I have a Chrysler 8.25 rear axle in my jeep right now. I can buy a dana 35 that is welded, off my friend for $50 bucks. I also know of a junk yard where I can get a Ford 8.8 with disc brakes and a factory LSD. What one do you think is better to get?

 

the ford 8.8 but Why? what size tire you plain to run? and where do you wheel? The 8.25 is good up to 35" tires so why swap it out????

 

Stay away from the welded d35 like you are trying to stay away from the plague. The 8.8 would by far be the way to go, it is a great swap for the XJ.

 

Keep in mind he has the 27 spl c8.25 not the 29 spl that came on post 96's. Being that he has the 27spl it is only a bit stronger then then d35 and can't handle 35's.

 

Easy enough fix, locker and the 29 spline shafts, easier than a axle swap in the long run.. Me I've always liked the 8.25 ya it's not as popular and what have you. But have you ever seen one break? I haven't and I've wheeled the dog snot out of them. But all in all if there is a "Large" build plained for the rig I do agree that the 8.8 is the best choice but if it's not going to grow into some big rig set-up the 8.25 upgraded would be a good choice also..

 

I agree, but the 8.8 can give him the potential to build upon. The lockers for the 8.25 seem a little scarce too. Gearing is also a little hard to find for the 8.25 in the right ratios. Just an observation. 8.8s also get the disc brakes if you select the right years but again you need to do all the welding and set-up to get the 8.8 under your Jeep and the 8.25 is a bolt in. So the debate goes on...

 

ive seen spun 8.25 axle tubes lol. but i would call it an isolated case.

weld the tubes on the 8.8, and at the least replace the carrier.

if you feel like dropping the cash the super 8.8 kit is a wise invenstment, eliminates the c-clips and you get some alloy shafts.

 

I would really like to run 34" LTB's but i wasn't sure if the dana 35 would handle it. The dana 35 has lower gears than my axles right now but I can get both axles for like 150 bucks and I'm trying to build this jeep low budget.

 

not gonna be low budget when you keep breaking shafts and keep replacing them and eventually upgrade to a decent rear end anyway

 

X 2 on the D 35. They are notorious for being weak in all aspects! Go with the 8.8, or try to find a D 44 out of a Cherokee. It could definitely handle 35" tires. That would be a direct swap. Good luck, hope you find what you need!!