Hey All,

I recently ran across a 98 XJ 2WD manual 8.25 Axle. My question is. Is a 4WD 8.25 better or different from a 2WD 8.25? Or does a 8.25 2WD even exist? I'd like to upgrade my 92 XJ manual 2WD 35C axle. What would be my best option? This is my DD, but I would also like it to handle off road as well. I want to Pre Run my XJ. Cheers!!

 

Gearing my be different between 2 and 4 wheel, but I'm not sure.

 

Thanks for the reply. I understand the gearing would be different, but I just want to know what my best option would be. A 4WD 8.25 or a 2WD 8.25?

 

Should be no differences.

 

From what I understand, there shouldn't be a difference.

Just check the normal stuff you'd want to check between years, models, etc.

 

They are the same. Gearing will only be different between manual or auto transmissions.

 

True. There is no "4WD" 8.25. The only thing that is "4WD" is the jeep itself, and that implies that you have axles in your front axle housing.

Manual transmission XJ's have 3.07 gears. Auto's are 3.55. Most rare are (either) with the towing package, which has 3.73.

But just because you have an "auto" or a manual doesn't mean you have that gearing ratio, especailly if you bought it from someone as a private party.

I currently have an auto but that will change in the future. I'll have a manual with 3.55 gears. And later on i'll regear to 4.10.

The best thing to do is turn your drive shaft (transmission in nuetral wiith XJ sitting on jackstands) one rotation and count the amount of time your wheels spin. One drive shaft full rotation should = 3 1/2 turns of your wheel for 3.55 gears(you'll have to mark it to truly see). 3 turns for 3.07, and 4 turns for 4.10. Where it's hard to tell is if you have an auto (3.55) and you're trying to gauge if it's 3.73 (the not so common towing package).

 

..and here's a very useful link for some basic XJ'formation http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeep_Cherokee_(XJ)

 

It's the other way around.....1 turn of the wheel to 3.5 turns of the drive shaft.

 

Also true. I got them swip-swappied.. with my flippy floppies.

Here's another useful link on that http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f9/fa...-ratio-615380/