Ok guys, and gals. My dana 35 decided to eat up the spider gears so off to the junkyard I went. I found a freshly rebuilt Chrysler 8.25 for $125 so I scooped it up. I got the axle home, took the old drums off, took the shoes off and all brake lines, components, etc. Everything was pretty rusty to the point where it should be replaced. My dana 35 has just gotten fresh drums, lines, shoes, springs, etc. This is where my questions arise.

1. Are the drums interchangeable?

2. How does one go about switching the brake line block? Or are those interchangeable as well?

3. Am I correct to assume that I can take all of my brake components off the d35 and swap them onto the 8.25?

4. I know that I will need to get the correct drive shaft and U-bolts, I've also got the right gear ratio, but are there any other tips/tricks that would make this project go a little smoother?

I am in college with a tight budget right now, so buying all new drums, lines, etc. for a second time in two months is not an option.

I appreciate your guys' help, it is much needed! Lol

 

I would put disc brakes on it before installing the axle. Wouldn't take long at all on the bench. Just jack it up, take the old axle out and put the new one in. If you're lifted I suggest a yj rear brake line. Slightly longer and fits good.

 

As much as I would love to do that, college bills put a damper on any more jeep purchases. I pretty much just need to know if I can swap over my drums and brake components.

 

I'm not sure if they will or not, I know that the backing plate for a disc brake swap needs opened up, so the hole in your drum and stuff might be too small. Not sure, just throwing out what I know.

 

Okay, thank you. Just dont want to get stuck having to buy all new shoes, drums, etc.

 

if you do end up needing all new brake components, it's not much more to get disc brakes I believe. I'd at least look into disc brakes if you do need all new components.

 

Yes, you'll need new drums and shoes.

Not that expensive.

 

Pretty sure you can. When buying rear brakes for an XJ pretty sure all the computer at the auto parts store I work at asks is if they are 9" or 10". I believe 10" to be a Police XJ thing. Most people have 9". I believe 10" drums are finned. 9" are not. And you can tell by how the rear brake lines go into the wheel cylinders. 10" go in angled, 2 different part numbers for the wheel cylinders. Left and right. 9" go in straight same part number fits both sides.

 

Depending in the year they share the same parts. Police xj had the 10" drums regular had 9 with a 1.75 pads width I recall. The older 35s are a completely different set up.

 

If you can find a KJ Liberty with the 8.25 rear, those discs are a direct bolt on.

 

My xj Is a 96 with 9 inch on the D35 and the 8.25 I picked up had 9 inch brakes on it as well. Both have backing plates yet too. Do the backing plates stay or do I need to swap those over as well?

 

That would be nice but the junkyards here in central mn are pretty slim pickings. My local yard only had 4 jeeps total. Nothing newer than 98

 

Awesome, I know for a fact that the wheel cylinders go in straight on both axles. Looks like all the new stuff is coming of the D35 and going onto the 8.25, just not sure about backing plates.

 

Keep the backing plate in the orginal axle and just swap parts.