My rear works fine but the front is wet and makes a slight groan under deceleration. I want to start thinking about replacing instead of fixing a d35.

I searched my local yard and there are tons of 8.25 and no d44 (as expected). Is it worth it to upgrade to an 8.25 or should I hold out for a d44 since I don't need one now.

 

8.25 is only slightly weaker than the 44, if the price is right, go for the 8.25 eather way their better than a 35.

 

In this yard a rear is $60 with no brakes and brakes are prolly another $30. So under $100 with brakes.

They have one pulled already laying on the ground under the Jeep. Only hitch is the gear Id tag is missing (damn... Didn't think to check the front diff for its gears)

 

Check out the ford 8.8 too.

 

This seems to be the growing pop option. I think you can do rear disks with this too...which to me is a major plus with any rear.

 

You can do discs on a 35, 8.25, and a 44. The 8.8 just comes with them and is a stronger axle

 

A BIG plus for me is to be able to retain ABS. I found a write-up on retrofitting abs rings into a d44. Anyone know of anything along those lines with the 8.25 or 8.8

I know I know our abs system sucks but a goal of mine with this project is to make appear as oem as possible

 

I'm not so sure about that. I believe the discs from a wj with a 35 would work on another 35 and still have abs. Perhaps a kj liberty with an 8.25 and abs would work for an 8.25 disc swap?

 

the 8.25 is a direct swap with new u-bolts - you need the 8.25 driveshaft unless it's lifted
the 44 is hard to find and usually overpriced
the 8.8 swap requires welding new spring perches

KJ 8.25 disc swap:
http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f11/f...5-axle-750112/

 

So I hear that you can use your original driveshaft if it's a 3" lift, I have a 2" budget lift do you think I can use my same driveshaft?

 

To solve this prob for the OP, there is this. He is also a vendor here. So you get a discount also.
https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f10/ru...wap-kit-33364/

 

Retaining your ABS is very difficult but not impossible. Basically, you would be best off keeping a D35 if you want ABS. ABS sucks anyways, especially off-road. So if you're rig is just a mall crawler you can keep the D35 but if you want a beefier upgrade and plan to wheel, try an 8.8 out of a late 90's Exploder. They have discs and ABS and im sure someone somewhere knows how to get the XJ ABS module to correctly read the 8.8's speed ring. As far as adding ABS to a 8.25 or D44, good luck as it's going to be very difficult!