I'm trying to decide on a rear end for my XJ and have found 2 that I can't decide between and would love others opinions.

The first is a Chrysler 8.25 from a 97 XJ. Has 80k on the bearings/seals/spider gears, 3.55 gears, and all brake hardware (minus ebrake cables) in decent condition. He's asking $125 for it.

The other is a Ford 8.8 from a 96 Explorer. Has 160k or so on it. Disc brakes in good condition, s.10 gears, and factory lsd. He's asking $200obo for it.

My XJ is my DD, and weekend toy whenever I get the chance. Mostly used for mud and some trail, no rocks around. I plan to upgrade gears eventually and go another 1.5" taller soon too (already at 4"). My Dana35 is on its way out too. If I go 8.25, I wanna swap to discs as I hate drums with mud lol.

Opinions on what's the best option is wanted. Thanks!

 

Id suggest the 8.25. Price is better and has less mileage on it. Plus 8.25s came on xjs so its more practical...

 

Get the 8.8. With what you plan to do, you will never break it.

 

With the 8.8 your going to have to cut/weld, if that's a problem for you i wouldn't consider it.

 

I have access to a welder and someone I can trust to weld so that's not a problem. Just looking for the best priced/reasonable axle that'll hold up for what I need. I plan to keep my XJ for a long time and don't currently have big money to spend. Thanks for the quick replies.

 

As you said it is your DD so im sure even if you take it out every weekend the 8.25 will hold up not problem. If you go with the 8.8 it will force you to upgrade front gears right away so it is up to you. IMHO I think the 8.25 with less miles will do and exceed what you are looking for and it i ready to bolt in and for short money you could upgrade it to the ZJ Disk Brakes.

 

8.25 definitely!! It is cheaper, it will bolt right in, there are plenty of gear, locker and disc brake options for it and it has fewer miles.

 

...and it's plenty strong for what you plan to use it for.

 

Thank you all for such quick replies and good reasoning for each, and all within a few hours too. It looks like I'll probably end up picking up the 8.25 and putting it in sooner than thought (as my front is already 3.55).

I figured the 8.25 would work for what I want/need, but wasn't sure if the 4.10, Lsd and discs on the 8.8 made it more worth while. Apparently the 8.25 already had discs swapped on, but he's keeping them (I know of many ZJ's in yards though). Time to make room in the XJ so I can pick fit it in the back when done work!