98 tj 8.8 swap

creepytj98

Member
Joined
Mar 25, 2010
Location
Clemmons, NC
i have a 98 tj that has a shi**y d35. i keep blowing out the spider gears and now my carrier is shot so im done with it. im not looking to re gear so i thinking the ford 8.8 is my best options since it comes with 3.73. i know im going to have to get the spring perches and the rest of the brackets welded on and im probally going to take it to a shop to do that but other than the brackets what else will need to be done? i know the 8.8 has a different input for the driveshaft will in need to get a coustom d shaft? or can i modify the stock one or change the yoke on the axle to match the jeep shaft? also dose it need to be shorter or longer or neither? one last thing dose anyone know where i can get the tj brackets and what brand should i look for
 
Go here and read up

http://www.stu-offroad.com/axle/8.8axle/8.8axle-1.htm

Check with ECGs they sell bolt in 8.8s, You can't beat the prices, If you do it your self you will save maybe $100 and have a ton of time in it.

If I were to do it again I would have went with theres.

http://eastcoastgearsupply.com/i-2763540-ford-8-8-rear-axle-bolt-in-tj-assembly.html

Estimated Ford 8.8 costs

Axle from a yard - $150 - $250 (Needs to be from a 96 - 99 Explorer)
Axle Brackets - $150 - $200
Brakes - $90 (Pads, Shoes for E Brake)
Adapter Flange - $35 - $45 (Need a ranger plate to match the drive shaft)

I would suggest doing a SYE and CV Shaft, Your going to have to shorten the shaft you have anyways.


I have about $650 in mine (did it my self), with a ton of hours. Plus about $400 in the Drive Shaft and SYE
 
95GranZJ said:
Buy the $30 8.8 adapter. it allows you to run a 1310 U-joint. I'm swapping my D35 for an 8.8 as well but in a ZJ
Click to expand...

If you don't shorten the shaft it will bind and sheer off the flange, Trust me I know. I tryed to go with out shortening mine, Now I had non adjustable arms at the time, so you could offset the length with that, through I wouldn't recommend it. When mine went it was on a hill climb and took the drive shaft with it. So to save someone the trouble i went through. I would high recommend an SYE and CV shaft now and do it right the first time, its only going to cost more later.
 
Get a shortened XJ front shaft. I got one from a forum member. $113 shipped.
Add calipers and rotors to the list of parts for the Ford 8.8 if you piece it yourself. Most junk yards take the calipers off.
Axles must be more expensive up north.Cost me $600 without calipers or rotors. And that was 4 or 5 years ago.
 
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