New to the forum and XJs. I got a 2000 Sport with 159xxx miles. It’s sitting on 31s and a RC 2” lift. Everything else stock and has Dana 35 rear. I plan to go to 33s and a Rustys 4.5” inch lift and I want to upgrade the axles. From what Ive read the Chy 8.25 can handle 33s no problem, I would change gearing and a few upgrades on the internals. Is the swap between these two an easy job? And can I find an 8.25 with disk brakes?

Just want any feedback on where to get started on my first Jeep build, thanks in advance for any response.

 

It’s a direct swap.
If your xj is an auto trans ( doesn’t say in your profile) then get the 8.25 from the same. The snout is about 1” longer. You’ll need the drive shaft. Later years have a bigger spline count. Can’t remember which years. I don’t run that axle anymore. You can research that or someone else might chime in. Make sure the gears match your front if your going to run it now.
If your going to re gear and install it with your lift don’t worry about the driveshaft. You’ll need a sye and driveshaft at 4.5”anyway.
You won’t find one with discs from the factory. There’s a couple different avenues you can take to get a disc set up tho.
Get the u bolts with the axle if you run it now. If not get the 8.25 u bolts with the lift.
Btw you’ll lose your abs.
I see you’re planning this out. 🤙