ZJ rear axle swap (8.8 or 9") ?

[Jeep_parts]

Interested in knowing other options on this.

Wanting to swap my rear axle in my ZJ to either a ford 9” or 8.8.

I already have a stock 31-spline ford 9” in my basement. Only problem is that id have to buy or make all brackets. Coil mounts, control arm mounts, shock mounts, track bar mount, and then fix the brakes to only use the drums for now. Then Id have to buy a matching front such a HP44 5-lug, or run adapters on the ford 9” to match a hp30.

OR

Could buy an Explore 8.8, it would match the hp30. I’m unsure of what all id have to do to make it work on my ZJ.

So the question is what axle combo such I go with??

Hp30/8.8
Hp30/ 9”(with wheel adapters)

 

[spraypaintman]

8.8 and weld on the new brackets that way the bolt pattern is the same

 

[1stgenxxx]

I would have said go 9" till I had to move an explorer 8.8 around and help load it. That axle is pretty darn beefy. They are also 31 spline and most have disc brakes

 

[burrellsjeep]

Go with the 8.8,I am very happy with mine.

 

[Wwildman]

I have a 8.8 in mine I just have a 1 inch spacer to even out the wheels .

 

[BigClay]

I have an 8.8 as well

 

[TheCredibleHulk]

8.8, ECGS can sell you the full bracket kit or a full bolt in axle.

 

[Jeep_parts]

would just using the d35 that i have be so bad?? or is that a waste of time

 

[spraypaintman]

you could use it just bring extra shafts when wheelin

 

[BUCKEYE PERFORMANCE INC.]

i have a 8.8 in my zj on 35's and it's taken a beating but if i were starting fresh i would build a 9" and shave it. i dont really see any strength loss or gain between the 2 axles. 8.8 can be had with disk brakes easy but gears and lockers are cheaper in a 9" and disk brakes are easy to install.

 

[burrellsjeep]

The ECGS 8.8 Axle is hard to pass up. When you compare the cost to building one.