bulletbirdman wrote:

Did you narrow that 8.8  yourself or have it done, I'm planning on doing one when I get home and was wondering how hard it is to get the axle tubes out?

I did it myself but after a lot of research I found that it was about 50/50 on pulling the tube or cutting it.  So....I cut it and had a  cert. welder friend weld it back  together. 

I cut mine where the weld would be under the new spring perch but if I were to do  it again I'd cut it so the weld would be about three inches from the center section.  I think that would make the final straightening much easier.

When you get ready you can borrow the  alignment jig for the cost of shipping, if you want.  It ain't perfect but will help you get it to within 1/16 to 1/8 inch and I believe that's close enough. 

BB


 

Hakan wrote:

FYI, I've edited the two messages above, just correcting formatting, the content is still the same.
 

What?

Thanks BB and you to Hakan

I have done several 8.8's and like BB said cutting the tube is the way to go. I have welded them all myself with no issues, but if it will make you sleep better at tnight, have a pro do it. Like BB I made a jig, mine is a long piece of heavy wall tube sized so it fits through the axle tube ends. I have inserts for the various size wheel end bearing bores so the tube is a tight slip fit. I also have inserts for the differential bearing bores the are also s slip fit on the tube. I usually set up with guage plates on the wheel ends after welding to check for toe and camber. A litte heat with the torch on the long side then cooling will bring everything nice and straight. I usually work till within .005 on a 24 inch plate.