XJ 8.8 Upgrade Question

2000F150SAS

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jun 13, 2007
Location
Fuquay-Varina, NC
We may be installing an 8.8 into my son's 1988 XJ. At this time he uses the truck for school and a little lite wheeling. The 8.8 will need to be rebuilt so i would like to know what posi type we should install. Do we do a mini-spool, locker, etc.? Remember he's in highschool so cost is an large factor.

(Rear axle)
Thanks
 
For DD and lite wheeling I would go with something like a Lock Rite or Aussie locker, $250-350. Definately NOT a mini spool, I had to get towed back from Tellico once when I had one grenade the whole rear end!
 
I agree with JC. I run a minispool in my 8.8 when wheeling, but there's no way I'd want to deal with it street driving for more than a few miles to and from the trailhead. Besides, I wouldn't trust it for continuous street use. They don't hold up well to that. I've had and seen the cheaper ones break up and fall apart and the better ones deform pretty bad after only a years worth of wheeling.
 
the 8.8 case is to weak to run a mini spool, and for dd purposes definetly stay w/ a postive locking differential ie, detroit, lockright, aussie. we have the trac lok rebiuld kits and they can be shimmed to be pretty good but definetly aren't a great unit. A true trac limited slip performs well on and offroad although not a locker, will strengthen weak link in the 8.8 offer you some better traction, are affordable, and last forever. give us a shout i can give you the run down, also http://eastcoastgearsupply.com/faq.html#q156
our tech section has a write up on what locker do i want since i get this Q alot. Its long and needs punctuation. but its gives alot of good info on our and our customers expierences. Thanks, Chase
 
Cperry said:
the 8.8 case is to weak to run a mini spool,
Click to expand...
It's no weaker with a minispool than a lockight or aussie when wheeling for us mere jeep guys that only run 36" tires. Yes there are documented failures of the carrier out there in internet land, but there's a whole load of people that run them and have no problems. Obviously everyone would run an ARB if $ was no issue. But for the rest of the weekend wheeler guys, the lockright or similar does what it's intended to do. Personally I think the carrier issue is a bit blown out of proportion. Chase, you might see more of them because of the business you're in, but I see a lot of people on a lot of boards that don't have issues breaking carriers. I'm not starting an argument (cause you's probably win), just trying to give a little perspective.

Edit: I just reread your post and I think you may have actually been agreeing with me that it's a poor idea to DD with a mini. My bad.
 
ya i believe there is a time and place for a mini spool, i don't think the 8.8 is one of them. Lockrights are not as hard on a case as a mini spool. because they release, typically a crosspin rips through the case after it wallows out the case holes. once they get loose they get more leverage, break the retaining pin it slides out and then it goes bang. since a lockright releases it does not put constant pressure on the case and pin. constant stress and fatigue usually causes faiulure not one big bang incident. I sell alot of lockright and this would not be a bad application for one. I think a mini spooll on the street puts alot of constnat stress on the pin and case. I never recomended an ARB although yes it is the best, but its not in the budget i realize budgets. But when a case, crosspin fails, and takes out everything inside the diff the budget goes out the window pretty quick. Sometimes the cheapest option ends up being the most expensive. Im not arguing just offering opinions but opinions are like armpits everyone has a couple and they all stink including mine.
 
Cperry said:
ya i believe there is a time and place for a mini spool, i don't think the 8.8 is one of them. Lockrights are not as hard on a case as a mini spool. because they release, typically a crosspin rips through the case after it wallows out the case holes. once they get loose they get more leverage, break the retaining pin it slides out and then it goes bang. since a lockright releases it does not put constant pressure on the case and pin. constant stress and fatigue usually causes faiulure not one big bang incident. I sell alot of lockright and this would not be a bad application for one. I think a mini spooll on the street puts alot of constnat stress on the pin and case. I never recomended an ARB although yes it is the best, but its not in the budget i realize budgets. But when a case, crosspin fails, and takes out everything inside the diff the budget goes out the window pretty quick. Sometimes the cheapest option ends up being the most expensive. Im not arguing just offering opinions but opinions are like armpits everyone has a couple and they all stink including mine.
Click to expand...
Point taken. When I decide to give up the mini, I'll call you for my locker.:beer:
 
I have been running a Ford LS in my 2000 F150 with 37" for the past 6 years (70k miles) and it's been great. Thanks for all the great information. Just one more question, would it be worth or the work to run the 8.8 or should i go with 8.25.

Thanks:beer:
 
Back
Top