Ford 8.8 build

[Guest]

Before I order the u-bolts and spring plates. Can someone confirm the Ford 8.8 axle is 3.25"? I was told that is right, just wanted to confirm.

Thanks.

[2blk2drs]

have a tape measure? mine was 3.25"

And why not use the spring plates off the donor"?

[Guest]

have a tape measure? mine was 3.25"

And why not use the spring plates off the donor"?

Good question. I heard the shock mounts are low from Ford 8.8? Also, the stock u-bolts are 1/2" and I thought going to 5/8" would be better? If I can save $$$ I am all ears. What did you do? Here is what I was going to order.

[Guest]

I bought the perches $25.99 - Moroso #85090

[Guest]

Post #138. Those parts were ordered. From Ballistic Fabrication $86.49

I'll let you know how their service/shipping is. Their based out of AZ.

[Guest]

Well, as most know, I was in a hurry to remove the axle and didn't want to have to come back (they closed when I was done)! I wanted that "D2" axle.

So, here is the picture of the cut brake line, and the part I have and the part needed to marry them back. Auto Zone #78738 or Napa #UP380528 - $14.98

Part I have.


Part I cut.


Part I need to marry them.


Not my jeep, but it should look like this.

[6spdYJ]

I'm a little late on this one, I've found that Trailmaster u-bolt kits are very affordable through 4wheelparts. They average $30ish for a set of 4 in 1/2" dia. They also make 9/16 and 5/8. Check out the post under off topic for $25 off at 4wheelpatrs Santa Ana. GET ON THEIR EMAIL LIST. I got my rear bolts for my 44 and a set of poly shackle bushings for $8. I just ordered my square bolts for the front flip for $8.70. They wouldn't add military discount this time. The send out this $25 offer usually once a year, but it's always a store 40 miles away.

[Guest]

I'm a little late on this one, I've found that Trailmaster u-bolt kits are very affordable through 4wheelparts. They average $30ish for a set of 4 in 1/2" dia. They also make 9/16 and 5/8. Check out the post under off topic for $25 off at 4wheelpatrs Santa Ana. GET ON THEIR EMAIL LIST. I got my rear bolts for my 44 and a set of poly shackle bushings for $8. I just ordered my square bolts for the front flip for $8.70. They wouldn't add military discount this time. The send out this $25 offer usually once a year, but it's always a store 40 miles away.

I called 4wheel and they said they don't stock u-bolts (mail order only) and $25 off is for instore only. So, I just ordered from Billistics. The kit should be here on Tuesday. I got the u-bolts and spring plate, and shock tabs for $84 (posted above). It was also hard to find a SUA kit. So, I pieced it together on their web site. No complaints! Besides not getting $25 off! haha

[Guest]

Just got the axle painted. Cleaned it with degreaser. Penske worked good (from Walmart). Followed by semi-gloss black paint (rattle can).

[6spdYJ]

Yeah, 4wheel doesn't typically stock them, but they do carry Trailmaster. The trick is to call Trailmaster and describe what you want and get their P/N and then call 4wheel. They will do a special order. Get the manager's name and a guarantee to get the discount if the delivery takes longer than the offer lasts. Give them a contact number and they call you when it comes in.
Axle looks great. I've had good luck with Rustoleum Appliance Epoxy paint. It takes a while to cure, but it's so slick that it's a breeze to clean off. It will scratch, but not terribly. If you glance a wrench off of it, no big deal. Rocks, different story. It really doesn't like brake fluid though. I get it at Home Depot for about $5.

[Guest]

Yeah, 4wheel doesn't typically stock them, but they do carry Trailmaster. The trick is to call Trailmaster and describe what you want and get their P/N and then call 4wheel. They will do a special order. Get the manager's name and a guarantee to get the discount if the delivery takes longer than the offer lasts. Give them a contact number and they call you when it comes in.
Axle looks great. I've had good luck with Rustoleum Appliance Epoxy paint. It takes a while to cure, but it's so slick that it's a breeze to clean off. It will scratch, but not terribly. If you glance a wrench off of it, no big deal. Rocks, different story. It really doesn't like brake fluid though. I get it at Home Depot for about $5.

Regarding 4wheel, thanks for the heads up for next time.

I was going to use Rustoleum Appliance Epoxy paint. But, ended up with Rustoleum semi-gloss and went cheap, I admit.

[2blk2drs]

Ron a ZJ rear caliper line should fit the bill for that line you need.

[Guest]

Trying to post on the thread so others can use this as a reference if they want

I already got the one for the Ford 8.8 Passenger side. It was $15 as the one you posted was $12. #70483 is the part number for that one if anyone wants to save.

[Guest]

Here is the factory one #78330 at Auto Zone. I wonder if I should have just got this one and not used the braided line one? Is it worth the extra effort to plumb it?

[2blk2drs]

I wouldn't as I don't like the design of having 2 rubber lines on the dist block, with no way to separate them.

Also your rear distribution block/axle vent housing will swap right over from the 8.25 looks more "factory" this way imho

:beer: