I have a 1996 Jeep Cherokee Sport with the 4.0HO, 3" lift, cut fenders and 285/75/16 (they measure 33.2" tall and 11.25 wide)

this Jeep is a daily driver and is on the highway often

I have the HP Dana 30 in the front and a Chrysler 8.25 in the rear...

do to the fact that it is a 1996, the rear end is likely a 27 spline...

if it is a 27 spline is it worth buying a lunch box locker? or should I just weld it up and keep my eyes open for a 29 spline and lunch box that?

 

I'd lunch box the 27 spline.... It's considerably cheaper (locker)..... And you can always upgrade your shafts if u break them. If I swapped axles in your case, it would be for 44s or tons.

 

could this please be moved to advanced tech?

 

You'll be fine with the 27. Like said above, you can keep am eye out for 29 spline shafts and upgrade also but probably not necessary

 

Go check advanced tech thread about this the other day answerd a lot of questions regarding this issue