M.O.R.E. Ford 8.8 / Dana 60 Axle Swap Kit - Jeep Cherokee XJ 1984-2001

The factory Dana 35 rear axle in a Cherokee XJ is the weak link once you add tire size and start leaning on it. A Ford 8.8 from a 1995 or newer Ford Explorer is a well-known upgrade, and this M.O.R.E. kit gives you the weld-on hardware to put one under your Jeep. M.O.R.E. lists it for Dana 60 swaps too.

What the Explorer 8.8 brings, per M.O.R.E.: the same lug bolt pattern as your Jeep, disc brakes on 1995 and newer units, 31 spline shafts, an 8.8" ring gear versus the Dana 35's 7.5", 3-1/4" tubes and a factory Trac-Lok differential. M.O.R.E. rates it as 120% stronger than the D35 while adding only about 20 pounds.

In the box: new anti-wrap spring mounts and shock mounts, both weld-on, plus U-bolts and the matching U-bolt plates. You supply the axle: find a complete rear assembly from a 1995 or newer Explorer at a salvage yard, then torch off the Ford spring and sway bar mounts. Most Explorers came with 3.73 gears, so you may need to regear to match your front axle.

Know the trade-offs going in. The 8.8 comes in 5/8" narrower on each side than the D35, which is minor and works fine with wheels that have less backspacing than stock (spacers are another option). Your ABS has to be disconnected and will not work with this swap. Matching emergency brake cables are available separately from M.O.R.E.

This is a fabrication project: cutting, grinding and structural welding on the axle housing. Set pinion angle at ride height and tack everything before final welds. M.O.R.E. has been building Jeep parts in Delta, Colorado since 1978, when Chris Overacker started the company in his home garage. Parts are designed in 3D CAD, cut on Mazak lasers and welded by certified welders, all in-house in the USA.

Questions on fitment? Call or text the NVMOS crew at (920) 249-7744 — real humans in Sheboygan, WI.