ok well I have a little delema I need straightened out. I just purchased 35s and am looking to upgrade axles/shafts. I currently have the 8.25 29 spline and know of someone in my area selling a D44 out of an 88 xj. I have been reading and getting mixed answers on both, is it worth it to upgrade the 8.25 shafts and gears or to get the d44. I dont know what the guy with the D44 wants but its in the air on wether or not I want it. and yes I have been dreaming of finding a ford 8.8 but I cant find one in my area what so ever. can anyone help me on this one? I go wheeling once a month and Im not afraid to use the go peddle but with these 35s im a little skepticle.

 

cmon someone on this forum has to know...

 

the 44 has bigger ring gears and axle shaft not by much and its a non clip rear gearing might be different you would have to change

 

to regear the 44 to me for the upgrade in the sizes is not worth it if the gearing is the same as your front and the guy dont want an arm and a leg go for it

 

i've put my 8.25 through some whoopins with a lunchbox in the back and 32s and i've got a buddy with 44s in a cj7 and 33s and he has munched his rear a few times but he is a hammerhead on the gas

 

From what I've read the two axles are fairly comparable with the D44 having a few advantages like freegdr said. I say stick with the 8.25, but your gonna be maxing it and the D30 out with 35's. Your probably gonna want to regear anyway upgrading to tires that size - $$$$ I'd upgrade both axles to chromo shafts, and truss the D30 at a minimum too - $$$$ Probably going to want to upgrade the steering box too, reinforce the steering box mount and upgrade the brakes too. If your not afraid to use the skinny, plan on breaking axles and u joints on a regular basis - $$$$

 

i think ill just fix up the 8.25 and eventually move up to a 8.8 once I find one. but while we're on the subject what front axle can I upgrade to? are there any bolt ins?

 

early XJ wagoneers had 44s front

 

no such thing as a bolt in. except the rubicon TJ front 44 but its a POS

 

ok well other than the d44s are there any other upgrades? or is it just the 44 and 30?

 

why pos

 

pos? ive seen countless rubi 44's running 36" + tires


its a hell of an upgrade compared to the XJ d30

 

for the front, the tj 44 is your only bolt in option.

anything eles like the waggy 44's or 60's or really anything else is going to require some fab work

 

if you wanna have fun you can always do a full set of rubi axles and have lockers and build a long arm rear

 

same sze axles just more spline bigger hub bearing but very costly