XJIrish4x4

That depends full case is probably better suited correct? But then I'm sure if I add up the costs it would almost be better to run a better axle. I'm just thinking overall it will still be better than my D35 or maybe not but if I break it then I guess I need to upgrade. I honestly will not know what abuse I will put it through until I get the jeep on the trails in the first place. And this donor Jeep is getting tossed back to the graveyard where someone is going to make money off it and I figured if the owner will swap me before he drops it off it is good for me.

XJIrish4x4

Also, reading online a good # of folks not specifically this Forum do say that 96 XJ's have been known to run 29 spline a lot of them so maybe just maybe I could be lucky enough to have 29 spline. The donor is a 4cyl but that is all I know of right now and I don't know until tomorrow if it is running 3.55 gears just for now.

SatiricalHen

You can't put 29 spline shafts in a 27 spline carrier so you would need to do a full case Locker which is more expensive and requires the gears to be set up as if you were regearing, or can be done while regearing. Lunch box lockers are much cheaper and can be thrown in (at least by me) in an hour or less, with no special tools or set up. Full case lockers are the nicest and strongest, but personally I have a lunch box Locker in my 29 spline 8.25 and I beat it hard and haven't broken yet. Also, getting 29 spline shafts (if you go aftermarket) will cost more than going to a junkyard and pulling a full 29 spline 8.25. I'm not trying to deter you from the plan, but making sure you are fully informed of the difference between them before making the decision.

XJIrish4x4

Okay I understand and do apprieciate you providing me some feedback so that I can learn now instead of finding out the hard way and then being told, "I told you so". Well I'm getting the donor to my house to finish the rear door swaps anyhow so while it was there since it did have the C8.25 in it I figured I would just swap. I suppose I can think about it a couple days as it won't be delivered until next week sometime. At that point I could have my decision to do it or not. Or I can continue my search for a 8.8 or D44 and just build that up for when I break my D35.

XJIrish4x4

I did find a guy selling Ford 8.8 from a complete Exploder 2000 model he would part for $140 I just have to pull it.

XJIrish4x4

Your right they said you would have to most likely change the entire carrier amongst a few other things it was not just a simple swap but could be done is all..

NewKindOfClown

That's what I'd do. It's much stronger and comes with disc brakes. You just need to weld on new spring perches and shock tabs

yvngpnw97xjer

I talked to the guy w the 98 8.25 and he said he's pretty sure it's a 29 spline but he'll double check before I have to drive all the way down to him

Basslicks

Unless they swapped that axle in from a 1996 or older Jeep, it has 29 splines.


Reading back on the last couple pages, the pics of the axles you were looking at will work just fine. Just stay away from the one that said it was from a '95. You're kind of overcomplicating this. The 29 spline 8.25 swap is literally direct bolt-in. I'm lifted 3.5" and used my original driveshaft with it.

What are your plans for the Jeep? If you never plan on going taller than a 35" tire, the 8.25 will be just fine. If you plan on going taller than that, go with the 8.8.

yvngpnw97xjer

I feel like I'm not going to go bigger then 35s, especially as long as its a daily driver. But for right now I'm planning on 4.5 in lift trimming my

Basslicks

Completely understood. If it's your daily driver, I'd recommend NOT getting an axle with a welded diff. You'll chew up your rear tires in less than a year.

You may be fine (read: no driveline vibes) at 4.5" with the 8.25 and your current driveshaft. I was noticing slight vibes before my axle swap. The excess between the driveshaft's slip yoke and the tail shaft is taken up by the longer snout of the 8.25. It ended up eliminating my vibration issues. YMMV, but you should be able to run with it in the short term while you save up for your SYE.

XJIrish4x4

Actually decided to not get the 96 8.25 because I found a 99 C8.25 this morning with a 29 spline guy wanted $150 I got him to $120 picking it up today.

Basslicks

There ya go, man!

Acerwin

What’s some good leaf springs that actually give 4.5” of lift and no more?

SatiricalHen

My RE 4.5" lift springs with the proper shackle angle and an 1.25" lift shackle are even with my 5.5" cool springs. Most lift springs give more lift till they're broken in