I'm thinking about swapping the 8.25 in my 95 Dakota for a 00 Ford 8.8. I've seen 93 ragtop's write-up but I still had some questions as I plan. Some things I do remember for this: 1) the left side axle of the 8.8 is longer than the right, or am I thinking mustang applications? 2) conversion U-joints between the driveshaft to the axle 3) leaf spring mounts are different
So with all that, I'm considering swapping because I can possibly get 00 Explorer for CHEAP from work. That and rear disc brakes and 5 lugs. I also saw someone, I can't find it now, put Nitro wheels on their Dakota. I was wondering if I would be able to use the Explorer wheels, my main concern is the center bore and the backspacing? I know the Explorer has a smaller center bore than Dakotas.

Any other things I should keep in mind? Anything else I need to figure out?

 

You will gain very little in strength by swapping to an 8.8. You would be better off keeping the 8.25 and putting disc brakes on it if you want discs.

 

Quote:

Originally Posted by PBblaster83

I'm thinking about swapping the 8.25 in my 95 Dakota for a 00 Ford 8.8. I've seen 93 ragtop's write-up but I still had some questions as I plan. Some things I do remember for this: 1) the left side axle of the 8.8 is longer than the right, or am I thinking mustang applications? 2) conversion U-joints between the driveshaft to the axle 3) leaf spring mounts are different
So with all that, I'm considering swapping because I can possibly get 00 Explorer for CHEAP from work. That and rear disc brakes and 5 lugs. I also saw someone, I can't find it now, put Nitro wheels on their Dakota. I was wondering if I would be able to use the Explorer wheels, my main concern is the center bore and the backspacing? I know the Explorer has a smaller center bore than Dakotas.

Any other things I should keep in mind? Anything else I need to figure out?

I think the post concerning nitro wheels was made by ragged89. Here is a link to his build. https://dodgeforum.com/forum/1st-gen...le-dakota.html
IF, you are wanting to convert to 5 lug, and, you can get the 8.8 cheap. Its not hard to swap. Driveshaft will work with a conversion u-joint, you will need wheel spacers, and you will need to weld the spring perch, and shock mounts.
The comment on one axle longer then the other..... That is true, but so is the 8.25 that comes in these trucks. They work out about the same.
There are some things with your 95 that may be different. for example, how is your speedo driven? Mine was from the transfer case, but at some point they went to the differential.
If there are any questions that I may be able to help you with, please feel free to ask!!
Dont be fooled, the 8.8 is way stronger then the 8.25. For starters compare the axles.... Then look at the factory carriers..... not to mention parts are much cheaper......

None the less, if by chance, converting to a 5 lug is not all that important, I would consider a 9.25 out of a sec. gen dakota or durango....

 

I think the post concerning nitro wheels was made by ragged89. Here is a link to his build. https://dodgeforum.com/forum/1st-gen...le-dakota.html

​​​​​​Thanks! I read through his build but I couldn't find it again. Now he has a 4wd, I would have to lift 2in to make 17 inch wheels fit.

IF, you are wanting to convert to 5 lug, and, you can get the 8.8 cheap. Its not hard to swap. Driveshaft will work with a conversion u-joint, you will need wheel spacers, and you will need to weld the spring perch, and shock mounts.

With other than stock wheels, I've heard that some wheels are lugcentric and others are hubcentric, what does that mean for my project? Also the Explorer wheels are 7Jx15 ET12 with center of 70.6mm compared to Dakota's 6JJx15 ET37 with 71.6mm, so hence the spacers.

The comment on one axle longer then the other..... That is true, but so is the 8.25 that comes in these trucks. They work out about the same.

I have to ask about the Explorer, last I heard it was being sold for $250. It has a broken crankshaft? But I would just take what I needed out and scrap the rest.

Thereare some things with your 95 that may be different. for example, how is your speedo driven? Mine was from the transfer case, but at some point they went to the differential.

I hadn't even thought about that yet. I'll check sometime, this is still the planning stages now but the more I know the better.

If there are any questions that I may be able to help you with, please feel free to ask!!
Dont be fooled, the 8.8 is way stronger then the 8.25. For starters compare the axles.... Then look at the factory carriers..... not to mention parts are much cheaper......

I've seen that just doing quick parts searches. Also just comparison of the axle thickness. Now what did you do about the c-clips, I've heard those are the weakest link on 8.8s?

None the less, if by chance, converting to a 5 lug is not all that important, I would consider a 9.25 out of a sec. gen dakota or durango....

I really want the 5 lug to give me more options as far as wheels. Although, I do have an 08 Grand Cherokee with 8.25/ disc brakes/5 lugs 🤔

 

Hubcentric centers on the hub being a tight fit. Lugcentric lets the lugs center the wheel. Tapered lug nuts are typically on lugcentric wheels. And as you notice, there's 1 mm difference; take .5mm of metal around on an Explorer, and it'll clear the Dakota.

Are they different lengths? They're both part number 4348510 for my 1988.

The center is off set so that they AREN'T different lengths; if the center was, well, centered, they'd have to be different.

But no, the 8.25 axles are both the same length.

RwP

 

Quote:

Originally Posted by RalphP

Are they different lengths? They're both part number 4348510 for my 1988.

The center is off set so that they AREN'T different lengths; if the center was, well, centered, they'd have to be different.

But no, the 8.25 axles are both the same length.

RwP

Let me re-word it. The measurement from the backing plate to the center of the yoke is not equal....... Below, I took pictures of the old 8.25 sitting in my driveway....
In short, the difference is about the same or close with the 8.8 I used.
FWIW All I did to set mine up was, I used a tape measure to equalize the centering of the axle. I measured from the fame to the brake backing plates and shifted until it was equal.
I then used a digital level and set the pinion angle as the same as the old 8.25.
I then welded the 2 spring perch to the axle.
Thats all I did to set mine up. and again, FWIW it is smoother then the 8.25

 

Well, the center of the yoke isn't where the shafts end; one shaft pokes past, the other one is a good inch or more away.

Look at the design of an open diff (where it's easier to see!) and see what I mean.

Yes, the yoke's off center, so that both axles can be the same length. If the yoke was centered, the shafts would be DIFFERENT lengths

RwP

 

So to bring this mostly dead thread back to life. My 08 Jeep Grand Cherokee died. After a long drawn out process it died, no start.

I like to swap the axle out, I'll have to check shock mounts etc. I'm also taking the brakes, haven't decided if I'll take just the rear or the whole system.

Any thing else I should take from it?