Drive shaft for Ford 8.8 swap
Ford 8.8 axles are a common upgrade for the Jeep YJ, TJ, and XJ. Most people who do the 8.8 swap will tell us that they already have the "adapter". The so-called adapter is what we would call a flange yoke and is something that should be treated as part of the drive shaft. Here's why. The drive shaft needs to be built and balanced as a complete assembly, with all drive shaft parts installed. If you add parts to the shaft after it is balanced, you will likely have a high speed vibration problem. This could be because the flange yoke is slightly heavier on one side than the other, or that it is machined slightly off-center which in turn puts the entire drive shaft off-center, thus causing a vibration. We can and do build drive shafts for 8.8 swaps that include the correct flange yoke. Your Ford 8.8 pinion flange might have one of two bolt patterns, measure what you have and select the correct option in the drop down menu. If you have questions about any of this, give us a call!
Shaft will require a slip yoke eliminator.
- Will bolt directly to your 8.8 pinion flange.
- Bolts to 1310 series yoke on transfer case.
- 2" diameter .120 wall USA made DOM tube.
- Bigger and stronger than stock spline stub.
- Forged slip yoke.
- Greaseable CV center ball.
- Your choice between Tom Wood's exclusive Gold Seal greaseable universal joints or non-greaseable joints.
- Your choice of spine and slip yoke options, more on that here. Shafts shorter than 17 3/4" are too long for the X spline, you will need to select the S spline option.
- Comes with new CV bolts with reduced head for ease of installation.
- Best of all every shaft is custom built to whatever length you need. So you can be sure that you will get the right thing the first time around.
Just make sure you measure the length and the bolt pattern as shown in the product photos. THERE ARE TWO PRE-SYE MEASURMENT PHOTOS, USE THE ONE THAT MATCHES YOUR VERSION OF THE 231 TRANSFER CASE.
Why do I need to measure?
When considering why measurement is essential for selecting the right drive shaft, the variability introduced by vehicle modifications becomes paramount. For example, even with standardized lift sizes like 3 inches for a Jeep Wrangler JK, the specific type of lift kit and accompanying components such as control arms can vary significantly. Control arms, whether adjustable or fixed, alter the axle's position, directly impacting the required length of the drive shaft. This variability means that assumptions based on lift size alone can lead to incorrect fittings and potential operational issues. At our company, we prioritize accuracy and customer satisfaction by requesting measurements. This ensures that the drive shaft we provide fits precisely and functions reliably within your vehicle's specific setup. By taking a quick measurement from your transfer case yoke to your axle yoke, you can guarantee a custom-fit solution without additional cost or delay, optimizing both performance and safety.
How long does shipping take and how much does shipping cost?
Almost all orders placed by 5:00 Mountain Time will ship the following business day. When we are experiencing an abnormally high order volume some orders will ship 2 business days after the order is received. See the map below for transit times. We offer free UPS Ground shipping anywhere in the lower 48 states on any order over $200. $10 shipping on orders less than $200. If you need faster shipping or don't see the options you need, please call us.
What are the different spline options?
- S Spline (Short): Conventional spline stub with a safe and effective 3" stroke.
- X Spline (Extended): Longer than the S spline, cut for the full length of the spline stub, yielding more than twice the contact area and a 4.5" stroke for extended life.
- XB (Boot): Heavy rubber boot with stainless steel banding for wet and dirty conditions.
- XC (Cap/Dust Cap): Drilled and tapped slip yoke with grease fitting and dust cap for rocks and extreme wheeling.
- The X spline with XC yoke is considered the best all-around option. Different yoke-seal options are only available with the X spline. The S spline always comes with a dust cap. X spline may not be an option depending or total length of drive shaft.
Are greaseable or non-greaseable joints better?
Non-greaseable joints are slightly stronger, but the difference is not significant compared to regularly maintained greaseable joints. The key factor is maintenance:
- Greaseable joints: Outlast non-greaseable joints if greased regularly, but require consistent upkeep.
- Non-greaseable joints: Maintenance-free but cannot be re-greased when they dry out, eventually needing replacement.
Choose greaseable joints if you are committed to regular maintenance. If you prefer a maintenance-free option, non-greaseable joints are suitable, but remember that other drive shaft components may still need greasing. The best choice ultimately depends on your individual needs and preferences.