Looking for axle options...

[Jeffro600]

Im going to regear my XJ, but have been tossing around the idea of swaping out the rear axle for something a little more stout(currently a 27 spline 8.25) since I will be running it locked with 33's. I was thinking a D44 from a waggy or MJ, but locating one for a reasonable price has proven to be quite the challenge around here...ive found a couple but most want 500 bucks or WAY more. Does anyone have any leads on cheap one...maybe something that nees a new ring/pinion or a similar axle that will require minimal fuss to install?

 

[trailrunner]

go down to pull an save

 

[Jeffro600]

Im up in cheyenne and have already made 3 trips to 3 different junk yards in the denver/greeley area in search of axles...all i ever find is D35s and 8.25's.

Saw a front 44 and am still kicking myself in the butt for not snagging it! :rattle:

 

[mingo]

Have you considerd the 8.8 Super strong, available, with no more fabbing than getting a waggy or MJ axle. Lots of people running on them.


Or search on the Toyota axles. Plenty of them also.

 

[BillR]

2nd on the 8.8
It's a nice unit and you get rear discs.

 

[Jeffro600]

What lug patterns are the 8.8? I really want to keep the 5 on 4.5.

 

[BillR]

What lug patterns are the 8.8? I really want to keep the 5 on 4.5.

Yep, 5 on 4.5" is the pattern. Look for one from a '97 or later Explorer and you'll get the discs. (not positive about that year) The axle about 1 1/4" shorter than stock, but that's not a big deal with aftermarket wheels with less backspace.

 

[Jeffro600]

Yep, 5 on 4.5" is the pattern. Look for one from a '97 or later Explorer and you'll get the discs. (not positive about that year) The axle about 1 1/4" shorter than stock, but that's not a big deal with aftermarket wheels with less backspace.

Isnt the 8.8 a c-clip axle though? Kinda blows any plans of a spool. And i hear the pinion offset is greater which can cause problems with ujoints.

 

[BillR]

Yep, it's a c-clip. I have no idea about a spool, as I'm running a Detroit in mine.
The pinion offset is really a non issue. It hasn't caused problems even with SWB rigs like mine, so an XJ would be even better.

 

[Jeffro600]

I dont want an auto locker in the rear...been there, done that... ive scared myself enough driving with an auto in the rear on ice/snow. Its either going to be open, or spooled and i prefer it to be spooled...dont like the ratcheting around the corners and the change in handling when on and off the gas. Want something consistant. As far as i know, there are no spools for any sort of c-clip axles...i guess i could always lincoln lock an 8.8 too.

Decisions, decisions... :wierd:

 

[ROBZ95Xj]

ipkyss runs a spool in his 8.8

 

[Jeffro600]

Ahhh...after a little more research, they do make spools for the 8.8....how the heck do the c-clips work with that though??

 

[Rock Yacht]

Jeff come by the shop, have an 8.8 project in the works currently. Also have a D44 from a ScoutII that could work. I was going to use the D44, then found the 8.8 with the gears I needed, 31 spline shafts and disc brakes.

BTW, the pinion offset is not a big deal in an XJ, you have plenty of driveshaft length. We got it to work in a TJ, so no worries in an XJ.

Not sure on the spool, my guess is you have to run the C-Clip eliminator gizmos. Check with Strange, Moser or Ford Motorsports

http://www.fordracingparts.com/parts/part_details.asp?PartKeyField=2068

• Retains axle externally
• Eliminates need for C-Clips at differential
• Mandatory for spools and wherever required by sanctioning bodies
• Fits axle shafts with 1.400" dia. bearing journal
• Not recommended for road racing applications or rear disc brakes

Bob

 

[Jeffro600]

Also have a D44 from a ScoutII that could work.

Ah hah! I knew someone close by had to have one! Im workin this weekend, but if i get some time during the week, ill swing by!