8.8 axle swap

i recently came across an 8.8 axle from a '99 ford explorer for $120. its geared in 3.73 but the only problem is it's not limited slip. all the 8.8 swaps i've read up on always deal with limited slip axles. is this a deal breaker? or is this irrelevant since i'll be regearing to 4.88 gears and eventually adding a locker down the road?

Pretty new at this so i hope that made sense. Has anyone done this swap before, any help would be appreciated?

The limited slips is no real loss. Since you will re-gear anyway just lock it at the same time.

I have done axle swaps, but not on a TJ yet. But this will make it easier
http://www.artecindustries.com/TJ-88-Swap-Kit-with-Truss_p_233.html

yea this truss setup is definitely the way to go. you end up spending just as much buying the normal kits. How do you feel about lunchbox lockers or should i go with something like a detroit? Would having a lunchbox locker on a manual transmission affect handling during normal driving conditions?

What do you plan on doing with the Jeep. Tire size etc?

Either way lunchbox or full detroit will have their quirks. You will have to re-learn how to drive a your Jeep a little bit. You will more than likely get tire chirp, ratcheting sound when turning corners.

All in all a full locker will be stronger, but in most cases a lunchbox locker is more than enough.

i'm going with a 4" lift from RC, 35's w/ 4.88 gears, cv shaft and sye. figured i might as well swap out the rear axle while i'm at it. This will primarily be used as a DD with the occasional weekend offroading.

I have a Detroit locker rear, lock right front, 4"lift & 35s on my TJ and I barely knotice the lockers in dry conditions but get some rain on the road and it becomes an amusement ride. If you don't have a bad weather car you should look into a selectable for the rear. The OX locker seems to be the best selectable I've seen. I know I've been on trails with broken airlines and bad wire connections with the air and electronic lockers that stopped the fun for those guys.

They're right, btw. If you can afford it, go selectable in the rear. It's absolutely NOT necessary, but it's nicer. Otherwise count your blessings that you found a non-LSD 8.8 which will make your life easier: throw an Aussie (or Spartan equivalent) in there and call it a day.

CJTJ wrote:

The OX locker seems to be the best selectable I've seen. I know I've been on trails with broken airlines and bad wire connections with the air and electronic lockers that stopped the fun for those guys.

I would dispute this. Broken air lines for ARB's are generally a result of poor routing/installation and can be repaired on the trail. Any issues with wiring for Eaton E-Lockers are even easier to deal with (ask me how I know). On the other hand I've seen a problematic cable on an OX cause no end of difficulties and was not able to be repaired until trailered home.

I've had nothing but good luck with my Eaton E-Lockers, but for the 8.8 specifically I believe ARB holds the upper hand in regards to stronger design. For reference for the LT1 one-ton build I'm doing now (KP HP60 and 14bff) I will be going Detroit front and rear, but that won't be a daily driver as you might have guessed. It will be set up as streetable, but it'll really only see fair weather.