noob: 8.8 into xj questions

[GSRswapandslow]

so i picked up an 8.8 this weekend...drums (disk later), welded, warn diff cover guard, ruff stuff brakets to bolt into xj...

ok so i'm gonna toss this in one after noon...and a few things.

1. what u-bolts should i get? i looked all over online and most folks seem to have had them custom made.....not sure where to do that, so are there any i can just go to autozone or advance and pick up that'll for sure work?

2. brake line....guy said use a yj line, i don't have one....is there anyway to get away with my stock one? i have 4.5" of lift and it's fine on there right now.

3.there's a hole for, what i assume is, the stock distribution block for the rear brake lines....can i just put a bolt in here to plug it?

4. are the jeep and exploder studs the same size/thread/pitch? i was just gonna reuse my stock lug nuts if possible, but if i need to grab some i can.

5. axle didn't come with any e-brake cables....i have an auto so i have parking pawl....but should i look into getting a set anyways when i go to do the brake swap to disk?


i think that's it...i'm sure if i walked outside and rolled it under the jeep and bolted it up, i'd have my answers....but getting home when it's dark, having to work on grass, and being tired from work doesn't help (takes all my effort to hold the desk and keyboard down for 8 hours straight!...minus my lunch hour) but...i figured i'd just start a thread as a semi-motivation/check list thing.

 

[a_kelley]

1. IDK. Check ECGS

What year 8.8 they made two different axle tubes diameters. I was going to use the explorer bolts when I was going to do mine, but never got to it, but the explorer bolts should work, with explorer plates. (explorer springs are 2.5" wide too)

2. '96 Dodge Dakota rear line -- more than you will ever need. $30 or so at parts store.. if your stock line is fine at 4.5" lift, maybe you have stock shocks, which if relocated up the axle, the stock line will break. guaranteed. I don't think they rated them as limit straps.

3. No, thats the vent line too? I think I had a jeep line on one with the jeep dist block and jeep fitting but don't hold me to it.

4. yes, reuse lugs.

5. no I think the drum/disk cables are different, I've heard that ZJ cables work. Gargoyle knows.

 

[fishgutz]

Several companies have complete and piece meal kits.
When I did an 8.8 on my 93YJ I got the kit from M.O.R.E.
Perfect fit.

 

[GSRswapandslow]

so i ran to autozone and just got the same size u-bolts that come in the Ruff Stuff kit... 3.25x10x1/2".....but i forgot about spring plates. I've gotta see if the ones i have will work...if not, i gotta find some.

one thing i'm not sure on is the ABS lines. I mean, i don't just want to cut them...but...i might. Do they unplug inside the cab? i haven't had the carpet up or anything to look...but there's no connector under the jeep at least.

but i used this as an excuse to buy a hi-lift...i cheaped out on the Reese one since it was half the price....and man am i glad i did. I love this thing! so easy to work and seems fairly stable..even on regular ground

 

[zubz]

See responses in Red

so i picked up an 8.8 this weekend...drums (disk later), welded, warn diff cover guard, ruff stuff brakets to bolt into xj...
ok so i'm gonna toss this in one after noon...and a few things.
1. what u-bolts should i get? i looked all over online and most folks seem to have had them custom made.....not sure where to do that, so are there any i can just go to autozone or advance and pick up that'll for sure work? WE have them at ECGS
2. brake line....guy said use a yj line, i don't have one....is there anyway to get away with my stock one? i have 4.5" of lift and it's fine on there right now. If the stock like works go for it. You may need to make the hard lines.
3.there's a hole for, what i assume is, the stock distribution block for the rear brake lines....can i just put a bolt in here to plug it? Are you sure it is not the vent?
4. are the jeep and exploder studs the same size/thread/pitch? i was just gonna reuse my stock lug nuts if possible, but if i need to grab some i can. Yes, however, some lugs require you to trim down the ez start part of the 8.8 stud because they are a tad too short.

5. axle didn't come with any e-brake cables....i have an auto so i have parking pawl....but should i look into getting a set anyways when i go to do the brake swap to disk? Use your stock ones with the drums. You will need a completely different set for disks........we have those BTW