I have a 96 Cherokee with the Chrysler 8.25 in the rear end. Several of my Jeepin buddies have swapped out their rear axles with the Ford 8.8. Is the Ford 8.8 really that much stronger? I really don't like anything Ford, so I don't want to do the swap unless I really have to.

I have this axle in my Cherokee too. I'm running 33" tire and it's strong enough for me. It roughly the same rearend that Dodge puts in the Dakota and some of their 1/2 ton trucks. If you've got the 27 spline 8.25 and are worried about breakage carry a spare or install alloy axles. It's not to rough to change. Just remove the tire, crack the pumpkin, and remove a c-clip.

I did break a stock 27 spline axle doing something really stupid on the Rubicon after I installed a locker. I broke a big rock in half as well as my axle. I don't do stupid stuff as much and I've since installed alloy axles. I had no issues with this axle since.

If you've got the 27 spline 8.25 you can make it stronger by installing 29 spline alloy axles and a locker to match. Or just install 27 spline alloys as I did. IMHO this axle doesn't need swapping if your running up to 33" tires. The D35 that under most jeeps is a POS with bigger tires and thats why you hear alot of swapping talk.\

The 8.8 is 10 times better an axle than a 27 spline 8.25, and 5 times better than a 29 spline.
The comparisons take into account the fact that the "good" 8.8 has disc brakes, 31 spline shafts, more after market up gradeability (hd covers, c clip eliminators, 35 spline diffs...) the 8.25 has squat, other than 29 spline shaft upgrades.
So....from someone who really does not like "ford" anything, (me) either, I've learned that if you keep a POS 8.25 or a GM 10 bolt (both junk) axle under your rig to avoid "ford" you are missing the boat of good inexpensive upgrading.

I mention the GM 10 bolt as an example of a crappy axle not worth having under a chevy not matter how much I like gm.
At this point I'd put a Ford 9" under my 396 SS Chevelle* and watch all the idiots who think that keeping it all OE is the only way, eat my dust.

* if I had a 396 SS.

SD

PS the weak point on the 8.8 is the tubes trying to come loose from the center section, so tell your buds that run them to weld the tubes solid to the center.

Tacoma, the Ford 8.8 is basically the Ford 9" rear (the best dang rear axle ever manufactured) since ford no longer makes the 9". I have the 8.8" (limited slip) swapped into my '88 Ranger trail rig because it's the perfect width...the 9" would stick the tires too far out the sides unless I had it shortened which costs mucho dollars, so the 8.8 was the perfect, bulletproof axle for hammering 35" tires.

One thing I learned in the Coast Guard towing 20,000 LB boats around every day, 6 days a week for 4 years and selling auto parts for a couple years was Ford makes some damn good trucks and truck parts. I won't comment on the other trucks we had because I'd like to keep that can 'o worms closed!!! Not saying they weren't good trucks at ALL, just that 1 held up far better than the rest, hands down.

Superdawg...heh...I had to laugh about the "if I had a 396 Chevelle". If we could only have everything we wanted, huh? My 3 "dream" vehicles are a WWII Willy's (um, Rit's Willy's in particular...that thing is just awesome)a 60-something Ford pickup, and a '79 F-350 Hi-Boy with the 351M or 460 (good on gas!). Oh, I wouldn't mind an old SS Camaro or Shelby mustang, either, but I'm just more of a truck guy.

OK, you guys have definately answered my questions! I plan for this rig to eventually be a little of a crawler. I know I will eventually be running at least 35's maybe 36's. I know one of my buddies with a 91 XJ paid about $100 for his 8.8 with disc brakes and 3:73 gears. Then just welded all his brackets to it. So I'm just gonna have to suck it up and do it.

P.S. Yes, I would like to have a 396 SS Chevelle....So I'll keep dreaming for now. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" />

Tacoma...what do all of the NASCAR vehicles run for rear axles? Ford

I am almost certain they run a Ford 9" rearend in NASCAR.
Big Jim <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/pfft.gif" alt="" />