Thread: How did you decide?

I've been reading other users' jeep builds and some of the discussions on the different axles, and I was wondering- how did you decide what kind of axle to install in your jeep? Is it strictly personal choice, or is it more about how you use your jeep (total highway driving vs total off-roading vs a combo of the two)?

My decision for the 8.8 in the back was driven by its relatively low cost to get a moderate strength upgrade and disc brakes. I Decided to keep the D30 in the front and rebuild it with evo axles to keep as much ground clearance as possible. Although now i'm wondering if i should have gone with a 44 up front for the bigger brakes.

I'm looking into the 8.8 for low cost-to-strength ratio for it. I also do not plan on tires larger than 35" for this rig, which both the Dana 30 and 8.8 should handle with a little strengthening.

So to answer your question, a little of both.

I was going to go with an 8.8. Just before I pulled one, I got a lead on a Rubi 44 from a wrecked Rubi. I called the guy up and picked it up the next day for $400. Bent housing, bent shafts, no brakes. I straightened the housing, trussed it, put some chromo shafts and disc brakes back there and haven't had one problem in 2 years, 30,000 miles, and lots of hard wheeling and DD duty. I've got just under $1k in it.

Personal choice is a small part, but the size of tires you are wanting to run is more of the determining factor and parts availabilty sometimes comes into play as well.

Usually tire size is the biggest factor, then the width, then how much clearance you will gain or loose, and probably the amount of work it will take to install, if it's a D44 out a TJ it bolts in, anything else will require a welder.

Go by tire size and how hard you like to hit the skinny pedal. If you have 34+ and you like to hit the skinny pedal then you need a heavier rear end. I run a D35, trussed with a detroit locker and super d35 kit with alloy axles and 34s. I'm probably pushing the rear end, but i know what I have, so I wheel with that in mind and don't mash the pedal too hard.

When this explodes then I will bite the bullit and fo d44 or 8.8.

I Decided to keep the D30 in the front.