Other than the Ford 9 inch, it is the other dependable. Just wondering what years of GM's I could pick from to get the proper width? Or how much would I have to modify? I am not afraid of the stripping of the brackets or other protrusions, nor the re fab or extra welding.

That's a pretty stout axle for a TJ. What size tires you going with? What motor?

8 lug in full floater only, so 8 lug rear axle, 5 on 4.5 front? 66" wide rear axle 61" wide front?

Really, what is the whole plan?

D60 front axle too? It can work, with long arms and beefed everything else.

14bolt, cutting it down to match front end? Not so much.
Leaving it full width works. Best with 40+ tall tires.

plan?

SD

Not really sure of what I want just throwing out ideas. I don't trust the stockers on the TJ (D30/D35). So I want some thing I can trust and didn't know if a person can cut down an axle to make it fit under what ever. Yes the GM 14 bolt is a stout axle, but that is the point. Build it once and be done with it. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/evil.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/mrt.gif" alt="" />
Here in Frankfort it is hard to get a hold of the typical D60 or even a D44. So I was looking into other junkyard alternatives. A Ford 9 inch would be great or even a 8.8. I want to build an axle with larger bearings and spines as well as a ring and pinion. But it seems that the width is going to be the issue.
I want to go the junkyard route because of a budget. Yes, I could go to a magazine and order one of the beefed up Curries or some thing of that magnitude. But way too expensive. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/shame.gif" alt="" />
Thanks for the replies, I would like some more and maybe put an end to the whole thing. So I could stop worrying about it and start looking and building.
Any ideas would be great <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

Most of the guys around here have replaced the D35 in their TJs with a Ford 8.8. None of them have had problem with it later.

As far as I've gone with the 8.8 is that it comes from the Explorer. With that the width is in the same range as the TJ. Do you know what year Ex?
Did your friends do any thing else like chromoly axles or any beefing up?

Steve here is a chart that can help greatly in looking for an 8.8: The CODE is written on a stickon in the drivers door post.. So simply by opening the drivers door one can find what is under the back end.
The code on my Ranger is R7 which means I have a 31 spline locking rearend. It is the newer locker that doesn't have clutches as I have ever seen them.. Lots of gears and a principle I don't understand but it locks up fine when needed.
Oh yeah notice there is also a 7.5 axle..forget about those..
Big Jim <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/pfft.gif" alt="" />

Ranger
Code
Description
Capacity
Ratio

72
open 6-7/8"
2200
3.08

74
open 6-7/8"
2200
3.45

82
open 7.5"
2750
3.08

84
open 7.5"
2750
3.45

86
open 7.5"
2750
3.73

87
open 7.5"
2750
4.10

91
open 8.8"
2750
3.27

92
open 8.8"
2750
3.08

95
open 8.8"
2750
3.55

96
open 8.8"
2750
3.73

97
open 8.8"
2750
4.10

98
open 8.8"
2750
4.56

F4
L/S 7.5"
2750
3.45

F6
L/S 7.5"
2750
3.73

F7
L/S 7.5"
2750
4.10

R5
L/S 8.8"
2750
3.55

R6
L/S 8.8"
2750
3.73

R7
L/S 8.8"
2750
4.10

R8
L/S 8.8"
2750
4.56



(Note 4.56 geared axles '99-up are 31-spline)

Explorer
Code
Description
Capacity
Ratio

41
Open 8.8"
3200
3.27

43
Open 8.8"
3200
3.08

44
Open 8.8"
3200
3.73

45
Open 8.8"
3200
3.55

D1
L/S 8.8"
3200
3.27

D2
L/S 8.8"
3200
4.10

D4
L/S 8.8"
3200
3.73

D5
L/S 8.8"
3200
3.73


L - Limited Slip Differential
C - Conventional Differential
Code
Ratio

85
3.55C

89 (1992-1998)
4.10C

89 (1999-2001)
4.56C

F5
3.55L

K6 4.10L

Hey thanks Jim. How do get or receive info like that? I appreciate it. Hopefully I can go to the yard and find a good donor.
Hey, while your reading this. What do think, a 8.8 or 9? I know there is a lot of support in the mags. on both. The 9 is very popular in the drag car end of things. The 8.8 can be found at a right length but what about the 9?
I also noticed in your post that some of those rear ends come with 4.56 R/P, what is one the front of some of these vehicles and I wonder if any would be usable?
Thanks again man you always come through! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

Steve although the 8.8 is advertised as available with a 4:56 I have never seen one. In fact I have never heard of anyone finding one.
When looking at 8.8's one needs to measure the dia at the spring. Of course I'm not looking at one now but the 27 spline has 1/4" dia LESS than the 31 spline. Where the axle comes out of the punkin they are the same dia BOTH taper but the 27 spline tapers quickly after the punkin and the 31 spline doesn't taper until near the spring perch. At which time it tapers LESS than the 27 spline. Once one looks closely at them both he will forever know what is inside without tearing it apart.
Of course if one has time to look and wait one would want to purchase a 31 spline with discs.. Which are on limitd amounts of Rangers and in different areas plentiful on sploders.
No question the 9" is stronger. However most are old and worn. Prolly looking at bunches more dollars.. BUT once installed properly should be the very last time you ever think about a rear end.
Big JIm <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/pfft.gif" alt="" />

A nine is what I was looking for in the first place. I read in JP Mag. that the 8.8 was just as good. But I talked to some guys over at the drag racing thing and they said that the 9 would serve me better. (Lots of support for the 9)
I really do appreciate the info you gave me on the 8.8.

Thanks <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

I feel the 9 will be the best fit. Hopefully I can find some thing that will fit without a whole lot of mods.