Rear Axle

[Kellson]

I'm brand new to the axle market so I have some questions. I have an '89 XJ 4.0 5spd. Currently running 31"s, that may change to 33"s but never more than that. So, I'm considering a ford 8.8. Right now I found one with discs, 31 spline, 3.73 gears for a couple hundred bucks. This comes off of a '98 explorer so will I need to modify the axle to accommodate my shocks/leafs? How easy is it to swap? And would 3.73 be the best fit for my daily driver jeep?
Thanks!

[Rlpetty43]

I used Iron Rocks truss/swap kit it was fairly painless. one might consider finding a xj with an 8.25 with the same ratio as you have now. with the 8.8 you will have to regear either your front axle to match the 8.8 or visa versa could also regear both which is what I did.

\http://www.ironrockoffroad.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=IROR&Product_Code=IR-XF88BK&Category_Code=F88S

[Kellson]

Yeah that's one plan: buy the 8.8 3.73 off craigslist and then take the car to a shop to have them re-gear the front to 3.73. That's a pretty good all-around ratio right? This build isn't for serious crawling.

[4.3LXJ]

If you get the 98 and up 8.25, you can get the same strength and save the money spent for welding etc on some disc brakes from a Liberty and be a few bucks ahead with the same strength

[Kellson]

I like the idea, and I found a 2000 8.25 with 3.55. Is 3.55 good enough? And how do I put disc brakes on it?

[Rlpetty43]

3.55 would be comparible to 3.73 if ya can get the front axle too then all you would have to swap both axles and not regear plus you would rid yourself of the vacuum disconnect. The down side of 2000 xj front axle is the fact they are low pinion. The bees knees would be a set from a 97-99 problely can get a set of axles cheaper than just one axle and then having to regear the other. To have an axle regeared will cost more than buying a axle with the matching ratios

[Kellson]

Can't get an Eaton E-Locker for 8.25 though

[Rlpetty43]

One can get an ox locker for the 8.25