Hi all, I have a 99 Cherokee XJ with the Chrysler 8.25 rear axle with 3.55 gears. I also have a Dana 44 with 3.73 Limited Slip rear axle out of an explorer that I was thinking about installing. My question is, is it worth the trouble? I plan to run 33's so I may need to re-gear anyway with the 3.73's and definitely will with the 3.55's. The only advantage that I see is the fact the Dana has a locker installed but not sure if that will support 4.11 gears or not, may have to change it anyway. What do you all think?

Thanks
Scott

1999 Jeep Cherokee XJ
4 Door Automatic
All Stock

 

The Explorer never had a 44, it had a 8.8.

The 8.25 is plenty strong for 33s & 35s.

 

Sorry, you are correct, I meant 8.8. The 8.8 does come with disc brakes though. I was just trying to figure out if it was worth it because it has the 3.73 Traction Lock and Disc Brakes but the carrier break is at 3.73 so if I go lower I will have to change the traction lock out anyway.

Thanks
Scott

 

What tires do you see yourself stopping at? If its no bigger than 35s, stick with the 8.25

 

35's would be the absolute maximum as this will be a dialy driver that I will be working out of.

Thanks
Scott

 

Just keep the 8.25 honestly. Can swap to discs and regear no issues and run lockers.

 

Will do, thanks guys.

Scott

 

The 8.8 swap isn't a bolt in so you gotta weld before it will,But like said the 8.25 is strong enough i would keep it.

 

I love my 8.8 and it has been beat on.

 

Is there a carrier break with the 8.8 at 3.73? I've never heard that before.