Hey guys I need some help deciding which option to take. I have a Chrysler 8.25 with 29 spline shafts, 4.56 gears, and a Detroit EZ lunchbox locker. The problem is, the bearings are bad, so it will cost me $100 plus $150 for labor ($250 total) to repair. So I have the following options: which one do you think is best and why?

1.) Pay to $250 to repair/keep the Chrysler 8.25 with 29 spline shafts(possibly chromoly-not sure), 4.56 gears, and a Detroit EZ lunchbox locker

2.) Pay $650 for a ford 8.8 with 4.56 gears and limited slip with disk brakes set up for an xj and sell my 8.25 for $200 to pay a total of $450.

3.) Keep looking for another axle...or... any other ideas?

 

first thing i would ask yourself is how do you like your current setup? if you like it enough just pay to get it fixed. if not then try another setup until you find one you really like.

 

i would just keep the one you have and get it fixed its cheaper and easier and plenty strong

 

get it fixed, but keep searching... JY's can be suprising...

 

Yea i guess I have to think about it a little bit.

I also found an 8.8 for $200 with 456 gears and lsd with drum brakes, but I would have to set it up for an xj.

I guess my biggest concern is going from a locker to an lsd. it would be nice for the snow, so I could stop sliding around, but trail performance?? Is it worth having a lot more strength, in exchange for an lsd instead of a locker (I also have a front locker)?

 

I guess it depends what you primarily use it for.. If it is a DD the lsd would have nicer road manners all around,especially in the snow. But for trails and off roading you can't beat a locker. Plus if it is a stock ford lsd,prolly with high miles, the clutches in the lsd may be fairly worn out and you may end up with something that is little more then an open axle.. If it were me i would just fix what you've got, 250$ is pretty cheap really... just my 2 cents

 

good point about the clutch. Any other thoughts on from anyone on whether the added strength of an 8.8 is worth giving up my 8.25 with a locker for, or the performance of lsd in rear with locker in front off road?