Instead of doing a full 4wd conversion I’m thinking about just getting a rear locker. Looking for opinions on brand and gear ratio. Other than tires and rims everything else is stock.

 

What are you trying to accomplish and what axle do you have?

 

Spartan locker.

 

I wanna have a little more confidence it in if I decide to go play in the woods/off-road. I’m not sure what axle came in the 96 xj. Possibly the chysler 8.25 or the ****ty D35.

 

Rear Axles
Chrysler 8.25 - 27 spline, 1.17" diameter shafts, 8.25" ring gear, 3" axle tube - used 91-96

I'd suggest an Aussie Locker for the 8.25 and it will have noise while turning. This is normal and the person who is going to tell you that theirs is quiet, well... it's not typical so don't fall for changing your gear oil once you hear it. It cost me an additional $40.00 in gear oil and the noise continues. I am good with the noise after I felt the difference between having and not having the locker. Good luck man!

 

My '96 has a D35, but maybe that's just an export thing.

 

Any XJ can have a d35

OP you either have a 27 spine 8.25, 29 spline 8.25, or d35
AXLE INFO: - Jeep Cherokee Forum

 

It’s a great option and will def add to you’re off road ability. But an auto locker will come at a cost of street ability. I recently installed an 8.25 with a spartan and love it off road. But hate it in a parking garage and drive through. Haha.

I have 4wd. Locked front and rear, but rarely have to engage 4wd on moderate to difficult trails at places like Windrock. And when I do go 4wd it’s more of a prevention thing.

 

There is also the Dana 35 vs 8.25 debate. My 01 came with a Dana 35. I very much considered building it with a super 35 kit, but came across a deal of an 8.25 with chromoly shafts and spartan already installed. Couldn’t pass it up and feel much better about building an 8.25.

 

If you're staying rear drive only, I'd also consider a winch.

 

 

That's what I thought, but see #5

 

If you have anti-lock brakes, you have a 35.