Ford 8.8 into yj

[mrbeggins]

I know there are few guys out there that have done the 8.8 switchover....Can anyone tell me if they centered their pinion or is it ok to live with the offset? From what I've read, if you center, the passenger side comes up short by 2.5" or so. Does this look funny from the rear and if so, do most guys put in a wheel spacer on the pass. side or just leave it as is? I have the diff in the garage and I'm just getting ready to start grinding off some mounts after I take some angle measuremets. If you have done this mod, I would appreciate a pm. thanks guys

[trackerthrasher]

I moved the t-case over to match the rear diff and made the spring perches equal distance from the backing plates.Seems to have worked out fine.I made a new crossmember at the same time...installed a slip yoke illiminator...CV drive shaft...highsteer conversion....4.88 gears

[cuzican]

I did my TJ with the pinion offset. Super short SYE and CV driveshaft. No problems.

Don't waste your time trying to center the pinion between the springs or adjusting the rest of your drivetrain to match.

[born2jeep]

Judging by what I seen on "TRUCKS!" the other day, you are supposed to have it at a 2-3 degree angle anyways. They say it makes the U-joints wear better and last longer.

On a side note, that show just isn't the same without Stacy...

Sam

[mrbeggins]

Good info, thanks for the replies guys, - keep the greasy side down.

[BlackYJ]

When I had my 8.8 installed, it was offset about about 1-1.5" to help account for the offset but it is not really that big of a deal, especially if you have a CV style driveshaft.

[mrbeggins]

Hey blackYJ, did you do the install yourself or did a shop give you a hand? Also, did u use M.O.R.E for the install kit or did you chop and transfer from your old diff? I'm thinking of making my own spring perches but most articles do not recommend reusing the old shock mounts? What do you think?

[superles]

Why not go with coil springs and a 3 link at the same time. This is what I'm doing when I put my 8.8 in in 30 days or so. I will be making my own 3 link myself. My only question is 4.56 or 4.88 gears, as im afraid of the small pinion on the 4.88.

[BlackYJ]

Hey blackYJ, did you do the install yourself or did a shop give you a hand? Also, did u use M.O.R.E for the install kit or did you chop and transfer from your old diff? I'm thinking of making my own spring perches but most articles do not recommend reusing the old shock mounts? What do you think?

National 4wd did the install for me.  They installed new shock mounts and spring perches but reused the u-bolt plate.  Go to Standens and get new perches

[mrbeggins]

Superles--- your 3 link idea sounds interesting, but I think I'm going to keep it simple. BlackYJ--- thanks for the respond and I'm going to check into your suggestion.