Can a LSD or locker be easily installed in a jeep 8.25 differential and what's involved in the installation? Does the carrier need to be reset for gear lash? I would prefer something like a Trac-loc.

 

A drop in locker like a Spartan or Aussie can be easily installed without pulling the carrier. A limited slip will require changing the carrier and setting backlash. If you want a limited slip I recommend a Truetrac.

 

Thanks. After posting that, I did some more research and I'm headed towards an LSD. I've driven 3 Chevys with Posi and know what to expect as far as handling is concerned. I also rode in a Chevy truck with an early Spicer lunchbox and it was harsh on re-engaging. I didn't like it a bit.

Here's my problem. I'm delivering newspapers in a residential housing area and usually am out before the plows. The 231 is fine until they plow. Then the mailboxes are still in deep snow and the roads are salted. With my WJ and it's 242, I just use full-time 4wd and it doesn't spin pulling away for the boxes and doing sharp u-turns or turning around in driveways. The 231 in my XJ is fine when I'm going straight, but I have to shift out of 4wd to make my u-turns and stuff, OR doing cul-de-sacs. Then I'm spinning all the time! Should I switch to a 242 in the XJ or put in an LSD? Maybe both? Lots of $$$ with that one. There's not many places here to offroad so that's not my priority.

 

I would get a limited slip or locker first. My rear Spartan locker is well behaved on the street.

 

Okay, that's why I asked. I've got to get some sleep now for work tonight. I'll come back later.

 

What year is your XJ? The Tru trac is only avaliable for the 29spline 8.25.

 

I would guess its a 2000 so it would have 29 spline axles!
I have a spartan in mine and don't even notice it!

 

Yeah Isee that now that I'm on a laptop. When I'm posting from my phone I can't see anyone's signatures.

 

 

My '96 with 242 shows immediate signs of driveline bind-up if turned sharply on tarmac roads while in part-time 4wd..ie noises & ratcheting.

Therefore I prefer not to do it, also can make changing back into 2wd difficult (on other vehicles I have owned)

@ the OP..either LSD or 242 would probably be an equal improvement (imo), so depends on how much $

 

If your not on a low traction surface where the wheels can slip it will bind up and chirp the tires, that's why you can't use part time 4x4 on pavement.

 

242 would be a good swap.

 

Yes, Cruiser. After blowing up 2 rear axles, I'd rather not risk another one by messing with it. The one in my ZJ was destroyed by a trans shop that changed a pinion seal and overtorqued the preload and the one on my WJ blew up because the carrier housing cracked at the bolt for the cross shaft. Ebay has them from $150 to $750, but I won't buy from anything from Ebay! I'll let my mechanic buddy find one for me. He found one for my WJ that got damaged when the WJ axle blew up that had 65K on it for $550 plus core. He also found one with 205K on it for $375. I could get one from Pick&Pull for $150 and no core, but you get what you pay for.

 

I don't get that much mileage on my tires just because of those sharp turns scrubbing rubber off them normally to make it worse, plus I don't want to eventually break an axle or u-joint. If I enter a circle at idle the jeep will just stop moving! That's how much binding I get.

 

I really think a 242 would be a cheap and easy fix.

The 231 actually causes tire slip from it's binding.