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What axle to swap in?

An XJ 8.25" would be more than fine, with stock tires.
They've held up pretty well in 1/2 ton full size trucks for 20+ years.

8.8's are a good option, but slightly narrower, and MJ's rears are already slightly narrow for the body (compared to the front).

There's plenty of full size Ford cars with automotive 9" Fords ~60" wide, with 5 on 4.5" bolt circle.

Tons of Chryslers from the 60's/70's used Chrysler 8.75" drop out center axles. They're a great heavy duty upgrade, and easy to change gearing later.
They also use the same backing plate patturn as 1990+ Jeeps (= cheap ZJ rear discs)

66-70 B-body's (Charger, Cornet, Belvedere, etc) are slightly narrower than stock (~59.5")
71+ B-body's (Charger, Satilite, etc) & 70+ E-body's (Challenger, Cuda) = slightly wider than stock (~61").

There's plenty other axle choices out there too.

Other than width, the 8.8" is still a good option, since they're so easy to find.
 
If you could find a pre 1985 vihicle in a yard, id pay you big money. Here in maine they rotted away and were crushed many many years ago.
 
My vote goes to the 8.8, slightly narrower yes but tighter turning radius would be nice for the longer MJ. For $300 with disc brakes you just cant beat it for price. Another thing to consider with wrecking yard axles is how long its been there. A 95+ explorer axle either will have less miles or will have set in the dirt for less time than say a 1987 XJ D44 axle would. Lower gear ratios seem easier to find as well, 3.73s or 4.10s would be ideal for 30s or 31s if thats what you plan on.
 
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