Yes, I'm going to c-section the frame.

Was his the "Sport" edition?  Robert's also has the D44 stock.

FWIW Kim, the 8.8 is stronger than the D44 and only slightly weaker than a D60.

Yes, "Sport" edition. The 8.8 still uses c-clip axle retention like the D35 but I guess that's not a problem. I just thought it was strange how the axles floated in and out a little. You'd think that would effect the rear calipers somewhat. At least they can't slide out like drum brakes. Thanks for the clarification Tim.

My son's 03 TJ came with a D44 rear. His was a 4.0 auto, don't know if it had a tow package or just the year made the difference at the factory. Surprised me more than you could imagine 

Was his the "Sport" edition?  Robert's also has the D44 stock.

FWIW Kim, the 8.8 is stronger than the D44 and only slightly weaker than a D60.

LOL on the Ford rear end. Not going to happen.

My son's 03 TJ came with a D44 rear. His was a 4.0 auto, don't know if it had a tow package or just the year made the difference at the factory. Surprised me more than you could imagine 

Everything is fine the way I saw it. The only one that seemed large to me was the comparison pics, next to each other. They're still a tiny bit large, but acceptable. the real problem with this forum profile is that it will only give you a sliding bar at the end of all the pics you post in the same post. Which was why I asked that everyone just post 3 pics per post. But that wasn't working too well, so I just made the max size a certain point. You're fine so you don't need anymore changes.

Now that I'm looking at the pics again, you should also think about replacing the D35 rear differential with an 8.8 Ford diff. and before you do that, get a locker up front.

I have yet to figure out how to use the forums picture upload. I looked for one but didn't see it.

LOL on the Ford rear end. Not going to happen. I will be happy once I can get it lifted an inch or 2.

You have a pic of what you're talking about?  I'm just not sure what we're talking about.

I don't think you're going to have room to outboard shocks without frenching the frame.

 I might spend a little more and get the TrailGear ones, just because they are made in USA down in Fresno.
 

Yup. Just FYI... there's a lot of stuff made down here that most peeps are not aware. Besides TG, Betts spring company makes springs for many an aftermarket seller... like coils from Metal Cloak, TeraFlex and some others I cant' recall right now. I had them custom bend me some Ubolts way back when I did my 8.8 swap. There is also Fresno drive line service who also many, many moons ago actually made the CV D-lines for Tom Woods when they first started out. I assume they make their own now days? And then there's Marlin Crawler for all you Yota guys out there. I had a nice little chat with Marlin down at KOH this year talking about my old '63 FJ40 I used to have... (and never should have sold!!!!!!!!)
 
Anywho, back on topic. If the TG sliders also come with side tubes, I would opt for those. If not, then there is Poison Spyder rockers for not a whole lot of coin more. They are DIY paint, but that's no biggie. Couple rattle cans primer and couple cans finish and you're good to go!

I saw those on a website but they didn't seem very solid,  I'm going to go ahead with the c-section with hopes of utilizing them if I ever take the jeep to the next level. I always appreciate your input to my questions. my jeep is getting close to running, hope to meet and greet the group soon

Yeah, but do we risk our back windows getting  shot out? Lol

Good thing I don't have a back window.

There is an upper shock mount that raises the mount another 1.5 ". I don't have a link to that however.