How do I tell how many splines my Chrysler 8.25 is? Preferably without opening the diff cover up, if at all possible. I have searched for it already but haven't found it. Responses or links to threads would be much appreciated. Thanks in advance!

 

you can tell by what year it's from. 95 and older is 27 spline without a doubt. 97 and newer is 29 spline without a doubt. 1996 is tricky. half way through the year they switched from 27 to 29. if you have a 96 you will have to count the splines

 

I have a 93 so it would be 27 spline. Is one stronger than the other? I've heard that the 29 spline is stronger

 

yes more splines = stronger. a 27 spline 8.25 is basically as worthless as a D35. I cant even give mine away for free

 

So would a 97+ 8.25 be a direct swap?

 

Yes.

 

Automatic to automatic and stick to stick so gearing is same

 

Does transfer case matter? I know there were two different ones

 

nope

 

Thank you for the help. Sorry if this seemed kinda noobish

 

Really, there is a lot more to it than axle spline count. The 8.25 has a 1.62/27 spline pinion compared to the 35s 1.375/26 spline pinion. Some spec the 35 pinion as 1.406. Lets see ,3 inch axle tubes for the 8.25, 2.62 for the 35. The ring gear of course,8.25 compared to 7.562. Ring gear bolts, 10 3/8 bolts for the 8.25. 8 3/8 bolts for the 35. Axle shafts are both 27 spline and I believe the same diameter. Bearings are bigger in the 8.25 also. From what I have seen personally, housing flex is the biggest killer of 35s, including mine lol. Don't be to quick to swap your 27 spline 8.25. As I have stated in other post I am running 34 inch swampers, locked on a 27 spline 8.25 with 4.10s. I was/will upgrade when this rearend goes but it justs keeps on ticking. No Atmos I am not arguing with you over the merits of the 8.8 in fact I agree. Just saying he might want to try what he already has.

 

Oh yea almost forgot. The 29 spline 8.25 is basically the same as the 27 spline except the shafts are 1.21 compared to 1.17 and of course the two extra splines.

 

k cool. I didn't say weaker, or tube size, or ring gear, or blah blah blah. I said worthless because I can't even give it away FOR FREE. everyone is too wise to waste money building one. and I didn't even say anything about 8.8 swap in this thread lol

my opinion is pick a tire size and build 2 axles that will last you a long time instead of having to deal with "upgrading when this rearend goes." you'll be on your 3rd axle by the time you finally hopefully build a keeper. lots of effort and headache man make it easy on yourself do it once do it right.

 

Yea, I happen to have a extra 27 spline 8.25 laying around to, worth more as scrap.I personally do plan to upgrade both front and rear but it will take awhile. Money is tight just like everyone else. Now you make a excellent point about picking a tire size. I don't think the OP ever said what size he was planning on.He may be good to go now.

 

I would like to be on 35's in a couple years with locers