Differential identification

[TheRedBaron]

Gentlemen (and the rest of you), this is my first jeep and I'm still on a pretty steep learning curve. The more I find out about my jeep the more I like it. That being said, I'm just starting to consider lockers and wanted to identify my rear axle. I have disc brakes on the rear and thought, ok, cool, and figured maybe it was a Dana 60(?), but here's the differential pictured and I just don't know. Is it a ford with limited slip? That would be cool. Or is there a way to positively identify it? Never been a car guy, but looking forward to being a jeep guy (my wife thought it would be cheaper than being a gun guy!). Thanks for any help!!

 

[Oneslowtj]

Looks to me like you have a ford 8.8

 

[DuckNut]

There is usually a little metal tag under one of the bolts that tell you the axle and gear ratios.

I am not an expert, but it looks pretty circular, and that would indicate Dana 30.

 

[Oneslowtj]

There is usually a little metal tag under one of the blots that tell you yhe axle snd gear ratios.

I am not an expert but it looks pretty circular and that would indicate Dana 30.

Yes . But that picture looks like it’s from the rear and there weren’t any Dana30s in the rears.

 

[Rickyd]

It is an 8.8 swap. Don't fill it up to the bottom of the aftermarket drain plug. Factory is much lower

I am not an expert, but it looks pretty circular, and that would indicate Dana 30.

Dana 30 wouldn't be next to the gas tank even if that wasn't a ford diff

 

[DuckNut]

Yes . But that picture looks like it’s from the rear and there weren’t any Dana30s in the rears.

Like it said, I ain't no expert. Still learning myself.

 

[Mac57]

OEM rear axles for 1999 were Dana 35 and Dana 44. What you have is neither of those, I to am in the Ford 8.8 camp.

If you haven't been there already strongly suggest you go to the TJ resources section of this forum, loads of valuable information there including factory service manuals to ramp up your Jeep steep learning curve.

 

[TheRedBaron]

OEM rear axles for 1999 were Dana 35 and Dana 44. What you have is neither of those, I to am in the Ford 8.8 camp.

If you haven't been there already strongly suggest you go to the TJ resources section of this forum, loads of valuable information there including factory service manuals to ramp up your Jeep steep learning curve.

Thank you!

 

[TheRedBaron]

Ok... I was guessing the ford myself after doing a google image search. I appreciate the confirmation. Aside from the disc brakes... are there other advantages to having it?

 

[Oneslowtj]

Like it said, I ain't no expert. Still learning myself.

We’re all still learning

 

[Oneslowtj]

Ok... I was guessing the ford myself after doing a google image search. I appreciate the confirmation. Aside from the disc brakes... are there other advantages to having it?

It’s stronger than a Dana 35. Not sure about a 44.

 

[Woodrow]

Gentlemen (and the rest of you), this is my first jeep and I'm still on a pretty steep learning curve. The more I find out about my jeep the more I like it. That being said, I'm just starting to consider lockers and wanted to identify my rear axle. I have disc brakes on the rear and thought, ok, cool, and figured maybe it was a Dana 60(?), but here's the differential pictured and I just don't know. Is it a ford with limited slip? That would be cool. Or is there a way to positively identify it? Never been a car guy, but looking forward to being a jeep guy (my wife thought it would be cheaper than being a gun guy!). Thanks for any help!!

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View attachment 582939

It is a reasonably robust axle compared to the stock Dana 35 it likely replaced. I have one in my 2012 S197 mustang and it lives with 400whp. Here is a link with some info which may help you figure out which one you have:
https://www.therangerstation.com/tech/ford-8-8-inch-rear-axle-history-and-specs/#gsc.tab=0

 

[LONGJP2]

Ok... I was guessing the ford myself after doing a google image search. I appreciate the confirmation. Aside from the disc brakes... are there other advantages to having it?

https://wranglertjforum.com/threads/dana-44-or-ford-8-8.69039/

 

[inkedrose]

You have a different cover but this should help with shape and bolt pattern

 

[TheRedBaron]

OK, here are some of the other images I got. Should I be concerned that those wires lead to nothing and do these numbers help identify?

 

[jjvw]

... are there other advantages to having it?

It is big, heavy, and narrow.

 

[Rickyd]

OK, here are some of the other images I got. Should I be concerned that those wires lead to nothing and do these numbers help identify?

View attachment 582980

View attachment 582981

View attachment 582982

Speed sensor wires for the Ford PCM

 

[TheRedBaron]

Again, I appreciate the answers and links to threads- navigating the forum is also a learning curve.

 

[hosejockey61]

That's a Ford 8.8. They are strong but they have several drawbacks. First, they are narrow- about 5/8" on each side. Second, the pumpkin hangs low and it drags over everything like a boat anchor. Third, they have an offset pumpkin which creates driveline issues. Lastly, they are expensive to re-bracket everything to fit a TJ.

A lot of people use them instead of a Dana 35. They are heavy.