looking to upgrade rear axle to 8.25 or D44 went to S/R today found i D44 and about 5 8.25's im thinking more on the 8.25 do to avalability and ease of support but not shore what do you think. by the way i do not plan on going over 35's anyway and only a 4.5 lift

 

D44's have way more aftermarket support. Otherwise, assuming you get a 97+ 8.25, they are damn near identical in strength. Either would work for 35's.

 

One thing to remember is that you can wheel on any axle jeep offered, its more about how you wheel... Real easy on it and even a locked d35 with 35's will survive. However... Real easy isn't always an option, though, so this can complicate things. I think the 8.25 will be fine. Just wheel smart and know that you can risk snapping something if your being reckless...

 

Just for the sake of it, check out the thread by N2O called "LOW COG suspension tips/tricks" the dude has some good advise... I'm talkin an xj with 3" lift flexin on 36" swampers without rubbin... What!?!?!!?