So I'm still finalizing my axle swap plans for my '99 TJ and with less immediacy, my engine swap(or stroker?) and I'm driving myself crazy trying to weigh the options. I'm planning on running 35's, locked of course, so that's already decided upon. I'll start off easy, with what my current plans are:

HPD30 front
Ford 8.8 Rear
4.6L stroker

Good? Well, not only am I wondering whether I should run all that power/torque to an 8.8 on those size tires, locked. I've also heard of cam failures in 4.0L strokers and I'm not crazy about putting premium gas in it. The cams I've heard of failing were Crane, which is surprising, but I haven't heard anything about Isky. The thing I really love about my 4.0L/TF999 combo is that it is bulletproof reliable. If I stroke it, is it worth a hit in reliability/longevity is it gonna take?

So now I think about what else I can stuff under the hood of my TJ. Chevy 350, a Vortec 5.3L or 6.0L, a Hemi, a Magnum 5.9L, a diesel (that's pushing it on cost, I wasn't even going to put it on the list since it's so improbable, as cool as diesels are). I'm not thrilled about any drive-by-wire crap (*cough* Hemi) or electronically controlled trannys, and I want it fuel injected. I know the Hemi and the 5.2L/5.9L will work with the factory gauges, but is there an adapter to run them with any other engines?

If I upgrade the engine (and all the assorted parts that go with a swap), I gotta be careful of the 8.8. Dynatrac caught my eye with a limited time sale, but $4500 for one of their Trail Series D60 isn't gonna happen. I could find a junkyard D60, but what is that really gonna cost me all in all? Compared to a Ford 9-inch?

Should I just stick with the Stroker/8.8? The 5.9L/Ford 8.8 is interesting, but would you worry about that rearend with that power and 35's? Lotta questions, but don't be afraid to offer whatever advice you want to. I don't need any one person to answer everything, I just needed a thread since the two things are closely related.

how about start with the 8.8/gears/lockers and 35's. run that for awhile and have some fun. the D30 will be ok on 35's even with spicer shafts, no need for HP30 yet. the 8.8 is strong, no problem on 35's with stock shafts.

If I go with the 5.9L, will it be too much for the 8.8? Numbers for a late model 5.9L are 245 hp/345 ft lbs.

If I go with the 5.9L, will it be too much for the 8.8? Numbers for a late model 5.9L are 245 hp/345 ft lbs.

i don't know but what engine comes in the ford explorer?

i don't know but what engine comes in the ford explorer?

A relatively wimpy 5.0L V8 at the most, but most with that SOHC V6 that's pushing out some 80 ft lbs less than the 5.9L, on 28's

all i know is the 8.8 is pretty strong. i ran one on my old 4.2 engine on 37" tires for 2-3 years. never broke a stock shaft and ran many hard trails. i wouldn't worry too much about it especially on 35's. i did weld the tubes to center section as i heard of them spinning.

i did weld the tubes to center section as i heard of them spinning.

I have heard about that. I was at Carolina Rock Shop less than a year ago and went through the whole build with Andy. Too bad they're outta business now

With the 5.9L, should I keep my TF999, use the Ram's 46RH or 46RE (switched to electronic in '97, I think?), or a 727? I could care less about overdrive and more about durability, which is why I'm worrying the 46Rx. The Dodge truck owners aren't thrilled over the 42Rx and 46Rx trannys, and I'm thinking the 727 might be overkill.

With the 5.9L, should I keep my TF999, use the Ram's 46RH or 46RE (switched to electronic in '97, I think?), or a 727? I could care less about overdrive and more about durability, which is why I'm worrying the 46Rx. The Dodge truck owners aren't thrilled over the 42Rx and 46Rx trannys, and I'm thinking the 727 might be overkill.

Im using the 46RE and heard it to be a good stout tranny. Im not positive but I don't think you can mix match the tranny's with the computer of the ram. In 2000 they changed from 98-99 to then. Its best to get the whole package(computer, harness tranny, and all emission parts) That will make the swap easy. Do you have emissions to deal with?