Author Topic: Ford 8.8 swap - driveshaft cost (Read 1706 times)

Matt4x4 · « **on:** September 24, 2006, 01:31:56 AM »

Did anyone here swap out the Dana 35 rear and put in a Ford 8.8, and if so how much did your driveshaft cost. What locker do you reccommend on the 8.8, I was contemplating the Lincoln because its cheap or a spool, but I would like to be able to switch it off when in the city. Detroit seems to be popular.

Bnine · « **Reply #1 on:** September 24, 2006, 06:38:56 PM »

Shorten, balance, and combination joint should run you about 150$ at DSI.

HTH

BlackYJ · « **Reply #2 on:** September 25, 2006, 07:34:37 AM »

You should not have to shorten your DS with a 8.8 swap, I didn't, plus it is $75 at DSI. You will not need a combination joint because they make both an 1310 and 1330 adapter flanges for the 8.8. If you need a 1310 adapter flange, I have one for you.

I am running an ARB with my 8.8. I love ARBs because my Jeep is a daily driver and I wanted them off on the streets. If you are interested in a BRAND new traclok for a 8.8 let me know because I have one and am willing to give it away very cheap (comes with carrier)

Bnine · « **Reply #3 on:** September 25, 2006, 08:59:05 AM »

An 8.8 should be at least 2 inches longer then a 35, especially using a flange mount. Thats 1" longer then a yoke mount by itself.

Unless your driveshaft was previously a bit short (probably your case Scott), the travel should be checked, and the length will probably need adjustment.

You do not want to risk botteming that shaft out. Transfer cases arent cheap, checking your lengths is.

BlackYJ · « **Reply #4 on:** September 25, 2006, 09:18:45 AM »

My DS was not modified before this swap. I researched this a lot before I did the swap, and a lot of websites did not have to do any mods to the DS. The only ones that did, where sprung-over YJs. Check out this website, http://www.jedi.com/obiwan/jeep/ford88.html and it shows that the center of tube to u-joint, the 8.8 is only 1/8" longer. Plus if you have done any lift and not done a SYE, you will just push the yoke back more towards the stock location (I think that makes sense).

Bnine · « **Reply #5 on:** September 25, 2006, 10:22:00 AM »

More then likely the offset takes up some of it.

Regardless, anytime you do changes like this your length needs to be checked at full travel, expecially if you are going to run a CV.

This is important because everyones set up is different. A jeep on 31's has a lot more axle up travel then a jeep on 33's or 35's. Same when its leafs vs coils, and long arms vs shortarms.

So do the checks

I've built a few 8.8's but have never had the driveshafts done for them. Im supprised the stock length works, having seen the size differences of those two diffs.

I wouldnt take it for granted if it were mine.

BlackYJ · « **Reply #6 on:** September 25, 2006, 11:21:04 AM »

Agreed the checks have to be done. National did my swap and it has been working well for me.

Matt4x4 · « **Reply #7 on:** September 25, 2006, 02:17:56 PM »

OK thanks for the good responses. I just had no idea what it would cost. I need to find a 8.8 out of a 96 or newer Exploder (disc brakes). But this swap will be in the new year. After I do the 249 to 242 transfer case swap.

HBZ · « **Reply #8 on:** September 26, 2006, 10:55:03 PM »

If you are planning for an SYE for your rig, the 242 is not a very good route.
There are not many options for this model. If you want to keep the cost down, and still have quality, look into a JB Super Short kit for a NP 231. Over 3" shorter than a regular SYE. This will give you a longer driveline as an added bonus. If this doesn't appeal to you, JBs or Advance Adapters regular kits for the 231 are acceptable. Down the road, the chain could be upgraded to a wider chain.

Just my two cents.
Cheers.

Author Topic: Ford 8.8 swap - driveshaft cost (Read 1706 times)

HBZ