I believe '96 the first year for OBD2? Even if I pull the fuse preventing the light from being on, or disabling the system entirely, I think the computer will still show the code and when they plug me in at the station it will pop up. I'll have to do some research to find out if this will be an issue or not in MA.
So, I'm getting the impression that the D35 is a piece of shyte. If the ABS code isn't an issue, is a 8.25 my best bolt-on option or is there another? What are my bolt-on options if the code IS an issue?
Does everyone hold the same opinion on the D30 in the front?

 

The D30 is okay, depending how big your tires will be. I think I've read that it's unwise to go bigger than 35" with the D30. Some here will tell you it's crap, but the VAST majority of XJ drivers have a 30 in front and do just fine.

In the rear I swapped in an 8.25 for 2 reasons: 1) I wanted bolt-on; 2) I didn't do enough research. I would prefer an 8.8 Ford, but it's not bolt on and we had some time constraints.