I have come across some lightly used "1997 Ford Explorer Rear Disc brakes" from an 8.8 which include all parts except for caliper bolts.

The question: Can I swap out my Chrysler 8.25 29 spline open rear axle drum brakes using the forementioned disc brakes?

I have been reading threads all over the web, including Naxja/Jeepin/CF threads. The topic has been mentioned on numerous occasions, however after reading the threads there are no conclusions. There are theories which involve expensive conversion kits which compile the use of ZJ backing plates and Explorer Calipers. The Ford Falcon has been mentioned and the Crown Vic however the thread usually involved the D44.

I would think about using the ZJ setup and am quite familiar with the extensive related threads however I got this setup free and if possible it would be nice to use "free-99".

Any help on the matter would be greatly appreciated, if I have missed something please tell me.

Current setup: 95 XJ, 4.0 I6, D30 w/lockrite, 8.25 29 spline open on 33's.

Thank you in advance.

 

The 8.8 will bolt in pretty easy with a few minor mods. You will need one of these, it makes the swap real easy.

http://www.mountainoffroad.com/_e/Fo...1_Cherokee.htm

As far as brakes... all the ford brake parts will work fine, I wanted to use the same XJ splitter block that mounts to the axle tube. then I just ran the lines to the calapers from there. I used 1966 mustang front rubber brake lines to go fron the hard line to the calapers. I run all my brakes off of the stock XJ mastercylinder with no problems.

This site will help too its for a yj but you can get a better idea of what you will need to measure.


http://www.jedi.com/obiwan/jeep/ford88.html

 

Thank you for the response, you provided a wealth of information. I am however, not actually installing the entire 8.8 axle.

I am attempting to install just the disc brakes from the 8.8 and install them on my existing Chrysler 8.25.

If you have any further insight on this it is appreciated. Thank you again, I bookmarked what you offered if I get an entire 8.8 axle in the future.

 

I checked this also, and the holes on the axle flanges on the 8.8 will not line up with the holes in backers on the 8.25....**at least the ones I have** If I had a 8.8 just sitting around, I would spend the extra money to swap this in. An 8.25 is not that much stronger than a D35, where a 8.8 (if it has 31 spline shafts) is almost 3 times stronger than both. This would be a smart choice esp if your running 33's.

 

which is an easier disc break swap? zj or 8.8?

 

Info wrong the 27 spline 8.25 is only one step better than a turdyfive,while the 29 spline 8.25 is comparable to the d44 .Ofcourse than comes the 8.8. Lets get the info right for the guys if your going to tell it. thanks

 

If you have a MIG welder, a tape measure and know how to use them, there at about the same level. Just less steps to go through with a zj disk swap.

 

This where I got my info, if im incorrect sorry. Rich is correct if the 29 spline 8.25 is as strong as a D44....thats prett respectable. An 8.8 Probably "not" 3 times stronger, but still way stronger. Everyones best bet is to know what they have and their needs before they swap.




The axle shaft strength tested by Warn Ind:
F8.8= 6,500 (lb. ft.)
D44= 4,600-5,000 (lb. ft.)
D35C= 4,000-4,300 (lb. ft.)
-------------------------------
COT: Continuous output torque rating
MOT: Maximum output torque rating

(Numbers from January edition of Fourwheeler, page 60.)
Dana 35 rear axle COT: 870 MOT: 3480
Dana 44 rear axle COT: 1100 MOT: 4460
Ford 8.8 28spline COT: 1250 MOT: 4600
Ford 8.8 31spline COT: 1360 MOT: 5100
Dana60 semifloat COT: 1500 MOT: 5500]

 

Well thanks for the input guys. I am reading now that some people have done some conversions using the Crown Vic discs (supposedly the same as 8.8) on the Xj too. This is a positive for me.

BLKK96: Noted, however I came across the discs only; not he whole axle so I am going to stick with it for now. Wife would destroy me if I changed it out now!...

Rich, thanks for the feedback as well.

Truckntractorhick, The ZJ install is more common and the thread information regarding the conversion is abundant. I think it depends on the area if you have accesss to parts. And of course if my conversion does work I will try and remember to send you some feedback (+/-).