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8.8 vs 8.25 install

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Old 02-13-2015, 11:21 PM
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Default 8.8 vs 8.25 install

I would like to regear and add an air locker to my 8.25. I've met with my diff guy and he can install a 4:56 8.8 axle w/an ARB and disks for the same as he would charge to regear and install ARB in the 8.25. He's built a bunch of 8.8's for xj swaps. Seems like a no brainer, is there any disadvantage to the 8.8? Am ready to install a SYE kit, so am getting a new CV DS anyway.
Old 02-13-2015, 11:26 PM
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Price includes regearing the front d30
Old 02-14-2015, 12:06 AM
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The only downside I could think of is less ground clearance. What size tires do you want to run?

My thinking is I want to run the biggest tires I can on stock axles for the most clearance under the diffs.
Old 02-14-2015, 12:21 AM
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33's
Old 02-14-2015, 02:19 AM
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If he fully welds the 8.8 axle tubes to the center i would go with the 8.8.
Old 02-14-2015, 02:41 AM
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Yes I'm lazy right now, does anyone have dimensions comparing the two? Like the 9 3/4 ring gear on a Dana 60 vs a Chrysler 9 1/4 not being all that different?

I'm looking into the upgrade eventually, but not too soon to care to look it up. Axle shafts on a Dana 35 are barely bigger than the Dana 30.. Stats like that.
Old 02-14-2015, 08:20 AM
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I can't pull up the specs but the 8.8 is a tiny bit stronger then the 8.25 is.If you want 35s both are good to go,But over that the 8.8 will take 37s if built right.
Old 02-14-2015, 08:29 AM
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You just need to buy the swap stuff and figure out what you're going to do with the driveshaft. Weld the tubes and run it.
Old 02-14-2015, 09:22 AM
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Originally Posted by harken
I would like to regear and add an air locker to my 8.25. I've met with my diff guy and he can install a 4:56 8.8 axle w/an ARB and disks for the same as he would charge to regear and install ARB in the 8.25. He's built a bunch of 8.8's for xj swaps. Seems like a no brainer, is there any disadvantage to the 8.8? Am ready to install a SYE kit, so am getting a new CV DS anyway.
Sounds too good to be true, if done right. Pros for the 8.8- disc brakes, 31 spline shafts, stronger ring & housing. The biggest downsides are its not a bolt in, you have to carry 2 spares due to different lengths & the housing is larger and may hang up on obstacles more. I have yet to experience the latter.
Pros for the 8.25 are its stronger than a 35, only need to carry one spare & its bolt in. You can lock it & beat the crap out of it on 33s & probably 35s. The worst thing about it is the drum brakes.
Old 02-14-2015, 10:33 AM
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Adding an ARB to your 8.25" is the better option.
Factor in the cost of a 8.8, parts to complete the swap, welding, etc....
No brainer.

8.8 is a good axle but the diff is pretty big, so keep that in mind. It's going to dig a lot of ditches.
Old 02-14-2015, 11:51 AM
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On 35's with an 8.8 in my last XJ, the diff never hung me up wheeling. When I was still on 33's I drug it all over Superlift in Arkansas. I hung on that 8.8 more times than I hung on anything else. I agree with Frank, for 33's keep the 8.25
Old 02-14-2015, 12:31 PM
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If you are going to use 33s and ARB lockers, I would stay with the 8.25.
Old 02-14-2015, 02:55 PM
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Originally Posted by SeriousOffroad
Adding an ARB to your 8.25" is the better option.
Factor in the cost of a 8.8, parts to complete the swap, welding, etc....
No brainer.

8.8 is a good axle but the diff is pretty big, so keep that in mind. It's going to dig a lot of ditches.



Gotta agree with Frank here the 8.25 is a better choice for you and the 33's.
Old 02-14-2015, 07:29 PM
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Thx for the input
Old 02-14-2015, 09:07 PM
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Might be a sale coming up............


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