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need some reassurance!!!

953 views 13 replies 6 participants last post by  steves92 
#1 ·
I've reading a lot about the stock axles and lifts lately that it made me bummed out. I installed a 4" rough country lift ( I know its probably not the best ) but I've been reading some bad things about the d30 and d35's. It sounds like I need to beef it up or don't go wheeling??? Is that the case?? I am willing to do upgrades but can't afford to spend a grip of money on a beefed up axle quite yet. Can I get by as long as I'm not doing extreme crawling? I have 33's and planned on regearing but it sounds like that is also a grip of $...I guess I should ask, what would you suggest as priority? I need to replace my shocks 1st- which 8 can afford :) also, what should I expect to pay to regear? I need some help here please! Thanks. BTW, jeep is stock other than lift and tires.
 
#3 ·
For my 2 cents worth, as long as you don't beat on it too bad, the stock stuff is ok, but yes, needs to be upgraded. Re-gearing cost varies on where you have it done, and as for priorities, first I'd make sure everything needed to keep it running dependably is done, then I'd set down, draw up a budget for your upgrade wants. Ultimately, you will be the one to set your own priorities.
 
#4 ·
I agree with JTSK, make a priority list. However, I would put new axles at the bottom of that list unless you plan on doing some serious crawling or climbing. But if you did you wouldn't be all that worried about cost will all the other things you'd need. If you try hard enough you can snap just about any axle, but what you have is strong enough for you at this point.
I don't know about cost for regearing, but would be interested myself as my top speed at the moment is a cool 55 mph (maybe 60 if down hill and a tailwind lol). Just IMO.
 
#6 ·
I'm in northern California, bay area, and about 3 hrs from the Rubicon and Alpine lake, Slick rock...my bro in law is heavy into jeeps and lives up there as well. I want to do some of those trails at some point but may need to start off on more tamed trails until my jeep is worthy and my skills are toned. After watching videos on YouTube I've been bitten by the bug! Looks so fun. I once had Toyota in my early 20's and did a short part of the Rubicon and had a blast. No lift, just 31's ha-ha. But I'm serious, I want to get the bottom of this jeep right- I don't want to break. Is the axle setup from an explorer easier to come by than a d44? I guess I'm looking for something durable and the easiest to install. What are most people using and why? Is it like Chevy's and Fords? Lol.
 
#7 ·
Just my opinion based on what I have done.
I don't know you mechanical ability or the amount of tools at your disposal.

I put an 8.8 in my YJ. I have under $150 in it and that includes new u bolts and plates. I carefully cut off and re used the perches. I used the jeep brake lines and e brake cables and it all works.

Now I have to re gear the front axle to match. That is a pain and required more special tools and a ton of work not to mention gears, bearings, Junk yard Cherokee axles u joints etc etc.

Figures that after I did this a Waggy W Dana 44's shows up at the pick n pull. They charge $80 an axle. So for a Saturday in the JY and a set of new wheels I could have had front and rear Dana 44's.

I'm not sure why available around your area.
I don't regret the 8.8 and may go full width eventually anyway.
 
#8 ·
Just my opinion based on what I have done.
I don't know you mechanical ability or the amount of tools at your disposal.

I put an 8.8 in my YJ. I have under $150 in it and that includes new u bolts and plates. I carefully cut off and re used the perches. I used the jeep brake lines and e brake cables and it all works.

Now I have to re gear the front axle to match. That is a pain and required more special tools and a ton of work not to mention gears, bearings, Junk yard Cherokee axles u joints etc etc.

Figures that after I did this a Waggy W Dana 44's shows up at the pick n pull. They charge $80 an axle. So for a Saturday in the JY and a set of new wheels I could have had front and rear Dana 44's.

I'm not sure why available around your area.
I don't regret the 8.8 and may go full width eventually anyway.
I heard the term, waggy w before??? What is that? Ha-ha. 8.8 comes out of an Explorer, correct? Ford? More mods to make those work? I need proper direction and insight. Do you recommend hitting the junkyards first?
 
#9 ·
My spelling in here leaves much to be desired.

I would make a plan on where you want to be when you're done. If anyone ever finishes a jeep.

The Ford Explorer 8.8 is popular because they are strong, available and even have a good selection of factory gears. They also have disc brakes.

The swap is pretty straight forward but requires cutting and welding. You will likely then need to re gear the front to match.
 
#10 ·
My spelling in here leaves much to be desired.

I would make a plan on where you want to be when you're done. If anyone ever finishes a jeep.

The Ford Explorer 8.8 is popular because they are strong, available and even have a good selection of factory gears. They also have disc brakes.

The swap is pretty straight forward but requires cutting and welding. You will likely then need to re gear the front to match.
What needs to be cut and welded? Shock mounts only? I have an angle grinder and a cheapo HF wire feed welder( but would probably have somebody do the welding). Also it looks as if the ring&pinion housing is centered on my stocker....is that how the 8.8's are? Is there anything specific or certain years to look for?
 
#11 ·
95 to 2000 seems to be the norm. Gets you disc brakes. I know the mounts, perches, ebrake, and driveshaft attachment are all different. If you're rocking that 90 amp blue HF welder, I wouldn't attempt it. Lol. I know there are close to a billion write ups on the topic with pics and whatnot. Good luck.
 
#13 ·
Trust me, I won't weld anything that could potentially be a safety concern,lol. To get it to a rolling status, I would need shock attachment, and brakes...I may use front wheel drive for a short while while I save $ for sye and ds and attachment? Would that work out OK?
 
#12 ·
Some some more info. The front dana 30 can live with 35" tires and a locker with some upgrades but is fine in stock form for your 33's. The rear dana 35 is the weak link. It does not like big tires and lots of gas. Option to replace it are as noted. Ford 8.8, dana 44 out of an XJ cherokee(87-88 models had them, but not all) Iszuzu dana 44 (but would need wheel adaptors as the lug pattern is wrong. Swap in wagoneer dana 44's front and rear.

Many of us do the ford 8.8 swap as they are cheaper than some others and parts are easy to come by. Your good for 35's and locker with that setup. An other option.. is upgrading the shafts in the dana 35... to 30 spline alloy. This works and is good for upto 35;s but some feel its investing money in a weak axle..
 
#14 ·
I'm leaning towards the 8.8 and not investing a dime in the 35. Seems to have more room for growth with the 8.8. I like the fact I can find them too. This is my daily driver but I take my work truck home so I really don't drive it a whole lot of miles...its got 112k on it, I bought it 6 yrs ago with 92k. I'm looking to do some cheap mods, ammo console, rock sliders, and flares. Replacement top and seats on the list too. I got a cb from a friend but need a coax and antenna. It's a little cobra20 plus, nothing fancy but hopefully functional. I did like the led upgrade in my gauge cluster, that was cool, cheap and easy. :)
 
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