I'm heading to the junk yard to look for a rear axle for my 86 Comanche It has 4.5 inch lift and 31s Im planning on more lift and 35s and trimming the fenders. Either a 8.8 or xj,mj dana 44. I know I can get a 8.8 3.73 with disc brakes and track loc for $200. If I happen to find a d44 for around the same price which axle should I get.
axle swap on mj?
- Thread starter Scott86MJ
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XJWoody
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either an 8.8 or a XJ 44 will require some mods to work on an MJ (moving spring perches, shock mounts, brake lines)
Are you planning a springover axle setup? Stock MJ leafpacks will get around 5" lift when mounted above the axle. I got approx 6" with Metric Ton MJ packs. The MJ driveshaft will likely be too short, and a SYE is the textbook good solution.
If you are staying with the springs underneath, and can find a MJ 44, it is the most straightforward swap.
Are you planning a springover axle setup? Stock MJ leafpacks will get around 5" lift when mounted above the axle. I got approx 6" with Metric Ton MJ packs. The MJ driveshaft will likely be too short, and a SYE is the textbook good solution.
If you are staying with the springs underneath, and can find a MJ 44, it is the most straightforward swap.
XJWoody
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I see you have an 86... is that 3.73:1 ford axle the same ratio as you have now, and are you keeping it? Getting a decent axle with discs, in the ratio you need for 2 bones is a good reason to get spring pads & shock mounts stuck on...
OEM XJ and MJ 44s will be in either 3.07:1 or 3.54:1 factory (maybe some in a rare lower ratio, but a hard find) and be under 87-92 MJs, 87-90ish XJs, and will have the bigger 10"x2.5" drum brakes
OEM XJ and MJ 44s will be in either 3.07:1 or 3.54:1 factory (maybe some in a rare lower ratio, but a hard find) and be under 87-92 MJs, 87-90ish XJs, and will have the bigger 10"x2.5" drum brakes
I have a spring over 35 on it right now with 3.54 ratio. The yard probly has a 8.8 with 3.55 but I dont know yet. the swap will be similar to the spring over I did on the dana 35 so that wont be a problem just wondering which axle would be best?
XJWoody
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Assuming I had a choice, I would go with a 44 personally, but I wouldn't fault anyone too much for picking an 8.8.
Some spring perches sit a fair bit higher over the axle than others... I've done SOAs with Rubicon & M.O.R.E. perches, the MORE gave a bit of lift and were some beefier than the RE parts. (A little longer too, for an 'anti-wrap' effect.) "factory" MOPAR Performance parts seemed to sit really low on the tubes, but that's been awhile ago since I saw them, maybe it was OEM perches cut & rewelded?
Some spring perches sit a fair bit higher over the axle than others... I've done SOAs with Rubicon & M.O.R.E. perches, the MORE gave a bit of lift and were some beefier than the RE parts. (A little longer too, for an 'anti-wrap' effect.) "factory" MOPAR Performance parts seemed to sit really low on the tubes, but that's been awhile ago since I saw them, maybe it was OEM perches cut & rewelded?
92illpony
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the 8.8 is a better axle i think!