Stlavguy

So I am to the point where I am ready to turn my attentions to my axles.... And that where I'm running into a problem i cant seem to decide what route I want to take.
As it stands now I have a 98 XJ 4.0 auto, 3.5" RE Super Flex Lift, and 255/75/17 Mud terrains (32") with 250K miles. I am building this as a go anywhere vehicle that I can use as a Daily driver and trying to make everything better as I Go through it.
So...... My current rear Axle is a 8.25 w 3.55 and is in great working condition and my front is a HP Dana 30 that needs some attention (Pinion seal leaking and thee seems to be some play in the pinion shaft)
Option 1. Keep the stock gearing, Add a new locker to the rear ( ARB, OX, Aburn, Detroit, Eaton) and just rebuild the front.
Option 2. Same as above, but re-gear to 4.10 to off set the 32" tires
Option3. Same as above but replace the rear with 8.8


Here is my problem. I WILL be taking this jeep offroad and will expect alot from it but I am a not going to be beating the crap out of it... So is the 8.25 strong enough or do I need to move to the 8.8 for any offroading beyond mild trails? also are the 3.55 gears ok to run on 32" or should I move to something more inline with the new life of this Jeep? and lastly ARB or Everyone else?

I am well aware of the disk brakes so please dont include them as a reason to move toward the 8.8. I just want real world advise for a normal guy building a great jeep to do cool things and drive around my city using up the gas hybrids save! BTW this thing still gets 19-20 MPG w 250k and 32" tires! amazing!!!!!

SeriousOffroad

Based on your description I'd suggest sticking with what you have.

Regear to 4.10's and lock the axles.

Yes a Ford 8.8 is stronger, but on relatively small tires you'll drag the diff constantly.

Stlavguy

Thanks for the quick reply.
Do you suggest any mods to make to the 8.25 while I'm in there / working on it? I.E truss, shock axle mount relocation, ZJ disk brake Conversion.
Also you are A vendor on here correct? PM me a great price on gears, Locker, and stuff, and I will try and purchase from you.

rawk krawler

I built my jeep with the same ideals in mind, if you can find an xj 44 at a jy, take it, very easy swap. I spent <$350 on my lock rites front and rear and wouldn't have it any other way, you personally may want an arb up front, cheaper route ( some recommend against it ) to go to jy and find a renix d30 with vacuum disco and swap it up front ( I put one under my 95 ) make a posi lock for it $40, and viola fully locked vehicle when you want it, daily driver when you need it. The u joints aren't great but I Carry a few spares and run locked 33s and they haven't failed yet. 4.56 on the list.

That's my favored way of fully lockin er up heha under a grand.

SeriousOffroad

Raising the shock mounts is a great upgrade for added clearance.

A disc brake conversion is another good move.

You can find the lockers on my site, freight is shown when you add them to your shopping cart.

D30 HP (Reverse Cut) are on the site as well as are the master install kits for both of your axles.

I'll have a price on some 8.25" 4.10's tomorrow.

Atmos

I hang the front D30 just as much as the 88

SeriousOffroad

I can't understand why, the D30 is much smaller than the 8.8.

MountiansRcool

the 8.25 is plenty strong locked on 33s i wouldnt worry unless your mobbin deep as ****. id go with an 8.8 with stock 4.10 gears, throw a locker in it and re gear the front u would probably only be down about 200$ for the 8.8 another 200$ for locker and about 500$ to regear the front if ur paying to have someone do it