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Author Topic: ZJ rear axle build?  (Read 3378 times)

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Offline JackstandJohnny

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ZJ rear axle build?
« on: September 01, 2011, 12:38:14 PM »
i'm about 90% decided, however, i'm curious to see what others think would be a feasible plan! 

the cheapest would be option 1; aussies and chromo's arne't that expensive.   the 8.8 would be a little more cost/labour intensive, but much better long run option.  the D44a isn't much cheaper. and no aftermarket support.

or just go finance a 2012 rubi with a pentastar?

oh the decisions
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Offline Pookapotamus

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Re: ZJ rear axle build?
« Reply #1 on: September 01, 2011, 12:41:25 PM »
you forgot to add: buy a honda and quit building jeeps

 ;)
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Offline raf2379

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Re: ZJ rear axle build?
« Reply #2 on: September 01, 2011, 10:42:12 PM »
sell the damn thing and buy a 98. dont waste your time on 8.8's. or keep current one, i have a D60 rear for you all sandblasted already  ;)
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Offline Black Betty

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Re: ZJ rear axle build?
« Reply #3 on: September 02, 2011, 06:36:53 AM »
http://www.9inchfloater.com/CompleteRrEnd/CmplteRrEnd_28_31.htm

Check these rear ends out, it's a full float ford 9" complete with shafts and brakes.

This would be my choice as all you have to do is find a centre section of your choice to install.  Good and strong, no c clips, built to what ever bolt pattern and length you want.  Just add brackets and drive shaft.

Just saying....
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Offline JackstandJohnny

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Re: ZJ rear axle build?
« Reply #4 on: September 02, 2011, 07:17:43 AM »
Quote from: raf2379 on September 01, 2011, 10:42:12 PM
sell the damn thing and buy a 98. dont waste your time on 8.8's. or keep current one, i have a D60 rear for you all sandblasted already  ;)

you gonna install that 60 to raf?  i'll pass; overkill for 33s!
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Offline raf2379

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Re: ZJ rear axle build?
« Reply #5 on: September 02, 2011, 08:51:30 AM »
no that 60 is to narrow for my build, its just taking up room in my garage, its 65" WMS-WMS, my front 60 and rear 14B are 69" and 67".  that 9" that black betty posted a link to is a good price and I think its a better choice for the rear than the 60 anyways.
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Offline cLAY

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Re: ZJ rear axle build?
« Reply #6 on: September 03, 2011, 10:26:42 PM »
I wouldn't swap a D35 for a D44a. Too little aftermarket for it.

For 33s I would Super35 it or go 8.8.

8.8 is a bit tough as you have to put brackets on and then figure out the ABS(if you still want it).

Going through this same dilemma with my 5.9 build. Build or ditch the D44a. If I ditch it do I go 8.8 or a Super35? Replacing a D44 with a D35 just seems wrong! I've got a D60 here thats got a 65" WMS that I would love to swap in. Only problem is then you have to build a new front end to match the 8 bolt pattern.

I''m running out of time to figure it out though. The new motor is assembled with the extra goodies and sitting in the frame. Just need to hook it all back up!
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'93 ZJ, 5.2L, lifted/locked/36s..<gone>
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Offline NUXJR

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Re: ZJ rear axle build?
« Reply #7 on: September 03, 2011, 11:50:55 PM »
Would a steel d35 housing not be as strong if not stronger than an aluminium d44?
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Offline raf2379

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Re: ZJ rear axle build?
« Reply #8 on: September 04, 2011, 08:51:44 AM »
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Offline JackstandJohnny

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Re: ZJ rear axle build?
« Reply #9 on: September 05, 2011, 09:05:10 PM »
tough call too Clay, cause then you're still building up a 35.

i'm sure you could truss the D44a and i think they still sell lunchbox lockers for em (some company called spartan in the US?  sold at Randy's Ring and Pinion)  but its still expensive, and you'd need a truss and stuff.

is the cost worth it? or just spend the $$$ to swap in a better axle?
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Offline cLAY

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Re: ZJ rear axle build?
« Reply #10 on: September 05, 2011, 09:33:00 PM »
Like I said, I wouldn't swap a D35 for a D44a or vice versa. Not enough of an advantage either way in my opinion. If I already had a D35 and wasn't going beyond 33s I would do a super 35 kit and call it done. Beyond that probably an 8.8 or regular D44 with a bracket kit. However using Ford parts just rubs me the wrong way....... :D

BTW I have been told that TJ/ZJ rear axles will interchange. Talked to a guy once who swore he did it. I know for a fact that the angle on the brackets is different between the two. I'm guessing that maybe this guy had aftermarket control arms with hiems in it that were able to compensate for the difference. I only say this because I think a rubi swap would be cool.

Are you wanting to keep the ABS?
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'93 ZJ, 5.2L, lifted/locked/36s..<gone>
'98 5.9er 4.10s,locked,LA,WJ knuckles
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