Ok, I wanted to regear my 8.25 to give a little better milage with my 31's, and someone told me that a 8.8 from a junkyard would be better because the gear ratio is better for my new tires. Should I do this? I know theyre stronger, which is good because I will be going up to 33's at some time and will need a new axle anyway. Mounting the 8.8 will be no problem, I have a welder and can get perches on it, I just am wondering if this is the best route. Any help is appreciated.
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8.8 question
- Thread starter XJsport23
- Start date
85xjwoody
NAXJA Forum User
- Location
- Little Suamico Wi.
Yes, 8.8's are a good axle. Have one myself. They were offered up to a 4.10 gear ratio so if that is what you are going to be changing over to than that is the axle for you. Don't forget to change the front gears also
Kim
Kim
- Location
- Hammertown, USA
There should be a little tag on the diff (attached to one bolt on the diff cover), it will tell you the ratio.
31's and 4.10 gears is a good setup.
31's and 4.10 gears is a good setup.
85xjwoody
NAXJA Forum User
- Location
- Little Suamico Wi.
I would think that the 4.10 ratio would be good for your tire size. Usually on an 8.8 there is a tag on the diff. cover that tell you the ratio. If it is not there than do what I did, take off the cover and get the numbers off of the ring gear and call a gear shop like Randy's Ring and Pinion.
Kim
Kim
85xjwoody
NAXJA Forum User
- Location
- Little Suamico Wi.
cal said:
Beat me to it.
stoneattic
NAXJA Forum User
- Location
- Honey Brook, PA
85xjwoody said:
Another way to determine ratio is spin one wheel around once and count the number of times the pinion rotates. If it has a open diff prevent the other wheel from spinning first.
Stumpalump
NAXJA Forum User
- Location
- Franktown Co.
Most common you will find is 3.73 gears . Make sure you get one with disk breaks. As far as how low can you go? As low as you can find. 4.10 is harder to find and some yards want more for them. It's kinda a misconception that you must get back to stock RPM. This is not what you want. By they time you add arodynamic drag (lift from suspension and tires) and extra weight, stock RPM is way too low and you will bog. 8.8 is also a very easy rear to swap gears in if you use Ford Motercraft gear sets.
88xjlover
NAXJA Forum User
- Location
- Marysville, WA
Count your pinion teeth as well as the ring and divide the ring # by the pinion #. Like 42/9 = 4.10ish. Something like that.:dunce:
CanMan
NAXJA Forum User
- Location
- Lake Tapps, WA
XJsport23 said:
For the disc brakes, get one from an '97 and up Explorer, IIRC. The others have drum brakes.
Don't forget to weld the tubes too.
stoneattic
NAXJA Forum User
- Location
- Honey Brook, PA
XJsport23 said:
Yup
vegas_baja
NAXJA Forum User
- Location
- las vegas
85xjwoody
NAXJA Forum User
- Location
- Little Suamico Wi.
XJsport23 said:
Now you have just opened up a whole new can of worms.
I think it depends on your driving and what you will be doing. For me I would go with regearing and some good axleshafts.
Kim
mecompco
NAXJA Forum User
- Location
- Fairfield Maine
Just in parts, I am now up to roughly $2,100 in my 8.8 build--it did not turn out to be quite as thrifty an option as I had hoped. It should be fairly bullet-proof with my 31's, though.
85xjwoody
NAXJA Forum User
- Location
- Little Suamico Wi.
mecompco said:
That is pretty pricey. What is the list of mods done to it? Mine was pretty cheap and all brakes are new.
Kim
85xjwoody
NAXJA Forum User
- Location
- Little Suamico Wi.
I think total cost for my 8.8 installed is around $450.00 including the cost of the axle. Did all the work myself including new discs, pads, calipers, rubber brake lines, M.O.R.E 7" antiwrap spring perches, homemade shock mounts and paint.
I can see spending a few thousand on trussing, gears, and a selectable locker or if you had to have somebody else do the work, but this swap can be done for a reasonable price.
Kim
I can see spending a few thousand on trussing, gears, and a selectable locker or if you had to have somebody else do the work, but this swap can be done for a reasonable price.
Kim
