Are you having trouble with the stock Dana 35 rear axle in your Jeep® XJ Cherokee, or YJ Wrangler? If you have installed tires larger then stock, chances are that you are. We have found the answer, and it is a very simple swap. The Ford 8.8 rear axle assembly from a Explorer is super heavy duty, and is very simple to install.
It's features are as follows: Same lug nut bolt pattern. Disc brakes (95 & newer). 31 spline axle shafts. 8.8" diameter ring gear (D35 is 7.5"). 120% stronger then D35. Only 20 pounds more then D35. Trac-loc differential stock (woppie-do, I know, who cares!). 3-1/4" diameter tubes (strong!).

You are required to find the complete rear axle assembly from a 95 or newer Ford Explorer, from a salvage yard. Then, remove (torch) the Ford mounts (spring, & anti-sway bar). You may also need to change the gear ratio as most Explorers have 3:73. The installation kit that we sell gives you the following: New, weld-on anti-wrap spring mounts, weld on shock mounts, U-bolts and U-bolt plates.

The width is almost the same. It is 5/8" per side narrower then the D35. This is a very minor draw back, and will work if you have wheels with less back-space then stock. If you have stock wheel back-spacing, then we have hub-centric wheel spacers available. We also have the correct cables for the emergency brake available as a kit, that are a direct bolt on, and super high quality. No cutting or custom fitting.

Note: The Ford 8.8 is not compatible with anti-lock brake equipped Jeep® vehicles

*Part #98500 includes the following items: 2 weld on anti-wrap style spring mounts for the housing, 4 U-bolts, 2 U-bolt plates, 2 weld on shock mounts. All hardware is un-painted. Pictured above upper left.
**Part #98600 includes the following items: 2 weld on anti-wrap style spring mounts for the housing, 4 U-bolts, 2 U-bolt plates, 2 weld on shock mounts. All hardware is un-painted. Pictured above middle left.

***We now have available the unique yoke that is needed to adapt the stock size U-joint (YJ or XJ rear drive shaft, 1310 series Spicer) to the Ford 8.8 rear pinion flange. Pictured above upper right.

****Part #98700 includes the following items: Upper and lower control arm brackets, Coil spring seats and retainers, sway bar brackets , shock brackets and a trac bar bracket. All hardware is un-painted and requires welding. Pictured above lower left.