tkdtim

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?

BlueXJ

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.

nick_n_ii

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....