Bought a 98xj a few months ago, all stock. The previous owner welded the rear end for whatever reason. I for one, can’t stand the positive traction on the main roads. Seems like it’s just put in a bind too much. Thinking of swapping. What type of rear end does everybody have? Wanting to do it soon due my tires wearing doesn’t help there buckshots.

 

You could just replace the spider gears, assuming that's what the PO welded. Or did they install a spool?

 

Well that’s the thing, I’m not sure how they welded it. Might have to open it up this weekend and see what they’ve done

 

Why not just find a good used Chrysler 8.25 rear end in your ratio and swap it in? No more headaches. It can get very dangerous driving a locked differential, especially in the rain or snow. Why mess around with that dud of an axle? He was probably racing it anyway.

 

I agree, preferably 97 and up and you will get the larger axle shafts

 

97+ Chrysler 8.25 with a lunchbox locker.

 

The lunchbox lockers are great, but can be scary on slick roads. I had one in the YJ and you had to be very careful getting on the gas in a turn or the back end would suddenly lock and try to step out sideways. I prefer a limited slip, or torsen-gleason style that engages more predictably.

 

I remember the PosiTraction in my 67 Camaro that you could hang the rear end out with power oversteer in a corner or just normally drive thru it. Totally predictable.

 

Not if you know how to drive with them. I have lunchbox locker in both axles of the Jeep and a Detroit locker in the rear of my truck. They do great on slick roads, far better than an open differential.

 

I agree, and loved it offroad. You definitely needed to learn to take corners a bit more carefully though, and it was definitely much easier to kick the back end out in 2wd with too much throttle.

 

I had a 8.25 limited slip rear differential in my old Dodge truck and got the unexpected sideways surprise more than once on icy roads, (pucker factor of 10+), although I loved it on dirt and gravel roads where it provided enhanced traction necessary for those conditions. Sometimes it can get away from you even when you’re accustomed to the characteristics of lockers and L/S differentials, particularly on ice and snow.

 

Driving a lunchbox locker on the rear in the wet is hilariously fun if you know what you're doing.