Bassically my question is what the title says. I've been looking to get rid of my Dana 35 cuz I'm runnin 33's. I really want a dana 44 or ford 8.8, but the D44 are hard to find and the 8.8 requires some fabrication to fit. I found a 8.25 off a 99 xj for $150 and I'm thinking of getting it. If I properly upgrade the shafts and truss the 8.25 will it be an issue down the road as far as strength goes. I don't plan on getting bigger tires but I do want to lock it eventually. What do you think, should I just go for it?

 

im runnin that axle on my 99 with 33's. ive had no sort of problems with it yet (knock on wood) its the best axle your gonna find w/o uprgrading to the 8.8 or 44. and if you do the upgrades your talking about the thing should be fine.

 

So this would be a good swap?

 

Here's the deal. The 8.25 even witht he 29 spline axles is a Half Ton rearend. I wouldn't even spend the money on it if I was planning on bigger than 33 inch tires, ahead of time. I believe it would live a long and happy life with 33s even with lower gears and a locker but, hard abuse with 35s or bigger and I think you'll have problems.

 

I have a D44 rear out of an 87 XJ in my 91, right now. It has lived through major abuse with 33s, 4.56 gears and an Aussie Locker. I'm even thinking long and thoroughly about going up to Curry Ford Nine Inchers or D60s before I go bigger on the tires.

 

Ok so it sounds like since I'm keeping the 33's it will be ok... Would this 8.25 be a major improvment over my current Dana 35 or just a moderate upgrade?

 

anything over a dana 35 is a good improvement, 8.25 maybe not major, but more than moderate

 

X 2, the 8.25 is a BIG enough improvement over your Turdy-Five to spend the money and get it. Plus it is a bolt in upgrade making it a little cheaper and easier than other axles.