axle weight

[GPNyce]

i am thinking of going to a junk yard and getting a 8.8 and a dana 35 with 410 gears to help with larger tires. My first question is, how much does each axle weigh? I think i saw that the 8.8 weighs about 175 lbs...can anyone confirm this? I couldnt find any info on the dana 35's weight. Also, how hard is it to remove/swap these axles?

 

[brianjwilson]

Also check your local craigslist. I see a ton of explorer stuff around here
The rear is an easy swap. The hardest part is bleeding the brakes, assuming everything is in decent condition. The front requires some disassembly. You'll have to remove the cv joints of course, meaning you'll have to release the upper balljoints, the tie rod ends, possibly the lower balljoints to get the cvs out. Should be all too hard to you have the tools and the time.
Best part is you can sell your old stuff and make most (if not all) of your money back. With everything out it is easy to change the fluids and visually inspect for any problems. You can even clean and paint the axle housings before you install them.

 

[GPNyce]

awesome...thanks for the info. What is a good deal on the 2 axles? or how much should i expect to pay for a set of used ones? i cant afford to get ripped off...:thumbdwn:

i have changed the cvs...so the tear down is not a problem, an i periodically spray pb blaster around the front axle to keep all the bolts easy to remove.

good idea on paintin the axles, it'd be nice to have them flat black. go with the steel wheels im gettin.

thanks again!

 

[IZwack]

175 sounds about right for the rear axle .. its movable by a 1-man team.

As for the front, i'd say no more than 80 or so, its an aluminum casing and its a stubby.