There's a thread here with a similar dilemma & I tried to piggyback off it with this question, but it was late last night & I got no answers. I have until Sunday to be absolutely sure about this, so the sooner started the better.

Here's the deal: I'm reading a lot of people say that the 8.25 is a tough axle (shame there isn't more aftermarket support for it). I have one now, but I have a line on an 8.8 already modded for an XJ + it has disk brakes. My 8.25 was completely rebuilt less than a year ago including new brakes, re-geared 4.56 & Powertrax locked. The possible 8.8 is open with 4.10, for $2 fitty and the owner "says" it was rebuilt 1.5 years ago. I know I'll have to regear & lock it, but I figure I can recoup some of this money by selling my 8.25. I'm not a hard core wheeler, but I like to go with the big boys even tho I'm only running 33s.

I dunno what Ford axles sell for, but my research shows that modifying it for the XJ gets tedious & pricey - and this one's already done. Anyone thinks it's worth going for? Thoughts?

 

Get it and sell me your powertrax cheap lol

 

never had an 8.8 but id stay with your 8.25. if your on 33s and 4.56s you should be fine. dont waste more money on going with an axle you have to upgrade to match your front axle. on 33s its hard to stay with the big boys but it can be done. I do all the time and i run the 8.25 as well.

98CherokeeLimit4x4 dude really! this is not the for sale section. tech only.

 

For what you have already done to your 8.25 and not being a "hard core" offroader id stick with the 8.25.
If you had not done any mods to yours then I would get the 8.8 since its bolt in ready.
Save the $ keep yours and spend $50 to upgrade it to ZJ rear disks

 

By not being "hard core" I mean I don't "beat the snot" out of my Jeep. I do run black trails and yes, almost everyone in my club is bigger (read Wrangler/CJ types w/ 35"), but I do not get left behind. I was just thinking that an 8.8 would be a worry free axle. But then again ... it would encourage me to go places I have absolutely no business going to ... you know, much the same way lockers do .

I do appreciate the good advice guys.


I'm soo torn ...

 

Personally i dont think the cash output would equal the benefits. If rear discs are desired you could adapt them to the 8.25.. probably piece it together for a couple hundred.

 

the 8.8 pumkim will hang a bit lower. with 33s you might worry about catching it on stuff. but you wont break it.

 

Haha I agree with staying with your 8.25.

But definitely think you should swap them out and sell me your 8.25 so i can get rid off my crappy D35!!!!

 

Stick with the 8.25...

 

Wow ... the consensus is clear. Thanks for the input guys. I guess I'll pass on the Ford.

 

ok now that you got the input would you mind posting a pic of you working on the jeep for the pleasure of many of us?

 

X2 ^^^^

 

Working on the Jeep??? In the middle of winter!!?




ummm ... why d'you want a pic of me?

 

The 8.8 is overrated. It still has c-clips and if you are upgrading why would you put those in. For the same coin you can get a 9 inch from a car (roughly same wms)and run 38s without worries with some decent shafts. Most of the shops around here don't recommend running bigger than 35s with the 8.8.

 

yeah c clips are not desireable but a 12 bolt chevy rear is a c clip differential and it can hold a **** ton of abuse c clips dont equal strength but yes if i had the option i would get a non c clip axle