Yet another 8.8 swap thread

[BLUR2U]

Ok. So I was talked into upgrading to an 8.8 exploder rear for my 89 YJ instead of rebuilding my D35.

I will be picking up my 8.8 from salvage yard today. It's a 2000 explorer 8.8 with 4.10 gears and limited slip...as was recommended.

I am planning on ordering this kit to install it:

http://www.knowwhere2jeep.com/catalo...ducts_id=11555

any feedback on the kit? It looks like everything I need.

I think I have been talked out of SOA conversion.....I don't really need anymore lift anyway...but I'm a little worried I will lose a little bit with my SUA on the thicker 8.8. I have seen some jeeps with longer leaf spring frame mounts, thinking of doing this front and back...maybe an 1" longer. Is this advisable? I broke one of mine anyway so I am at minimum going to fab up some stronger ones for front and rear.

There is an option on the 8.8 install kit to get U bolt reversal...it's only 35$ more and makes since to do? right?

They mention getting some parts from hardware store to hook up e brake cable, anyone have pics or specifics on what I need?

And last but not least, I also saw you can get longer travel shock mount brackets. Now this looks like something I can fab up pretty easy...but is it necessary? Will I see a benefit? I am thinking of replacing my shocks anyway while I got the jeep torn apart. Recomendations on shocks?


Thanks a bunch, what a great help you guys have been. I can't wait to get my jeep back on the road! Almost time to play in the snow!!!

[JaysinDesignz]

I have an 8.8 with
4.56's
ARB locker
SOA & SUA perches
setup for a YJ

I'll sale for $1000

[Gus310]

i recently completed this same swap, for spring perches, i ground the one off the 8.8 and rewelded them in the correct spot.

i had to buy all new brakes besides the rotors, but i think the new soft lines from AZ were something like $15-20 each.

new ubolts locally were $7 each with washers and nuts.

for a diff cover i like dan at ruffstuff specialties, a vendor here with amazing products and the absolute best customer service. order from his site and mention pirate for a 10% discount making the cover price $108. http://www.ruffstuffspecialties.com/...ver-p-180.html

i cant remember where i bought the new flange (~$50) but my 95 yj has a larger rear ujoint so i had to buy a conversion joint too which was a surprise for me.

i found that my stock spring plates actually fit the larger ubolts, a bit tight, but i squeezed them in.

that puts the total around $230. saves about $30 give or take, plus buying a few things local saves some shipping, and its always good to spend some cash locally anyway. its only a bit more for the kit, which looks fine, its not a huge price difference, and if its easier for you to get it all in one box...just sayin'




as far as the ebrake bit, $10 will do ya, i saw this guys writeup and did the same thing. worked for me. ebrake part is about 3/4 down the page. i liked his writeup, easy to follow, pics are nice and clear. http://www.jedi.com/obiwan/jeep/ford88.html

i kept my yj sua with a 2.5" RE kit and dont notice a difference in height front to rear, i suppose it probably is, but not enough to notice. plus i highlined my front fenders. no pics of the axle, but heres one of the jeep.

[BLUR2U]

Jaysin,

No thanks, appreciate the offer but I am trying to keep from changing my gears in the front for now. I eventually want to go much higher and put a locker in, but right now I don't have the budget for it.

Gus,

Thanks, I will check the link out. I really like that rear diff cover at ruffstuff, but i also like the idea of getting everything I need at once. I will be pondering all this today before I decide on what to order.

[ssyj94]

I used the ruffstuff kit and ground the perches down when I installed my 8.8 sua.

i cant remember where i bought the new flange (~$50) but my 95 yj has a larger rear ujoint so i had to buy a conversion joint too which was a surprise for me.

You could have just bought the right yoke for the bigger joint. It's a 1330 series the ford dealer usually has them I paid $30 for mine.

[y2knole]

Solid Axle diff covers are $65 and as beefy as anything else on the market now.

love my 8.8. Ive beat the shit out of it with 36" iroks and had no problems.

[BLUR2U]

OK, so I ordered the kit from knowwhere2jeep. I will let you guys know how it works out. I emailed and called ruffstuff to ask them questions about theirs, but got no repsonse. So I just went with the kit that I knew had everything I needed. (or should I say everything I THINK I need lol )