short answer: yes, i had an 8.8 for years and had no problems with it or broke anything with 38s. the hardest part was putting the locker in, we had to grind down two of the ring gear teeth to get the center pin back in not to mention the springs insinde the locker are a pain. however you could probably go with a 9" for the same cost and they are much stronger and easier to work on. if i could do it over again i would have saved my money and done a 60 or 9" just in case i wanted to go bigger, cause eventually you will. dont get me wrong an 8.8 is great for light wheeling. just my 2 cents