richie010

'91 XJ - want to install stronger axle assemblies

by921

How strong

bad_idea

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.

investinwaffles

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

andrewmp6

We need to know tire size you want to run,And how you want to use the jeep.

Grandpa's helper

Wagoner 44 upfront what years would work in my XJ?

andrewmp6

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.

Grandpa's helper

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

Fred/N0AZZ

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.

Atmos

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

Atmos

keep your D30. As Andrew stated the waggy 44 is pretty much total s**t as are most D44 front axles (if not all)

andrewmp6

We have a lot of members running the same combo as Fred and never have problems.

97Cheroke

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

00t444e

I am running 35s on a Stock Dana 30 and Chyrsler 8.25 with 4.56 gears and Spartan lockers and it has held up fine.

97Cheroke

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