MongoXJ
NAXJA Forum User
- Location
- San Diego, CA
I know I should could post this is in the mod forum, but I trust the opinions around here a bit more and some of it pertains to local information.
I plan to swap my rear axel some time this year (hopefully before calico in november) and all my research has lead me to think the Ford 8.8 out of a 96+ Explorer with disc brakes will be the best option for me. Since the axels arnt super expensive I was also thinking I would put an ARB in with 4.54(Im sure im using the wrong number again) gears. The biggest issue I had with the 8.8 is that it is still a C-Clip axel, but supposedly with disk breaks the caliper will hold the axel in so you can still limp it off the trail and do repairs somewhere sane (like a mechanics shop in borego that hangs around these here forums).
At any rate, does anyone have any strong opinions on this option, good or bad? I found M.O.R.E. has a kit with the spring perches and shock mounts for about 120$ and thats about the only aditional thing I can think cost wise beyond gears and locker.
The 8.8 should already have a 5x4.5 bolt pattern, and I obviously would put in 4.56 gears in the D30 front at the same time (perhaps a limited slip as well)
So opinions appricated, and then the 2nd question, how much of this can be done by myself/with help from local guys who have welders and experience? It seems like a pretty strait forward swap on paper. But I don't want to take it to joe schmoe axel shop and get charged an arm and a leg for the assembly of it, not to mention it seems like downtime would be best used if I can do the swap and welding in the same location.
Anyways let me know what you guys think about this plan of action and if I have any seriously gaping holes in it.
Only running 32" tires btw, but I do plan eventualy to put 33" on at the very least once these wear out.
-Mongo
I plan to swap my rear axel some time this year (hopefully before calico in november) and all my research has lead me to think the Ford 8.8 out of a 96+ Explorer with disc brakes will be the best option for me. Since the axels arnt super expensive I was also thinking I would put an ARB in with 4.54(Im sure im using the wrong number again) gears. The biggest issue I had with the 8.8 is that it is still a C-Clip axel, but supposedly with disk breaks the caliper will hold the axel in so you can still limp it off the trail and do repairs somewhere sane (like a mechanics shop in borego that hangs around these here forums).
At any rate, does anyone have any strong opinions on this option, good or bad? I found M.O.R.E. has a kit with the spring perches and shock mounts for about 120$ and thats about the only aditional thing I can think cost wise beyond gears and locker.
The 8.8 should already have a 5x4.5 bolt pattern, and I obviously would put in 4.56 gears in the D30 front at the same time (perhaps a limited slip as well)
So opinions appricated, and then the 2nd question, how much of this can be done by myself/with help from local guys who have welders and experience? It seems like a pretty strait forward swap on paper. But I don't want to take it to joe schmoe axel shop and get charged an arm and a leg for the assembly of it, not to mention it seems like downtime would be best used if I can do the swap and welding in the same location.
Anyways let me know what you guys think about this plan of action and if I have any seriously gaping holes in it.
Only running 32" tires btw, but I do plan eventualy to put 33" on at the very least once these wear out.
-Mongo