I realized today before I ordered my lift (just in time) that my rear axle is a Chrysler 8.25. I had noticed the Dana logo on the front diff cover and figured the rear was the same, but not the case. I was wondering, is the Chrysler actually a better diff than the Dana? It looks a bit beefier...

 

Yea a 8.25 is alot better than the d35

 

i don't know if i'd get that excited about the chryco. its a moderately better axle than the d35, still a step below 8.8 or d44.

 

The only thing you need to worry about with your lift is the u bolts. The Dana 35 axle tube is just over 2.5 inch in diameter, were the Chrysler 8.25 axle tube is 3 inch. That is the only reason they ask which rear end you have when ordering a lift. You can usually pick up the 3 inch u bolts at most auto parts stores.

 

he has a 00 XJ, so its a very good axle.

 

oh yeah, what makes it better? i was unaware of any differences my 96 has an 8 1/4.

 

Up to 96 the shafts are 27 spline 1.17 inch diameter which is actually .001 smaller than the Dana 35. 97 to 01 the axles are 29 spline 1.21 inch diameter.

 

cool, didn't know that. still not an axle people go lookin for to swap in, if you're gonna swap an axle in, it will be an 8.8 or d44 minimum.

 

The biggest disadvantage to the later model 8.25 is that there is very little aftermarket support for them. It is hard to find a locker for it. the early model has a limited amount of parts available, but at least it's something. But I agree, 8.8 or a D44 is your best option.

 

there's a reason there's not a lot of support. they will make junk for anything if its worth while. there's even lockers for d35 , there's always an idiot to buy something, so if there's not a big aftermarket, you know why.

 

Its better than the d35. I didnt say it was the best

 

the 8.25" will take a good beating. i ran 33s locked on a 27 spline for a while and had it hoppin all over the place. 35s locked on the 29 spline with the semi-alloy shafts is pretty stout. the housing is way beefier than the D44's

 

The 8.25" is a very good axle. And with a carrier and shafts from a 29 spline unit you can upgrade your 27 spline into a much beefier unit. And as far as the aftermarket goes, there's plenty of parts out there, you just can't go down to 4WD hardware and pick it up. You just have to look a bit harder, theres ring and pinions, good rebuild kits, lockers, and even some pretty stout covers available, enough junk to make a pretty tough axle out of it IMO.

 

What it boils down to is that it is a decent axle for most situations. But if you plan on wheeling hard you are better to upgrade to something with a better reputation and aftermarket support. There may be products out there, but not what most people would refer to as preferred performance parts. You can sprinkle a turd with gold dust and it is still a turd. At least it's not the Dana 35.

 

Well said, I second that it is an excellent all around axle for basic to moderate trail use. It's not a heavyweight rockcrawlin bruiser fit for 37s, but it'll take on 33s willingly. And I happen to like my gold sprinkled turd, and can't wait to sprinkle it with more gold when i can afford to, lol.