What axle to swap in?

[summitlt]

The d35 died in my MJ with stock tires. I am curious what axle I should swap in.

I know of the ford 8.8, but what else. Does the ford 8.8 have a good aftermarket following? Would I be better off with a D44 ?

[Rev Den]

Originally Posted by summitlt

The d35 died in my MJ with stock tires.

Gee.....I wonder why?


I would go D44.

Call Currie.


Rev

[Gil BullyKatz]

Originally Posted by Rev Den

Gee.....I wonder why?


I would go D44.

Call Currie.


Rev

Forget Currie...

Forget axle swapping...

Save your money for tires.

[sidriptide]

being realistic.. what are your intended future uses and purpose for this MJ? if it's just a DD and no intention of wheeling it why not just get another 35? a 29-spline (99-newer) 8.25 rear will serve you well as long as you dont want to go deeper than 4.56 gears. lots of guys will tell you the 8.8 is definately the way to go but if it's going to remain a stock daily driver it's probably not worth the effort to convert. but in all fairness any XJ axle will need to have the spring perches moved to match you MJs spring-under configuration.

it's all in what ou want.

my suggestions in this order:

D35
8.25
8.8
D44
Toyota
ford 9"


in light of REVs simultaneous post..

D44 at LEAST

[XgeekstarX]

around here it's cheaper to just to swap in an 8.8. it basically just requires cutting the old spring perches off and welding on new ones along with the shock mounts. they use the same bolt pattern and should be a dime a dozen at any junkyard.

[andrew2516]

It would be nice to find a cheap D44 if you wheel. The D44 is strong and should almost be a direct bolt up.

[Kejtar]

Originally Posted by andrew2516

It would be nice to find a cheap D44 if you wheel. The D44 is strong and should almost be a direct bolt up.

Unless it's an MJ d44 then the only thing that will bolt up is the driveshaft to the yoke.

[MENEZES]

I would also go with the 8.8. Preferably one with disks out of a late model explorer.

[ILLXJ]

Originally Posted by Kejtar

Unless it's an MJ d44 then the only thing that will bolt up is the driveshaft to the yoke.

If it is a MJ D44 it will bolt right in. JIM.

[summitlt]

A big thing is that it HAS to have the right bolt pattern. thats one thing I dont want to mess with.

In the future I will go bigger tires (probably just 30s) with a locker. So i dont want to deal with a nother 35/

[Kejtar]

Originally Posted by ILLXJ

If it is a MJ D44 it will bolt right in. JIM.

isn't that what I said?

[ren]

At least THIS D-35 died from abuse, not just use. LOL
Seriuosly, though, I would agree with going for the 8.25 at the lightest duty, and the D-44 being the preferred choice.
Does anybody happen to know, off-hand, what the stock pad width is on the 8.8 spring under set-up? I guess that I may just have to drag my lazy back-side under one of the ones in the J-yard tomorrow at work.

[drewbbie]

i think its 2.5 inc but im not positive i would personly go with a 44 but i like the fact that the carrier on a 8.8 is universal both are good axles

[jpnjim]

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.

[summitlt]

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.