Quote
I have a rear tire off the ground about as often as a front, if not more. which sucks for me because my xj is open at both ends. i'm not sure which end i would lock if i was buying one locker
Well in theory when you are climbing (need a locker the most) the front end is unloaded so is more likely to lift a tire, in addition since some of the weight is transferred to the rear the rear tires (in general) are going to have better traction. So a locker in front can sometime be better since you are more likely to lift a front tire first.

Quote
by the way christian, i saw some rangers at glendale auto wrecking 623.939.5932 when i was getting my f150 hubs and rotors. you might want to call them and ask about an 8.8. don't call driven
Thanks! I went through junkyarddog.com to look for an 8.8, but I forgot about Rangers (I thought the rear end was something else) and I only asked about Explorer rears. I will give them a call also.

From my research it looks like you can have a Ford 8.8 rear for about $1100 if you do it yourself.
used Ford8.8 $400 - $500
Brackets for TJ $350 weld on yourself
Ebrake adaptor $ 60
locker of choice $260 Aussie

This assumes you do not have to re-build, re-gear or re-set the gears. In addition the ABS in it are different and will not work with the Jeep system. Not that ABS is that big of a deal, I would preffer not to have it, especially off road!

2007 4x4 Tacoma Dbl Cab with TDR and rear locker - stock for now
2001 Wrangler Sport - sold
1998 Rodeo S 4x4 - traded in