8.8 and 36"/37"

jscrayto

Well-Known Member
Joined
Aug 18, 2006
Location
kannapolis
I have a TJ with an 8.8 rear and Dana 30 front and was wondering if this combination can handle 36" or 37"s. The TJ is daily driven and sees the trail about 6 times a year. I'm running 33"s now and have airlockers and regearing in the future.
 
I have been told that the Ford 8.8 with the super 88 kit can handle 37's.
The manual that came with my Detroit locker says it will handle up to 35's.
Assuming I don't break anything else first, I am putting the super 88 kit on my list. eliminates the c-clips and increases width the match the D35.
If I break the 8.8 before that, then one of the guys here suggests a Ford 9".
 
jscrayto said:
I have a TJ with an 8.8 rear and Dana 30 front and was wondering if this combination can handle 36" or 37"s. The TJ is daily driven and sees the trail about 6 times a year. I'm running 33"s now and have airlockers and regearing in the future.
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I run 36 SXs on heavy beadlocks with that axle combo. I worry more about the 30 than the 8.8. Broke one shaft on the 30 once. Carry spares and have at it.
 
What engine? I'm running the same setup with a 4banger and 35's and I really don't think I have the power to break an axle.
 
ECU Jeeper said:
What engine? I'm running the same setup with a 4banger and 35's and I really don't think I have the power to break an axle.
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Same Boat as you.

I have heard the 8.8s will hold up to a 38 inch tire. The 30 will be ok with 36 - 37s as long as your easy on it.

I plan to run 37s on mine.

The Super 8.8 kit is a good bit of $$, The issue is getting a front axle to be as strong as the rear with out going with tons, Which if your looking to run larger than 37 to 38s you should consider stepping up to one ton axles. Of Course this just my opinion
 
I run a stock 8.8 w/detroit on 37x14.5's for years now with no problems. I used a d30 w/chromoly shafts and ox joints for a while and never broke it. I swapped in a d44 from a Rubicon and I haven't had any issues there either. Those that know me will attest tho the fact I'm not very easy on my jeep either.
 
Couldnt you run 37s or 38s on D44s instead of going to tons???
 
Waterdog84 said:
Couldnt you run 37s or 38s on D44s instead of going to tons???
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Sure, but on the steering axle, you're stuck with the same sized weak point, I mean u-joint. Truth be told, a HP D30 with cromoly's and good joints will work for 90% of the people running 36" tires. Know the limits of your rig and wheel accordingly.
 
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