Ford 8.8 Swap Kit with Truss for Jeep Wrangler TJ 1997-2006

The TJ 8.8 Swap Kit is the axle-side hardware to put a Ford Explorer 8.8 rear under a 1997-2006 Jeep Wrangler TJ while keeping the factory suspension layout. The 8.8 carries a larger ring gear and stronger shafts than the TJ's Dana 35, and this kit relocates every factory mount — links, coils, sway bar, shocks, and trackbar — to the correct positions on the Explorer housing. A full-length truss with interlocked gussets reinforces the axle in the same operation, and because each bracket is jigged into the truss, positions set themselves instead of coming off a tape measure. Typical shop time for prep and install runs four to six hours.

Features

• 1/4" mild steel truss and brackets, precision CNC cut and bent
• All brackets included: upper and lower control arm mounts, shock mounts, anti-sway bar mounts, trackbar mount, and coil spring mounts
• Trackbar mount provides the factory location plus a raised location for lifted rigs
• Brackets jig into the truss and set exact positions automatically
• Interlocked 1/4" gussets add strength and speed assembly
• Truss contoured for the 8.8 housing, which sits offset 2" to the passenger side
• Kit weight approximately 45 lbs; made in the USA

Your existing TJ arms, springs, and shocks carry over since the factory locations are reused — just source a solid Explorer 8.8 and plan for a weld-on install with real welding behind it, plus paint over the bare steel when done. Running a triangulated four-link instead? Step up to the Triangulated TJ 8.8 Swap Kit with Truss. ZJ owners get their own version in the ZJ 8.8 Swap Kit with Truss, and the full lineup is in our complete axle sets collection.