8.8 Axle swap question
 

Hello all. New to the site but am liking what I see so far.

I have a 95 Sahara, that I lifted 6 inches and am running 35's. Have the slip yoke, double cardan, cv driveshaft and pretty much everything needed when she was lifted.

My question to you all is.... I am changing out my Dana 35 for a nice Ford 8.8 that I picked up. LSD 4:10 , disk brake, nice shape. Cut off spring perches, shock mounts, and sandblasted it already.

I am wondering however if I need to do the following:
1. I have no drive line vibration currently, and my pumpkin is not even quite pointed at my transfer case, its off a few degrees (obviously the cardan/cv are doing their job).
So, when I put the 8.8 in, should I stick with the current pinion angle, or point that baby right at the T-case?

2. When I am welding on the new spring perches, should I eliminate the wedges that are under the leafs currently, that came with the lift springs? I will be able to match the correct angle
with my gauge anyway, so why have extra hardware.

3. When welding on my shock mounts, should I also be eliminating my Rubicon express shock mount adapters? Again, just extra hardware, that is only bolted. My thoughts are to just weld the new shock mounts
at the right location, so the shock is approx 50/50 for travel.

4. Track bar or hard pan.... lose it? I really do not feel its needed in the rear. Front one I am replacing with the JKS adjustable, just to keep everyone happy ! LOL

Much thanks in advance for your opinions.

Dave

Re: 8.8 Axle swap question
 

Congrats on the purchase. Great choice.
As per your questions I'll try to answer them as best I can.
1) Pinion angle, I like to set mine 2* below the transfer case so when it wraps up on acceleration it is at a good angle.
2) Loose the wedges also make sure there wasn't a spacer added to the bolt through the spring pack. This would possibly make the bolt bottom on the axle tube depending on the spring pads your using.
3) Yes loose the add on shock mounts. More pieces make for more possible problems.
4) I don't run a rear track bar on my 89. As long as your running a good leaf spring set up that is not lifted a huge amount you will be fine.
Lastly your 8.8 is physically larger then your old 35 and your drive shaft may need to be modified in length a bit. You will need to put on the ford rear flange on the drive shaft or change the yolk on the diff.
Also put the diff in loose without welding and put it it down on full weight when setting the pinion angle then weld in the spring pads.
Good luck on the swap.
Cheers Randy.

Re: 8.8 Axle swap question
 

Thanks so much for the reply blueyj !

I will set my pinion as you suggested.

I am actually changing the yoke, was going to use an adapter flange but have been told they are weak, so I have purchased a yolk.

On the other details I am happy you agreed with my thoughts.. makes good sense !

Cheers
Dave

Re: 8.8 Axle swap question
 

"Also put the diff in loose without welding and put it it down on full weight when setting the pinion angle then weld in the spring pads"

So, because its spring under axle, actually put it in, and strap the ubolts down, tires on, etc, and then set the pinion angle before welding?