YJ 30/8.8 What can it handle?

[APJeeps]

So im kinda stumped on what to go about here. im stretching and comp cutting. along with a XJ rear spring stretch. using a BTF kit. now my problem is i would love running 40s to 42s but my wallet says otherwise when it comes to those 78/79 ford axles. so my question is how much tire can a 30/8.8 hold i know it cant hold a 40 but could it handle 37s? Guys for now the most i do is beach driving and a few light trails. i dont rock hop and beat my rig to death. im just ready to have it back. Im going soa on 2.5in lift springs so i shouldnt have to worry about height for 37s. Any advise would be greatly appreciated

 

[Mac5005]

I ran 36" iroks on my 30/8.8 or several years. I loved it. They were bigger than most 37's for comparison.

 

[APJeeps]

Do you have any pictures of this set up?

 

[APJeeps]

Also as far as lift what'd you run?

 

[jeepmedic]

35's

 

[Loganwayne]

I run 35s with aftermarket shafts up front I've beat the hell outta it the last year and nothing has broke. In comparison I broke a stock shaft every time I went out on 33s

 

[shawn]

The front will be fine if its open. The rear will be fine regardless.

 

[Mac5005]

The front will be fine if its open. The rear will be fine regardless.

This.

Open front, and full case Detroit in the 8.8.

This was with 3.5" rough county and 3" body lift.

All from 2006-2008.

 

[brandon.]

If you don't go hard in rocks and stick to mud either will be more than fine. Rear 8.8 has a weak carrier in stock form but the Detroit fixes that. Don't expect either to fare well to high power, low gears, lockers and rocks on 37s. If your easy they can easily last forever but the d30 ball joints won't be happy nor will the ujoints

 

[Jody Treadway]

My Ranger has an 8.8 on sticky 37s, 5.13s and a 4.3 Atlas. It has more than enough woopow under the hood too. I run a Detroit and Moser shafts. That truck gets beaten lime it owes my money...
Don't worry about the 8.8. It'll handle a lot more than you think.

35-36 is about it for the 30 front if it is locked. Even with good shafts and joints the rest of it just can't keep up.