4.10's would work too if you got a deal on them. 4 cylinder XJ's had 4.10's from the factory.

Folks have converted a 8.25 to have ABS but custom parts are needed.

In your case I'd stay with the D35. Consider changing to a different carrier w/ locker if you're concerned about durability. D35's usually die when the spider/side gears come apart inside the carrier and it can happen going down the highway on a lane change. But lots of TJ's are out there with D35's and they didn't all blow up. My D35 has 340,000 on it and so far only gear oil changes.

With CA emissions (minicats) the LP30 up front is needed to clear the minicats unless a lift is installed.

 

I too would swap out the LP30 and the 35 for an HP30 and 8.25 29spline axles, I would much rather have Disc brakes (ZJ upgrade) vs. ABS, and eventually you will want to go bigger tires, so you might as well do the right axles now instead of investing money in junk axles - if anything else for Resale Value. Get the axles, have them all done, then swap them one weekend.... Sell the 35, and either rob the axle shafts from the LP for backups, or sell it.

 

Yeah I have been strategic about my mods and trying to do the right one, rather than the cheap or convenient one. I'll have to check around and see if I can find one then.

 

go to the junkyard and pull both axles out of a jeep and get them both geared and swap them in. Get a hp Dana 30 and a 97+ Chrysler 8.25 for the rear and get the gears done, add disc brakes, and swap in. That's what I would do.

 

hah, you don't seem to understand how slow I am! Took me hours to get the angle right on the rear diff when I put the new rear springs on. This is *not* an area I'm particularly fast or skilled

 

Get a buddy to help you to do the work you buy the adult beverage of choice and feed him I bet you can have it done in a weekend if both differentials are done beforehand. You can take your time on those and do them right doing the gears, lockers and disc brakes.

 

BTW, for those who suggested swapping a HP30, check this out:

https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f67/hp...175937/index2/

Cases like this are why I think its better for the later models to stay with the LP axle.

 

but with lift on a jeep the lp has a greater driveshaft angle, which can be problematic.