best axle swaps
CF Veteran

Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 1,820
Likes: 60
From: Pasquotank, NC
Year: 1990
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
The D30 up front can be made to handle some abuse. The 8.8 is an easy swap if you have the D35 out back.
That's what I am running w/ 33s. I don't beat mine, and it is holding up well.
That's what I am running w/ 33s. I don't beat mine, and it is holding up well.
CF Veteran
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 2,097
Likes: 12
From: Tarpon Springs, FL / Denver, CO
Year: '98
Engine: 4.0 I6
8.8 is an easy swap in the rear, the ford 9" is stronger but much more effort to swap in
The front, the Wagoner Dana 44 is probably the most popular on the XJ
The front, the Wagoner Dana 44 is probably the most popular on the XJ
81-91 but its not really much of a upgrade,Its low pinion and its 6 lug and not a bolt on deal either.For the time and money a axle swap takes its worth going 1 tons.The stock dana 30 can handle 35s if built up and that dana 44 is only good to 37s built.While a dana 60 is good to 44s if built up.
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Newbie
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
From: Dexter Oregon
Year: 1990
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
Probably 35's and set up for multi use. What I mean is in Oregon we have lots of mud and trails. I want to be able to do some rock crawling and snow runs in the mountains during the winter.
Thanks
Thanks
CF Veteran
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 7,554
Likes: 17
From: Monett, MO.
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
I run stock D30 and the Chy 8.25 in the rear both with stock axles with 33 & 35" tires locked 4.56 gears. Have never broken an axle in either but carry spares if needed.
The Chy 8.25 as about equal in strength to a D44 plus a direct bolt-in. 35" tires are the max for stock units and off road use.
The Chy 8.25 as about equal in strength to a D44 plus a direct bolt-in. 35" tires are the max for stock units and off road use.
CF Veteran
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 7,387
Likes: 10
From: City of Trees, CA
Year: 93 2 door
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
best axle swap - spidertrax housings with gearworx diffs
best for a Cherokee? Stock. don't change a thing just beef them up the D30/8.25/8.8/44 combo is perfect
best for a Cherokee? Stock. don't change a thing just beef them up the D30/8.25/8.8/44 combo is perfect
CF Veteran
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 7,387
Likes: 10
From: City of Trees, CA
Year: 93 2 door
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
keep your D30. As Andrew stated the waggy 44 is pretty much total s**t as are most D44 front axles (if not all)
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2021
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: Charleston
Year: 1997
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
I want to run 33’s. Maybe 35’s in the future. I’m curious as to what my best axle and gear choice would be. I plan on using it as a daily but also take it off road every weekend or so. I see a lot of guys running D 44’s and 8.25’s but I don’t know too much about axles and gearing,any help would be appreciated
CF Veteran

Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 3,636
Likes: 469
From: Southern OH
Year: 1997
Model: Cherokee(XJ)
Engine: 4.0
I want to run 33’s. Maybe 35’s in the future. I’m curious as to what my best axle and gear choice would be. I plan on using it as a daily but also take it off road every weekend or so. I see a lot of guys running D 44’s and 8.25’s but I don’t know too much about axles and gearing,any help would be appreciated
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2021
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: Charleston
Year: 1997
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
thank you,glad to see this thread is still a little active. Currently looking for another XJ since I cracked the block in mine. I’m looking for a 99. Probably gonna throw on 33-35’s and try and find that rear end. And if I throw in lockers will they be fine to daily with? I heard some are squeaky


