Axle swap
 

I know this has been covered on here before but I can't figure out the search. Anyway I'm wanting to swap the axles in my Cherokee. I know 60s are a popular swap but I don't see myself going over 35s so ground clearance on 60s might be an issue. I like the 8.8 but I want a stronger front axle and want them to match. What vehicles should I look at for donors and what axles? I don't mind and in fact would prefer a few inches wider than stock. I can pick up just about any axle for 100-200 each from the local u pull it. I'd like something with some aftermarket support, like trusses, perches etc. This will still be my dd for the time being

For 35s the stock dana 30 and chrysler 8.25 built up will handle them fine.Theres really no front axle worth the swap for 35s.You could go ford 9 inch and dana 44 front but being their age you'd spend a lot rebuilding and regearing them plus the swap parts like steering.You can put the same money or less in to the stock dana 30 and chrysler 8.25 and have something just as strong.

You are 100% correct. There is a couple reasons for wanting to do a swap. 1. I have a 2000 so I have a lp and will need to swap it anyway. 2. Piece of mind knowing that while im out crusing the rocks or trails I won't be the one breaking axles. 3. It will be locked for sure.
I was looking at beefing up the 30 but for a super 30 kit it's about 1300 and the 8.25 doesn't have much support and I believe 4.56 is the lowest I can go which might be fine for a dd on 35s.
what vehicle would I look at for the 44 and 9?

They make as low as 5.13 gears for the 8.25 but you don't need to go that low unless you have a 4 cyl. A 29 spline 8.25 will hold up fine with 35s unless you are doing something extreme, for the front you could swap a high pinion Dana 30 in and put some chromoly shafts and you will be fine.

oh ok I've only seen up to 4.56 but I shouldn't need any more than that. I won't be doing any real extreme stuff especially with no cage. Putting lockers in both front and rear along with chromolies 456 gears will not be cheap but it seems that's my route.

I wouldn't worry about upgrading the rear shafts, the front you could just carry spare shafts until you upgrade. You can get the USA standard chromoly shafts for $400.

Ya it's pretty expensive to build those up. But about 3k for some peace of mind when 2-3 hours from the nearest parts store is worth it haha.

what I'm prob gonna do is just swap an 8.8 and a hp 30. For the same amount to build an 8.25 I can have a way stronger axle with a lot more support. An 8.8 swap kit is a few hundred bucks and the a super 88 is only like 550. Including c clip eliminators. There is a ton of the 8.8s here at the local u pull it they are only 100 also. I'll be going tomorrow to get the hp front and the 8.8 rear hopefully with 410 and lsd

For about 4500.00 you could have a Pro Rock 44 front w/ 1/2" tubes, choice of gears, Eaton e-locker and domestic inners built for you and shipped to your door.

Re-gear your 8.25 then add a brace and lunchbox.

You'll be better off doing that if you have the money.

That 30 is a worthless pos and 1 tons are extremely heavy, there's ground clearance issues, you'll have to narrow the 60 unless your into having axles that are way too wide for an XJ.

Imo of course:hammer:

haha ya that's an option. I don't have that kind of dough. I'd say around 10k for an entire build not just for axles. As much as I'd love to have the curries it's just not an option anytime in the near future

Pro Rock is a Dynatrac, the best you can get!

And yeah not cheap but imo and a lot of others there's nothing better.

Idk about the 30 and 35's. Opinion's will vary on that subject.

ya my bad I was thinking rock jock. There's no way I can afford that though. Maybe one day. Unless someone knows of a better front end swap than the hp30? I'm all ears.

I am going to run 35s and all I plan on doing is regearing to 4.56, keeping my Spartan lockers and doing the full circle clip upgrade on the Dana 30 and I am going to carry spare Dana 30 shafts incase one does break.

Ive heard yes and no but ya most likely I'll be doing the super 30 kit. What type of wheeling do you do?

I don't do much rock crawling, mainly old logging roads, trails, and a lot of mudding. I actually think rock crawling is slow and boring I would rather be going full throttle in a mud hole.