Found an 8.25 with 27 spline welded diff complete drum to drum with stock gears for $50. i have a dana35 stock under my rig right now. My question is this: should I or shouldnt I? Mine is a daily driver/offroader (though its hasnt been offroad in two monthes cause I cant figure out the front end issues). I got 4" lift and 31's (but will have 33's eventually) Should I get this axle? How hard is it to go up to a 29 spline once the diff has been welded? Any input from the locals would be appreciated

 

Save you money and get the 29 spline man, i will ask around see if i can find you one. possible around 150-250. deal? 27 spline in my opinion is no better than youur thrudy5

 

I would. For 50 bucks it would be great trading piece if you end up not using it. I have thought of taking both my 8.25s out and trading for d35s simply because both of mine are 2wd.

 

I wouldn`t put a welded one in a DD .

 

Save your money only an idiot would put a welded diff in a dd.Also find a 29 spline,its comparable to a d 44.

 

K Im sold. Not going to buy it

 

its easy to swap it to a 29 spline all you need to do is change the carrier and your gunna do that when you buy a real locker anyways right? then you get some axle shafts for a 29 spline and ta da! its an 8.25 29 spline... im doing this to get rid of the 27 spline thats in mine

 

I think you should do it Jacob. Its 50 bucks. Ya of course you dont want to put a welded diff into a dd but thats an easy fix. Worth the money if you ask me. If I didnt already have a 8.25 id buy it gut it. Keep the 35 you got now and start rebuilding the 8.25. Do alloy shafts, locker, gears, etc. Just my 2 cents

 

Its not JUST $50..

you need another $50 for new U-bolts/Plates.. Most people would argue that U-bolts should be 1-time use only.. you dont have to be one of them.. But for THIS swap you DO need to replace all of that, Why? 8.25 is 3" axle tubes.. Dana 44 and Dana 35 are NOT.
$20 for a Diff service.. who in the world buys an axle and does not change the fluid out to check condition?
What condition are the brakes in? etc etc...


It's just one of those jobs that... Do it "Right" the first time and you will be happier later on down the road.. Look for a 29spline 8.25 as a minimum upgrade, Or a Dana 44.. Or even get some help to setup an 8.8.
that 27spline 8.25 is not much stronger then the D35 and now that it's welded is probably weaker.. PLUS a welded/spooled diff will eat tires..