Swap 8.25 for an 8.8? Special conditions - need input!
02-09-2010, 10:27 AM
#1
CF Veteran
Thread Starter
Swap 8.25 for an 8.8? Special conditions - need input!
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?
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?
02-09-2010, 10:50 AM
#3
CF Veteran
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Aurora
Posts: 3,513
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Year: 1997 XJ
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 HO JASPER MOTOR
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.
98CherokeeLimit4x4 dude really! this is not the for sale section. tech only.
02-09-2010, 12:33 PM
#4
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Birmingham, Alabama
Posts: 565
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Model: Cherokee
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
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
02-10-2010, 01:04 AM
#5
CF Veteran
Thread Starter
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 ...
.I do appreciate the good advice guys.
I'm soo torn ...
Last edited by _StationWagon_; 02-10-2010 at 01:06 AM.
02-10-2010, 10:55 AM
#6
CF Veteran
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Bristol,Pa
Posts: 5,188
Likes: 0
Received 6 Likes
on
6 Posts
Year: 94
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
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.
Trending Topics
02-11-2010, 07:58 AM
#8
CF Veteran
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Virginia Beach, VA
Posts: 1,155
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Year: 1991
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L H.O.
8.25
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!!!!
But definitely think you should swap them out and sell me your 8.25 so i can get rid off my crappy
D35!!!!
02-12-2010, 12:07 AM
#10
CF Veteran
Thread Starter
Wow ... the consensus is clear. Thanks for the input guys. I guess I'll pass on the Ford.
02-12-2010, 11:26 PM
#13
CF Veteran
Thread Starter
02-12-2010, 11:59 PM
#14
CF Veteran
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Soddy Daisy TN
Posts: 5,420
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Year: 97
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
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.
02-13-2010, 12:45 AM
#15
Member
Join Date: Sep 2009
Posts: 144
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Model: Cherokee
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.