So, its no question that I'm ignorant of some things. I've heard conflicting answers to the following line of questions, so i was oping to get some "solid" answers from the "Experts"

I, like many, have the open 8.25" rearend. I, like many, don't have much of a "jeep budget"
Because an open rearend sucks, i was thinking i might be able to get a factory LSD cheap from a local junkyard. i forget were i saw it but i remember a list of dodges that had the 29 spline rearend tat had the LSD optional.

now, heres the actual question. Is it possible to, after finding one in the JY, to remove the actual LSD carrier from the rearend and just put it into my rearend? do te axle ratios have to be the same to do so?

Ive heard its easier to just swap the whole axle, but if its a lot simpler than that i might consider getting one and rebuilding it before popping it in mine.

 

No its not just as simple as popping them out and swapping them. At a minimum you will have to switch over the ring gear and bearings that mount on the carrier. If you get lucky, the shims on pinion will be fine and you wont need to change them. You will still have to set backlash no matter what and that requires special tools. Would be a lot easier and better to get a lunchbox locker. Its worth the added cost.

 

What he said. If you change the carrier out, then you have to setup the axle. Meaning precision measurement of gear mesh, backlash and lots of work with a press. Not worth it for a LSD in a jeep application. I would suggest a lunchbox locker. Much simpler install.

 

if you can find one, get the whole axle from a xj with factory lsd, less of a hassle. it's what i did and added disc breaks, finally getting ready to install it shortly.

the lsd has the clutch packs inside so it's a hit or miss. if it's been abused chances are it'll act more as an open diff

 

Put an Aussie in it yourself.

https://www.torqmasters.com/aussie_l...8_25_29_spline

 

I 3rd putting in a lunch box locker. LSD's are just enough to keep you from doing the one wheel peel in slippery situations, they are better then nothing on rocks but the locker is where its at for off road.

 

I bought an 8.8 for my xj with an LSD in it. I bought the upgraded Kevlar clutch kit with the heavy duty spring and installed them as tight as I could. Worked great for the street. First time off-road it sucked. Swapped to an open carrier and bought an Aussie. Never regretted the lunchbox locker. Approximately 7000 miles and 3 years later I still love it.

 

I too put an 8.8 in the rear with a LSD, it came with it so I'll run it. I'll put the lunchbox locker in the front, one day.


If I were working with an open rear and planning to upgrade it, I would go lunchbox or don't bother. LSD isn't worth the effort to swap, in an off road application.

 

I guess is should have mentioned that my XJ is my DD. I was under the impression that the lunchbox lockers didnt like being ran primarily on pavement, and especially in snow?

I have a neighbor who might be able to help with more complicated jobs, but if its a BS job, then its a BS job.

I just assumed that the LSD was the best compromise for a DD. The local junkyards DO have a few scrapped XJs, but they are pretty well picked clean.

I DO know where theres a 95 Upcountry XJ, but it has the D35 rearend (friggn ABS). too bad because I can have anything free off of it that i want..

 

Keep the open rear and put a lunchbox locker in. I am getting ready to do the opposite of what you want to do, I have a LSD and I am switching to an open carrier so I can put a Spartan locker in.

 

I drive my Spartan everyday. Just takes some adjustment. There will be some tire chirping and clicking but nothing you cant get used to.

 

Trutrac is really nice, but pricey for the 8.25

 

I plan to put the locker in the front axle as my Jeep is also my DD. In the front it will still make noise, but will not affect handling characteristics in 2WD.