Well I just got back from my first trip to a pick and pull junk yard. It was fun, even for the 40 deg weather we're having. I only saw 2 XJs, 1 wagoneer, and about 4-5 WJ/ZJ. I guess its a good sign that I didn't see many XJs!

Mission was to find a couple misc parts, including a rear defroster switch to add to my panel for my hella 500s, so that i didnt have to use the ugly green one that came with it. Much to my luck i found an 87 xj and the thing actually had two factory switches, one for fog lights and one for rear defrost!!! Wow was I stoked! It even had the painted label that lights up from behind like the other switches.

I saw some of the WJ/ZJ had dana44's in the rear with disc breaks. Would that be much of an upgrade from 8.25? Would there be alot of modification involved to make it fit?

 

Not 100% sure but I think those are D44As where the A stands for Aluminum. Which mean they are not as strong as the Cryco 8.25. As I say not 100% sure. Nick n ii would know I think.

 

No the WJ/ZJ are not much of a upgrade. Don't get me wrong they are a good axle, but almost no aftermarket support. There are no lockers for them.. And very hard to find gears for. The gears are none typical in lay out. The run a D60 pinion with a D44 ring, but have a different pitch than your standard D44...

Alot of guys don't like them cause of the Aluminum Center Diff. but it's based on the Gen I Viper center diff.

I'd say stay away from them for a swap into a XJ....