SEALDOG98

As a disclaimer I'd like to say that I'm no mechanic, nor do I have very vast car knowledge. However, am learning. Forgive me if some of my statements are inaccurate, etc, etc..... oh yeah,.... and I am all over the place with my thoughts here. So I'm trying to get it all out in one thread.

I've been researching the famous Axle topic for hours (current Dana 35)

A brief background.....

I'm pretty new to the wheeling scene (I've a dirt bike background).
I've not run into too much Rock Applications (yet), and have going to a place which has nice hill terrain, and will go mudding when at all possible. Only here in Southern California (drought), mud is few and far between. Though we had a massive storm a few weeks back, and when the city and mountains were flooding, I was in some deep (and steep) mud.

Like most people here, piece by piece I'd like to make my baby a beauty.

Being a bit compulsive, I've in a short period of time added a nice amount of basics.

98 XJ Cherokee Classic (4.0l)
I've just requested a build sheet of my XJ from Jeep.

Currently -
Rough Country 4.5 inch lift
Select Trac
NP231 (i think)
Dana 35 (rear)
32x11.5x15 (Wrangler MT's with Kevlar)
8 inch wheels with 3.75 backspace.
Bushwacker Cut Out Flares
Smittybilt XRC heavy *** bumper w/ bullbar
Engo Winch 9000 lb. (waiting to be delivered)
Nice sound system (i had to put in on the list)
Tow Ropes
Fire Extinguisher

I am about ready to push the button on a set of JCR Rock Crawlers.
I believe that will be my next purchase for sure (?????????????). The body is good shape, so I'd hate to F that up when could be avoided.

With funds now a bit limited, I'd like (on this thread) some input on what I should prioritize and in what order to do next.

Among those, I think should be a rear axle... only since running 32's and not so hardcore, I don't know how soon (if at all??), and recommendations.

Some of my immediate concerns are
I only have stock spare...
So all of a sudden I'm thinking about a Roof Rack that can accommodate a real spare wheel, and then the hi lift, etc. Lighting will come way later (i think). I don't think I want to get a tire holder for the rear hatch. I figure the roof rack will be more efficient handling multiple purposes.

I DON'T HAVE....

Hi Lift currently at all. Even for my stock spare.
Rear Differential Cover
Fuel Tank Skid Plate
Real Sized Spare
Roof Rack
Tire Mount
Axe
Shovel
and so much more I don't know about.

Now the dreaded Axle topic.
After researching it seems that I'd be smart to get a Dana 44, or Ford 8.8 from Explorer with 31 spline (in that order). Your thoughts, and most importantly, where would this be in the equation.

I probably should have saved us all some time and went about it like this.

Above is what I have now on my jeep.
What do you all feel should be next, and in what order.

thanks so much!!!!!!!!!!!!

XJwonders

What's the max size of tires u want to run in the end? If u want to stay on 32-33's forever then u would want a Chrysler 8.25 with 29 splines from 96-01 Cherokees.

A lot of people told me that a 8.8 housing is really large and even with 33's u would be dragging the bottom of the housing over obstacles.

A Dana 44 from a xj is hard to find.

salad

EDIT stupid double post

salad

32s on an open D35 should be fine. Not having a locker in there greatly reduces shock loading, which is the main reason those things snap. I' just carry a spare shaft but you'll likely never use it.

If you're staying around 32-33" range and want to lock it, look into a Chrysler 8.25. Common as dirt and will handle that no problem without modification.

Skid plates are definitely a good thing.

If you do plan to go larger in tires, it'll be time to look at regearing. In the mean time I strongly suggest getting an auxilliary transmission cooler. The AW4 makes a LOT of heat, especially when turning large tires in stock gears. Heat is basically the only thing that'll kill these transmissions.

SEALDOG98

Thanks for the advise. It seems as though I should get a trans cooler despite my current 32's, and if locking then go to Chrysler 8.25. I should go to the 8.25 if going above 33's as we'll. that's great to know. I wanted to eventually lock, however it wasn't next on my list. This info is awesome because I feel a bit more at ease sticking with my 32's with my D35.

I did order the JCR Crawlers, so the winch and those are going on next.

With all of that being said, what does the community here think should be the next mods?

Thanks!