all carry different things so no one person has to carry everything. Now "you" have to carry "special" parts that may not be available even after a couple hundred mile drive!

 

[bajabronco]

RCP -I wheel with guys where close to nothing they have is compatible with my rig anyway!

One of the rigs is not like the others!

I chose to run the stronger 4340 Yukon CM axles with the kit vs. only the 1540H ones that are available for the c-clip setup. The hope is not to break ! But as I posted, one of the big reasons I made the swap was to solve an inherent problem that the 8.8 has with the c clip axles and my e-locker.

 

[RCP Phx]

But as I posted, one of the big reasons I made the swap was to solve an inherent problem that the 8.8 has with the c clip axles and my e-locker.

Do you mind elaborating?

 

[RCP Phx]

I did a little research and it's a basic design flaw with the E-locker in general, which seems to be the worst in the 8.8(I've done 2 ARB's without any issues). There would have been a possible solution for you but it's a little late now.

 

[Rockwood]

RCP -I wheel with guys where close to nothing they have is compatible with my rig anyway!

One of the rigs is not like the others!

I chose to run the stronger 4340 Yukon CM axles with the kit vs. only the 1540H ones that are available for the c-clip setup. The hope is not to break ! But as I posted, one of the big reasons I made the swap was to solve an inherent problem that the 8.8 has with the c clip axles and my e-locker.

Seems like you should get an EB...

 

[Nimrod]

He’s got one.

Thanks for all the compliments guys! As you can tell by my handle I have been a long time 20+year Early Bronco owner and wheeler, but have owned the XJ since 2012. I finally started building the XJ to do more hard core wheeling about three years ago, since I couldn't justify beating on my EB anymore since I had prettied it up. I also really like the wheel base and room the XJ offers (and the comfort of a more modern vehicle isn't bad either!). The only downside so far with the XJ is the massive lack of power compared to the built, fuel injected 351W in my Bronco. I followed CAL's stroker build closely and pinged Russ Pottinger, months ago, but he is super backed up, so it will prob be awhile before I get more power. I have a couple projects I am hoping to get done before my trip up to the Rubicon in July - inner fender mod in the front for more travel while keeping it low COG, and some rear suspension work. I'll try to take pics and post as those projects progress.

I know this is an XJ forum but here is a little Earl Bronco porn!

 

[4x4JeePmaNthINg]

RCP, I did the swap for a couple of reasons, one of the main ones was 1. To solve some of the problems the 8.8 has with C clip axles and my e-locker , then of course the benefits of 2. To increase the strength of the axles to 4340 chrome molly. 3. To allow me to get off the trail if so brake an axle and could be days from home. With the wheeling and trails that I do with my friends, I have seen a number of snapped rear axles. I usually have spare axles, but I am trying to cut down on carrying so much weight and crap in my rig. You are 100% right, the caliper for the rear disk brakes will hold in the axle for a little while, but not when the trail has a day or even longer to get out of it. (We were just up on the Dusey Ershim for three days ) I got a screaming good deal on the kit, and thought I would try it out!

For #3 alone this is worthwhile, its pretty cool that is available for the 8.8. I only wish it could be used on the c8.25!

Never has it been such a reality as it was with my brothers yota at 13000 ft. Fine time to loose a shaft. (Cv and more) Anyhow I can agree and would absolutely like to have the ability to retain a broken axle shaft. Piece of mind alone would be quite nice.

Nice upgrade:cheers: