Been searching like a mad man and haven't found a direct answer.

Can I find out what Axle I have in the rear without pulling the cover and counting splines?
I have read both stories. XJ's with ABS only come with a Dana 35. I have also read the opposite that ABS XJ's came with two options. Dana 35 and an 8.25.

My XJ

1993 Sport with ABS.

 

You can contact Chrysler via jeep.com and request a build sheet by VIN...this is one way.

 

post a pic of your rear housing an you'll get a response in 10 sec flat.

 

You have either a Dana 35 or a Chrysler 8.25 axle they both have 27 spline axles until 1997 when the Chrysler 8.25 went to 29 spline axles. ( actually some of the very last 96 XJs had the 29 spline shafts but it is sort of hit or miss until 97 )
Search on this web site you should be able to find pictures of the two different diff covers, or measure the axle tubes 2.5 for the D35, 3 inch for the Chrysler.

 

see if this site helps:

http://jeephorizons.com/tech/xjstockspecs.html

 

ABS = Dana 35
No ABS = ChryCo. 8.25

 

No ABS could be Dana 35 or Chrysler 8.25

 

they actually never used ABS with the 8.25. so he's got a D35

 

8.25 has a flat spot on the bottom of the diff,D35 don't.Also d35 has 2.75in axle tubes and 8.25 has 3in.

 

^^THIS^^

 

Look at the cover. The 8.25 is rounded and contoured. The Dana is very accented on the left. You may also have the id tag on the inside on the right wheel. Also, check the tabs that are bolted on the axle.

 

From your descriptions, I believe it's a Dana 35.
OD of axle shaft is 2 5/8"

 

35

 

A co-worker has me worried. He said the Dana 35 is a POS axle and won't hold up when I install larger tires.
I currently have 235/75/15 on stock steel rims.
Checked the wheels they are 15x7 so that's good.
Looking into going with a 30" (265/75/15) If they will fit under my stock suspension.

But now this guy got me nervous.

 

With 30's you will be fine anything after 33 you then can be worried.