Antilock Swap Stopper
So here is the story: I have an '02 TJ Sport, and as any Jeep owner with a mind to go bigger knows, the Dana 35 is junk, so I started looking for a Dana 44. A buddy told me to look at the Ford 8.8. I look, get a BIG smile, and then get smacked in the face. I have an ABS-equipped Jeep. Do you know of any way to make the ABS work with the 8.8?Nick WormanMooresville, Indiana
Most guys I know of doing this swap are simply installing the non-ABS rear axle and pulling the ABS lightbulb from the dash. Sorry, but to my knowledge, the Ford ABS tone ring system and the Jeep's computer aren't compatible. If there are any brake bias issues, an adjustable proportioning valve can be installed in the rear line.
Jacked Around
I just bought a new Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon model and picked up a 48-inch Hi-Lift jack and a 3-inch x 30-foot tow strap. Do you think the 48-inch jack is high enough, or is it too tall for my stock Jeep? Also, is the tow strap a little overkill? It's rated for up to 30,000 pounds. The guys at my local 4Wheel Parts Performance Center recommended the 3x30 over the 2x30. The 2x30 is only good for 20,000 pounds.Kenny HunterVia e-mail
The 48-inch jack is certainly easier to stow than the 60-inch version. It should be tall enough; just make sure to carry a small ratchet strap with you in your tool kit. That way, you can snake the strap around the frame and attach the other end to the axle so the tire won't drop out as much when you jack up the vehicle.
The 3x30 strap may be slightly overkill, but it's always better to err on the safe side. I think they steered you in the right direction. I carry a 3x30 in my 3,000-pound trail rig. I've had the same one for almost 10 years now, so consider your strap a sound investment.
Spicer Savior
I have a Spicer 18 transfer case, but it's missing the piece that connects it to the transmission. There's just a big hole where it goes. It does have all the gears except the actual one that meets the transmission shaft to rotate it. It's missing the cover piece too. What are these called, and where can I get them?Danny AndersonVia e-mail
That big hole connects to the back of the T-84, T-90, T-14, or T-98 transmission. You'll need to get yourself a new mainshaft gear, mainshaft gear locking nut (nylock), and the PTO cover plate.
You'll need to count the splines of your transmission output shaft since Jeep used both six- and 10-spline. You'll also need to count the teeth on the gears it will mesh with because there are both 26- and 29-tooth gears. 4Wheel Drive Hardware (800/555-3353, www.4wd.com) carries everything you'll need, with the exception of the PTO cover plate. You can try Web sites like www.craigslist.com, www.ebay.com, www.willystech.com, or www.earlycj5.com and see if anybody is selling one. You may also be able to purchase the cover plate from ATV Manufacturing at www.hermtheoverdriveguy.com or cut one out of sheetmetal yourself.
Use the following part numbers from 4WD Hardware for your mainshaft and nut:
PN 947382: 10 spline, 29 teeth
PN 809297: 6 spline, 29 teeth
PN 937339: 6 spline, 26 teeth
PN 940970: mainshaft locking nut
Fender Bender
I have a '91 Renegade, and it has fiberglass trim around the fenders, as well as beneath the doors. I want to strip that off and change the front fenders. I plan to use Bushwackers in the rear, but I see some of the Jeeps in Jp Magazine have small front fenders that really look cool. Can you point me to a manufacturer of aftermarket fenders? Do I have no other alternative to go with than stock Wrangler fenders?Jarret FinoVia e-mail
Poison Spyder Customs (www.spydercustoms.com) has tubular front fenders, but there is cutting required. Smittybilt (www.smittybilt.com) has bolt-on front tube fenders, as does Rev 1 (www.rev1crawlers.com).
Hydro Lock
I've been looking for a line lock or something similar to give my XJ back some kind of parking brake. I just read a disc versus drums article you wrote years ago when you were at 4-Wheel & Off-Road, and it mentioned that you found a line lock in the JC Whitney catalog for under $25! I can't seem to find a line lock, let alone one under $25. Can you help me out here? I've got a '99 XJ with an 8-inch lift, 35-inch tires, a Dana 30 front, and Dana 44 rear with disc brakes. Thanks for your help, and I love the magazine!1LT Dan ColeVia e-mail
It was a Jamar Park Lock. I'm not sure if JC Whitney still carries it, but it's available through most companies that carry sand-rail stuff.
McKenzie's (714/441-1212, www.mckenzies.com) has them, although the price is just a tad over $28 nowadays. Order PN JAM-PK1 to get what you're looking for.
Going Commando
Help! I can't seem to find any information, parts, or anything on my '68 Jeep Commando. It is my daily driver, so it needs to be somewhat road worthy. Right now, everything is stock - Dana 27 front, Dana 30 rear - I think; it has the original 225 V-6, three speed. I am looking to get wider axles, not necessarily bigger and beefier, just wider. I want to run at least 33s, maybe 35s. What kind of axles should I look for if I plan on doing moderate four-wheeling? Does a Detroit Locker in the rear and an ARB in the front sound good? Will my powerplant be able to handle tires that big, or should I look for more power? Also, I don't really know where to start making modifications to my rig, any ideas?Nick AdlerVia e-mail
Just for the record, your '68 C-101 Jeepster should have the 225 odd-fire Buick V-6, T-14 three-speed manual or TH400 three-speed auto tranny, Dana 20 T-case, Dana 27 front, and Dana 44 rear axles. Only the four-cylinder models were supposed to get the somewhat rare Dana 30 rear from '67-'69, but you can never say never.
If you just want wider, you can go with a set of Dana 44 axles out of a Wagoneer. They'll also be substantially stronger than your original axles and will survive with 33s or 35s just fine when used behind your 225. However, this is not a bolt-in operation. The 225 puts out good power and great torque and shouldn't have any trouble turning 35s with a set of aftermarket 4.56 or 4.88 gears. As for your lockers, those sound like good choices.