Huh? I was interested in your list of differences, perhaps I might learn something here.

Blue, you are correct sir. The 8.25 has 3" tubes so the plates should be grabbed up too. I'd avoid using JY u-bolts though. New ones aren't too expensive and provide a little bit of added security...although mostly psychological.

if this is just your DD what is the point of the axle swap. You probably wouldnt even notice a difference. I think it is a waste of your time

the only difference, besides year, is the type of axle. both are auto w/ the i6

Sorry, looks like I miss understood your comment. I thought you were trying to say that all drive shaft lengths were the same for the same type of axle. Guess that's what I get for being on at 1:30 am. Here's a break down:

D35/8.25/D44 - all have different Drive shaft lengths.

Auto / Manual - Have different Drive shaft lengths

2 Door vs 4 Door - In the cases that I've seen for an 8.25 have had different drive shaft lengths. I would like to know why though?? I was told that 2-doors are actually shorter than a 4-door, is this true?

Pre-96 vs Post 97 have different yoke setups - possibly different drive shaft lengths becuase of this.

NP231 vs NP242 - I don't think this makes a difference but then again I don't see why a 2 vs 4 door makes a difference... and as stated they have different output shafts on the t cases on the 97 and up which is the reason for the different yokes if I'm not mistaken.

So my advice is unless your doing an SYE with a new drive shaft in your swap take the drive shaft out with the axle so you know what the proper length you need is. This is amusing both jeeps had the same setup except for the rear axle.

I swapped my 35 for a 8.25 a couple of months ago. I used the stock DS. And have not had any problems arise from this. The lengths are so small that the slip yoke can handle that little bit.

why swap from a 27spline 35 to a 27spline 8.25.. the strength differance is marginal and not worth it on a DD.

so what im getting here is a dont do it right?

Unless I have misunderstood his posting he's swapping in a 97 8.25 which would be a 29 spline 8.25. Which is a good rear end to run 2nd to the D44 in stock XJ axles.

If it's a DD and your not running larder than a 31" tire then no need to do the swap in my opinion. However, if you ever tow or go wheeling with it by all means swap it out.

i am planning to get a popup camper after college that i would pull with my xj. other that that i do a little wheeling and a good bit of street driving.

and yes it is a 97, i thought it was a 29 spline which i know is better than the d35 which is why i asked in the first place.

I would swap it in then. If you do any wheeling there is no real reason not to swap in the 8.25 over the D35.

Ok, so it is back. I'm now looking at getting 3in or so in lift, and if i do then will i need to swap the drive shafts, wouldn't the longer one from the d35 work better with the lift?