Hi guys,

I am running 35s with the stock chrysler 8.25 rear axle, and am not sure whether it would be ok to go offroading with that set up. I am not planing on doing anything hardcore, just lots mud and thats it. I am just dont want to break anything as I will be by myself.

I highly recommend you get some decent bumpers and recovery gear before going anywhere, especially alone. I also highly recommend NOT going alone.

Go just don't go alone or if you do bring a good pair of walking shoes!

Nice looking jeep!

Definitely don't go alone, and make sure the person you go with has the proper recovery gear, since you don't.

We all hate "that guy" on the trail. So, don't be that guy, lol

I know you're gung ho, and want to go have fun, I'm just saying be smart about it. Go prepared.

The reason I suggest decent bumpers, is you say you want to go mudding. If your rig is buried in mud, what are you going to attach to to get out?

A bumper with decent tie ins and D rings, or built in hitch goes a long way into making a bad day a little easier, haha

...and I agree, good looking rig

Plenty of people run locked 8.25s with 35s and don't have any problems.

Im checking the rough country bumper, not sure if its any good.

It's Rough Country, it's simply garbage. Bolt on recovery points, kills any approach angle you want, weights a ton. Get something worth buying.
The 8.25 can easily handle 35s and even with a locker. If you're worried about the c-clips you can get disc brakes and that'll keep the shafts in if an unexpected situation.

I agree, not a RC fan.

Look for a bumper with solid frame rail tie ins, and welded D ring mounts. One that accepts a winch would be a good idea too, that way you can add it later when you can afford to.

I'm running an 8.25 un-trussed right now with 35x12.5's and a spartan rear locker. no issues off road or on icy roads transitioning to dry pavement. its all in how you drive with em. Don't drive like an idiot, and let the tires/locker work for you and it will hold up just fine.

Any more pics of your rig? As for your 8.25 you will probably be fine in mud. If it is an 8.25 out of newer model 97+ cherokee with 29 spline then send it!!

I still have the 27 spline, I am planning on getting 29 from the jy but I guess it will be a little bit difficult as there are not so many xjs where I live. I am also planning o regear yo 4.88 and long arms.

That thing is way too clean for mudding, lol

Besides, you don't wanna be a mudder if you do your own work...I still find Moab red mud dropping on me, and I've completely redone the entire underside of my jeep. Almost like there's a magical portal under my jeep, that only opens when I'm under it, looking up, with a wrench in my hand, lol

Those Maxxis bighorns look great, I may have to get those. How do they do in thick mud?

Is your power steering bracket cracked?

Very clean XJ by the way - paint looks brand new. You must live in the south since it has a heater-core delete, LOL