Hi guys, apologies if i'm teaching you knowledgeable lot to suck eggs.

But i have a 4.0L 1997 facelift XJ here in the UK with standard axles, Dana something and something and i've heard that here in the UK 2.5L Petrol models have a Chrysler 8.25 rear axle.

I want a rear locker, but have read on the forum it isn't worth putting a rear locker into a Dana standard rear axle.

So my question i guess is, is it worth putting a locker like an ARB in a Chrysler 8.25 rear axle??

Before everyone goes get a Ford 8.44 or something else, we just don't have access to all the axles you lucky lot do the other side of the pond!

Cheers for any advice.

 

Question?? What type of wheeling are you doing? How big are the tires? What gearing?

Yes, the Dana 35 is the weakest of the axels available for the XJ. BUT, it can handle up to a 33" tire with a locker. I wouldn't trust the Turdy5 if the Rubicon Trail was part of my daily commute. But, having done about 100K miles offroad with 3 different locked D35 Jeeps, I also wouldn't dump it. Just because it is too weak for HARD-CORE Wheeling or really big tires? I would advise upgraded axle shafts, keep the stockers as trail spares.

 

Hi, its a DD, but not far every day, i've got 31" tyres on at the mo, but plan to get 33" soon.

We don't have anything interesting here in the UK like the MOAB or any rocks really, so mainly just mud really, its all we have here!!

Sounds like i may be OK with what i have and just get a locker fitted.

 

I have a buddy running 35x14.5x15 on a stock 35 and he hasn't broke anything. But he just takes it mudding and is open.

 

I'm runnning 44's on my 35 .. Just kidding. back to the actual question. a C8.25 97+ is 29 spline and its a hoss. its comparable to a D44 and if your think about it, its basically a 9inch rear. So with that said. I would drop a ARB into a 8.25 without hesitation.
I think that the only thing that keeps most from exploring the 8.25 more than the D44 or the D60 is the fact (correct me if I am wrong) that the gearing options for the 8 1/4 arent that great. That and the internal parts availability in terms of aftermarket are plentiful "stateside" thus cheaper to upgrade.

 

I believe the C8.25 is actually a bit more stout than the D44. It seems people like the D44 primarily for the huge aftermarket support and lack of C-clips; C8.25 is a great axle though.

 

Nope, D44 is stronger than a 8.25"

To the OP,
Consider adding a PowerTrax NoSlip locker. It can be installed without removing the carrier from the axle.

 

while you guys are on the subject.
what do you think about dana 30s up front?
mine came locked with an aussie when i bought it..
but i plan on doing rubicon and fordyce and such soon.

would a 3/8 truss from diff top to uca mount make it a hell of a lot stronger??

or should i look into something else for up front?
what are my options?

 

yes, i would gusset the Cs too and upgraded shafts, should help out a lot

 

What size tires? Dana 30 is plenty strong for 31s without gussetting and 33/35s with gusseting.

 

the dana 30 is good up to 35's as long as your not whalling on it in the rocks. good to 33's if you are. Lock and run that C8.25 29 spline to your hearts content. Anything the D30 front can handle the C8.25 will have no issues with. OP the dana 35 would be the turd with issues when going to anything bigger then 33's open but since you got a C8.25 you have nothing to worry about. Also your thinking of the F8.8..

On a different note OP, What is "Petrol"?

 

not even in the slightest

 

On a different note OP, What is "Petrol"?


That is gasoline ! Uk and Aussies use that name where Americans use gasoline

 

dana 44 has slightly larger axles and ring gear, but smaller pinion and pinion bearings than a 8.25. 8.25 also has larger axle tubes. so to me its kind of a wash.
if you have an 8.25 available to you, I think its work swapping. then you have no question. If you lock the 35 and have problems, you end up spending more money downt he road to swap it out, and then lock it again.

 

Interesting.. Thank You