New rear end and transfer case question

Lake919

NAXJA Forum User

Location

Mobile, AL

• Jun 22, 2015

• #1

Hi guys so I was at my local JY and found a Ford 8.8 out of a 2001 Mercury Mountaineer, it is the same gear ration as my 1995 XJ. It is a 3.55 with disc brakes. Will this work with my jeep? It is an open Diff.

I also saw a 1991 XJ with the transfer case that has more options than mine. What would I need besides the transfer case to swap this into mine?

Anything helps, thanks guys

 

ehall

NAXJA Member

NAXJA Member

Location

Southern Maryland

• Jun 22, 2015

• #2

If it was an XJ the transfer case is a 242. You need the tcase itself (obv), the short wiring jumper on it (different from the one on your 231), the bezel for the floor console, and the shift handle gate

 

cal

NAXJA Forum User

NAXJA Member

Location

Hammertown, USA

• Jun 23, 2015

• #3

Keep in mind that more options does not necessarily mean better.

It has an additional shift option, but more points of failure and less upgrades available.

 

IslanderOffRoad

NAXJA Forum User

NAXJA Member

Location

Houston, Tx

• Jun 23, 2015

• #4

The rear axle will work but it is not a bolt-in affair.

You'll need to cut the brackets off the axle, and weld on spring perches for the XJ. while you're at it, weld the tubes and raise the shock mounts.

The e-brake cables will take some work to get to work with the XJ brake as well.

 

Lake919

NAXJA Forum User

Location

Mobile, AL

• Jun 23, 2015

• #5

Thanks guys, so I take it Cal that I should just stick with the 231 I already have. I fully understand that the 8.8 is not a bolt on affair, I was just making sure that a mercury mountaineer 8.8 will work in general. I also just picked up a rebuilt 99 V8 Durango steering box to go in the jeep. Thanks again guys.

 

ehall

NAXJA Member

NAXJA Member

Location

Southern Maryland

• Jun 23, 2015

• #6

242 is better for slick streets, unneeded for dirt

 

P

paddlernate

NAXJA Forum User

Location

Portland, OR

• Jun 23, 2015

• #7

3.55's in an 8.8 are pretty rare. I'd double check to make sure they're not 3.73. This page might help:
http://www.jeepsunlimited.com/forums/showthread.php?371713-8-8-FACTS-OPINIONS-amp-HOW-TO-S-(F-A-Q-)

 

Devilfrog

NAXJA Forum User

Location

Duncan, BC

• Jun 23, 2015

• #8

3.55's were actually fairly standard in the 2wd Explorer's, not so much in the 4wd vehicles.

 

P

pjanda1

NAXJA Forum User

Location

Boulder, CO

• Jun 23, 2015

• #9

I'm not sure why you'd run an 8.8 with 3.55s unless you know you'll need 4.56s or 4.88s in the future and will be swapping gears no matter what.

If you are sticking with stock size tires, you should be just fine with an 8.25, which will drop in, and thus be cheap and easy (and can be easily swapped to disc brakes, if you wish).

If you are running bigger tires, you may as well get an 8.8 with 3.73 or 4.10 gears (which are really common), then change the front too.

Paul

 

Lake919

NAXJA Forum User

Location

Mobile, AL

• Jun 23, 2015

• #10

I am sure it's a 3.55. I am only running 3 inches of lift and 31" tires. My XJ came with 3.55 gears. I guess it would be cool to find a Dana 30 with 3.73 gears and go that route. I just sunk a ton of cash into the front of my jeep, but I can swap it all over if needed.