8.8 MODULAR truss

The Artec Industries 8.8 Modular Truss is the most versatile way to brace the Ford Explorer 8.8" axle, the go-to budget rear-end swap for Jeep builders. It ships as a modular, self-jigging kit that clamps and welds around the housing to stop axle wrap and tube bending, while giving you a flat platform to mount upper links when you convert to a link-style rear suspension.

Key Features

• Built entirely from 1/4" mild steel for strength without excess bulk
• Modular, interlocking construction that self-jigs for easy, accurate assembly
• Low-profile design keeps upper-link joints roughly 8 inches from the axle centerline for good geometry
• Precision CNC cut and bent to wrap the 8.8 housing closely
• Flat top surface ready for upper-link brackets on a 3-link or 4-link build
• Reinforces the tubes so the 8.8 can handle bigger tires and harder wheeling

Fitment & Compatibility

Designed for the Ford 8.8" rear axle sourced from the Ford Explorer (and similar donors). This axle is one of the most popular rear swaps into the Jeep Wrangler TJ (1997-2006) and LJ, Cherokee XJ (1984-2001), and Wrangler YJ (1987-1995). Pair it with the matching swap brackets for your chassis and coil-spring or leaf configuration.

Specifications

What's in the Box

• Modular 8.8 truss top and side plates
• Interlocking 1/4" steel gussets

Frequently Asked Questions

What does "modular" mean here?
The truss ships as interlocking flat and bent pieces rather than a single pre-formed shell. They self-jig together, which makes the truss adaptable to slightly different housings and easy to align while welding.

Which Jeeps is the 8.8 swap popular in?
The Ford Explorer 8.8 is a favorite rear-axle upgrade in the Jeep TJ/LJ (1997-2006), XJ Cherokee (1984-2001), and YJ (1987-1995) because it is strong, cheap, and comes with disc brakes.

Do I need to weld it on?
Yes. This is a weld-on truss. The interlocking design holds the parts in place while you tack and finish-weld to the axle tubes.

What else pairs with this for a TJ build?
For a coil-sprung TJ rear, the Rear TJ Coil Perches and Retainers locate the springs in the factory position when used with Artec modular trusses. If you want a complete kit, see the TJ 8.8 Swap Kit with Truss.