So the difference is pretty slight, 1/4" per side, but I can see where that would cause some problems. It seems odd that I have never heard about this, but definitely not out of the question. I still am having a hard time understanding why the change 1st, and 2nd, why such a little difference between the two. It just doesn't make sense to me...has anyone else ever heard of the different widths, or experienced any of these issues.

 

wow ok so i got a 98 xj with a 8.25 in the rear i orderd it from a wreckers and thats what i got with 3.55 gears my leafs were rubbin the shackles on this xj which is 2 door 5 speed on my old white one it was auto 4 door 98 and it didnt. also my leafs shift alot and i bent my right side axle. i already blew the spider gears up second time now. is this cuz of the spring perch or leaf mounts on axle being not the right offset. and who has done front pinon bearings on a dana 30 no crush washers??

 

sounds like it to me.... I bet if you took the rear end off you have a broken centerpin or its bent...

 

yes its not that much of a differance and I hear ya I do not understand why they did eather but its one of the changes in 97 to 01...
now with that said alot of people do not know that and it can creat alot of unwanted problems... again I know it becasue of my yard and I am **** about stuff like that.. one of the leading shops in my parts is to they like to know their stuff inside and out.. I know they know it becasue of a mistake made once ..lol
but no one knows everything and I dont eather.. its a jeep thing nad I totaly get it I just wish I understood....LOL

 

I just went by the pictures I've seen to ID my rear end and I know they both have the same differential cover.