That they're a c-clip design does not diminish the strength of the 8.8's axle shaft which is stronger than that of the Dana 44. It's an old wive's tale propogated by those that are either naive or know nothing about how a c-clip axle works. Remember that the c-clip is inside the housing, on the other side of the splines that are held by the gear carrier. So when the shafts break, they break between the housing and the hub flange, not at the c-clip itself.
The problem with c-clip axles is not with the c-clip itself, its that if the axle shaft does break, there is nothing left to hold the axle shaft and wheel to the housing... except if there is a disk brake caliper which will at least hold the broken shaft from sliding out of the housing.
So with a Dana 35c, the weakness is not with the c-clip itself, it's with the skinny axle shafts (weaker housing, smalller ring gear, etc.) and that the axle will slide out if the axle shaft breaks. The part where the c-clip goes doesn't break, that is protected by the gear carrier (case).
So a Ford 8.8 is actually quite a bit stronger than a Dana 44, like the recent Warn axle tests confirmed. In fact, Warn said the 8.8 was far stronger than expected.
Finally, the 8.8's c-clip eliminator kit is only designed for drag racers and the manufacturers of that kit strongly recommend against its use for other applications.
Jerry
But....I just read on a website that the 8.8 uses c-clips. So what's the point of swapping it out. I thought the c-clips were the problem area in the d35c. Why would I want to go to the trouble of switchng to an 8.8 if it still uses the c-clips.
And can someone give me a detailed answer about how c-clip eliminators work?
Mike
98 TJ SE
3" Redneck Engineering Lift, 30 x 9.5 BFG ATs A bunch of home-made stuff.