AN excellent option for an upgraded rear axle in a Jeep XJ, YJ, or TJ/LJ model is a Ford 8.8. Ford 8.8s are found in 1995-2001 Ford Explorers and Mercury Mountaineers. Other Explorer variations through 2005 sported them as well. However, you will want to do your research and make sure you know what you are buying. (Figure 1)
Why is an 8.8 a great axle to swap into a Jeep? For starters, they have larger ring gears than are available in the XJ, YJ, TJ/LJ models. The axle shafts and wheel bearings are also bigger. They have large 3.25 axle tubes that are .250 or .188 wall. They come factory with disc brakes, internal emergency brakes, and their width is close to Jeep width. They are available with factory limited slips and 4.10 gears; though other gear ratio options are available. Bonus, there is huge aftermarket support!
We will overview the installation of Barnes 4WD truss/bracket kit on an 8.8 going into a TJ/LJ application in this article. Buy your 8.8 from a reputable wrecking yard that has a warranty when you can.
We started by placing the axles on jack stands and removing items that eventually will be replaced or are unneeded, such as brake rotors, emergency brake cables, differential vent, and the harmonic weight. Next, we plugged the differential vent hole, cut off the brackets and brake line tabs, and ground the housing smooth. Finally, the housing was wire brushed and cleaned. (Figure 2)
This story is from the December/January 2021 edition of 4LOW Offroad Magazine.
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This story is from the December/January 2021 edition of 4LOW Offroad Magazine.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
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