Calgary Jeep Association

Author Topic: 8.8 conversion  (Read 5879 times)

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Offline mike s

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8.8 conversion
« on: April 13, 2014, 02:38:05 PM »
Finally getting around to working on the mule again. Been researching online about the fabled conversion to the 8.8. So many options out there and looking for feedback on anyone whose tried the many products available. Not all parts are created equal. Should get off my lazy butt and make it to a meeting again and talk to those that have been down this road. I "hear" that the axle tubes are prone to twisting in the housing and should be welded up (cast to steel). Is it overkill. Come on it's only a 2.5. Re-gearing to 4.88 and might consider farming the whole thing out...
'94 YJ, 2.5" RE, 1"BL on 35"s, 8.8 w 4.88
oldEnuff2NObetter

but still can't help myself

Offline bradley

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Re: 8.8 conversion
« Reply #1 on: April 13, 2014, 08:01:18 PM »
I did a 8.8 swap on my last zj, I cut all the brackets off the old dana 35 beefed them up and welded them onto the 8.8 instead of getting a kit. If i was to do another swap i would go to a ford 9" instead of the 8.8 especially if i had to re-gear it, the only reason i went with the 8.8 is because i could get one with the 3.55 gears so i could do it cheap.

As for welding the tubes to the housing its doable as long as u do it right, the problem is as the weld cools it cracks the cast, if you pre-heat the cast a bit and peen the weld as it cools it stress relieves the weld and it doesnt crack.
2002 jeep tj, 7 inch lift with long arm front and triangulated 4 link rear, 37x12.5x15 maxxis creepy crawler tires, custom front and rear bumpers, 12000 winch, G2 dana 44 front with detroit locker, 44 rear with spool, custom rear skins and flares, sye kit

Offline mike s

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Re: 8.8 conversion
« Reply #2 on: April 14, 2014, 11:47:25 AM »
any one have the ability to weld one up for me? only have a mig
'94 YJ, 2.5" RE, 1"BL on 35"s, 8.8 w 4.88
oldEnuff2NObetter

but still can't help myself

Offline tubby

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Re: 8.8 conversion
« Reply #3 on: April 14, 2014, 02:48:06 PM »

Mike, nice to see you pop-up back on the boards again.

If you give me enough time I'll sell you my Ford 8.8 shod with 4.56 gears and assembled by Big Country Customs.

Drum brakes though...
Lockers
Cuz ya can't kick arse with only one leg

Offline mike s

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Re: 8.8 conversion
« Reply #4 on: April 15, 2014, 07:53:25 AM »
Aw shucks thanks but I already picked up a disc brake one and was planning to go deeper on the gears. Stupid little four banger.
« Last Edit: April 15, 2014, 11:58:13 AM by mike s »
'94 YJ, 2.5" RE, 1"BL on 35"s, 8.8 w 4.88
oldEnuff2NObetter

but still can't help myself

Offline cjust

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Re: 8.8 conversion
« Reply #5 on: April 18, 2014, 10:10:33 AM »

If you give me enough time I'll sell you my Ford 8.8 shod with 4.56 gears and assembled by Big Country Customs.

Drum brakes though...

Hey i might be interested in the. Has it got a locker?


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Offline BUKI

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Re:
« Reply #6 on: April 18, 2014, 12:36:04 PM »
8.8s rule

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Offline mike s

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Re: 8.8 conversion
« Reply #7 on: April 22, 2014, 12:43:51 PM »
Hear the 8.8 carriers can be weak so thinking while I'm rehearing I might go with a locker. The Gear Center has me leaning towards a true trac due to my higher street miles vs trail miles. Any experience of thoughts?
'94 YJ, 2.5" RE, 1"BL on 35"s, 8.8 w 4.88
oldEnuff2NObetter

but still can't help myself

Offline Bnine

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Re: 8.8 conversion
« Reply #8 on: April 22, 2014, 12:51:09 PM »
Hear the 8.8 carriers can be weak so thinking while I'm rehearing I might go with a locker. The Gear Center has me leaning towards a true trac due to my higher street miles vs trail miles. Any experience of thoughts?

Truetracks are the same money as the full detroit, and the full detroit is a bit aggressive but definitely manageable in the rear. Personally I'd go full detroit unless you are just set against the agressiveness.

You can mig the tubes. I've migged both 8.8's and chev 10 bolts. Its all in the prep. Clean as possible, preheat, peen it, and wrap it in batt insulation for as slow a cool as possible.

Or if you're farming it out you can bring it out and I can set it all up for you.
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Offline vantagetes

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Re: 8.8 conversion
« Reply #9 on: July 02, 2014, 03:42:32 PM »
I drove past you Tuesday when you were working on your car with my black TJ, it's got a 6.0L LSx with an 8.8 behind it. You'll like being able to bag on it and not worry about breaking things.

Offline mike s

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Re: 8.8 conversion
« Reply #10 on: July 02, 2014, 07:44:06 PM »
Parts were lost in transit, but things are back on track. Got my 8.8 conversion kit from know where 2 jeep and some M.O.R.E. Upper shock relocation brackets. I'll get hold of you Billy about the axle tubes being welded into housing once everything's all stripped down and clean. Pat's driveline steered me away from Detroit but haven't got internals for 8.8 yet. Had trouble getting 4.88's in Canada for front so got some from states.
'94 YJ, 2.5" RE, 1"BL on 35"s, 8.8 w 4.88
oldEnuff2NObetter

but still can't help myself

Offline cLAY

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Re: 8.8 conversion
« Reply #11 on: July 06, 2014, 10:22:44 AM »
I don't think you will be happy with anything that doesn't fully lock up. I'd suggest a selectable locker like the Eaton E-locker or ARB. If you don't want to go that route then look at the Auburn limited slips, no clutchs and much more aggressive than a Truetrac. 
..

'93 ZJ, 5.2L, lifted/locked/36s..<gone>
'98 5.9er 4.10s,locked,LA,WJ knuckles

Offline Bnine

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Re: 8.8 conversion
« Reply #12 on: July 17, 2014, 12:54:04 PM »
There's clutches in a truetrac? I thought it was a worm gear setup.
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Offline Bnine

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Re: 8.8 conversion
« Reply #13 on: July 17, 2014, 01:01:01 PM »
Nevermind. Its all here. No clutches. Cant see why Auburn would be any better. Thinks it more of case of pick your poision. Dom always liked his front truetrac. He had to work the brake pedal a bit sometimes when he would lift a tire, but she would hook up.

http://www.eaton.com/Eaton/ProductsServices/Automotive/DifferentialsLockingDifferentials/PCT_317264#tabs-2

My Mechanic Calgary
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403-483-1083
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Offline cLAY

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Re: 8.8 conversion
« Reply #14 on: July 21, 2014, 10:24:56 AM »
Opps my bad, thought the Trutrac was clutches. I would still go a full locker in the rear for a rig that sees a fair amount of trail use.
..

'93 ZJ, 5.2L, lifted/locked/36s..<gone>
'98 5.9er 4.10s,locked,LA,WJ knuckles