ok i dont know what rear axle i have. Did a dana 44 come stock in 1996? and is it better than he 8.25? and how do i kno what one i have. i think its a dana 35 but i dont know

 

You have to look at the diff cover like this:

http://www.custom4x4fabrication.com/diffguardtype.jpg

also if you look at your key and it has a Chrysler logo symbol on it it most likely is a C8.25.

Many say that the D44 and C8.25 and pretty close to being the same. But the D44 is more popular. Im not 100% on that. But im sure others will chime in.

 

ok i do have the chrysler symbol on my key. ill check the diff cover too. thanks

 

found out it is a 8.25...now is it a 27 or a 29? how do i find that out i get curious and tear **** up to find out

 

Did you ever find an answer to this?

 

97+ are the 29 so it's more than likely a 27

 

The only time the D44 came in the XJ was back in the late 80's and that was only if they had the tow package option.

The D44 and the C8.25 are in two totaly different categories.
The 8.25 is a weak axle that should not run anything over a 33 to 31 tire.

The 8.25 is a C clip axle with Drums. You break an axle you lose everything.

The D44 will let you get off the trail. The D44 has thicker shafts and is a stronger axle thatn the 8.25

The D44 is often compared to the Ford 8.8 not the Chrystler 8.25

The 8.25 is a stock axle that is slightly stronger than the D35 but not an axle you would want to build anything other than a light rig with.

On top of that the 8.25 sucks for aftermarket support. Nobody really makes much for then other than stock. Good luck finding a locker other than ARB if that.

The D44 is a great axle the C 8.25 is not.

Your C 8.25 would be a 27 spline not a 29 as it is a 1996.

 

Wrong. On a 29 spline you can run 35s with a locker and 4.88 gears and not have a problem. MANY people do this.

A 27 spline yes. A 29 No.

True in some parts. But there are more options coming out. 4.88 gears. More lunch box lockers. Rumors of new select able lockers and such.

D44 is a great axle. But for most people it is not worth even looking into a D44 because the C8.25 can be built up for the same price as a D44 and be just as strong. Dont know why you hate the C8.25. But i really dont feel like arguing with you beyond this.

 

I blew up my 35 with 35s on it. Put in a 29 spline 8.25 and it's help up great! Not a problem yet.

 

I dont hate the 8.25 as it has a place. Good to start with. Im going to a Ford 8.8 personally as the D44 is not a cost effective swap for the money. ( for me at least. )

35's on an 8.25!!! yikes dude... That is scary. and 4.88's um good gearing but again scary.... that is a lot of torque on an 8,25 and will break a shaft fast. and when you do that you WILL lose the tire shaft brakes everything...... seen it almost all the guys around here would be scared if you ran that. And lockers as well.... that is too much for that axle.

To get a D44 would be very expensive. to build an 8.25 would be very expensive and not worth it for the money. I am switching away becuase for the same money I can build a 8.25 I can have a much stronger better axle. Trust me I have spent my time with my 8.25 and have looked for everything possible to upgrade but the selection is limited. Trust me the 8.25 is not a good choice to build. Better than the D35 but not by much.
I have been building for nearly 10 years and have seen a ton of 8.25's and D35's break on normal trails and have seen a D44 break on an insane trail.
Im not arguing with you I am stating facts.

You can run 40's on a 8.25 with 4.88s.... You CAN do what ever you want.....

Can and should are two different things. 4.88 and 35's on a 8.25 is asking for trouble trust me I have seen it first hand.

The 8.25 is stronger but nothing compared to a D44

 

Not really. Common sense and a light foot are key.

 

Yeah but who has a light foot lol. There is stuff you HAVE to power through. Honestly I think it would be fine for "light" trail use. but nothing major or any Rock Crawling or hill climbs!

 

I took my 8.25" axle all over Colorado and Moab....and I was hard on it. Never had a problem.

 

People run C8.25 with 35s often, and don't have a problem. I consider it comparable to the 44. I wouldn't run bigger then 35s on 8.25, but for up to and below that you'll be fine as long as its 29 spline.

 

Anybody ever heard of C clip eliminators? Since running big tires is so scary and all.....