CLSegraves1

My 01 XJ currently has the stock Chrysler 8.25 with 3.55 gears. I want to ditch the rear drums so I'm contemplating doing the Grand Cherokee rear discs. However, I'm also tossing the idea around of swapping in a Ford Explorer 8.8 (that comes with disc).

I can get an 8.8 with factory 3.55 gears (I'm happy with the 3.55 ratio) and don't mind welding new leaf spring brackets on.

My question is, which axle is better? Any input would be appreciated.

Chris

srb53150

the 8.25 does have c- clips..sorry to say

CLSegraves1

Well, good to know. I was under the impression only the Dana 35 had C-clips but clearly I was misinformed. Thanks.

Soooo... it looks like other than width, the 8.8 is a better axle.

Big David

8.8 has c clips too but larger axle shafts.

unidentifiedbomb

If you're not going bigger than 35s it's not worth the swap. To me if you're going over 35s you might as well go one ton so to me a 8.8 is a waste if you already have a 29 spline 8.25.

CLSegraves1

I'm actually really happy with my 32s, but I've always tossed around the idea of 35s. My long term goal is a V8 swap (which is really where I was considering a heavier duty axle). I don't do heavy crawling, just rough jeep trails.

sneeze357

The 8.25 was used behind plenty of Chrysler V8s.

00t444e

The 8.8 is a slightly stronger axle, but as said before you aren't gaining much by going through all the work to put an 8.8 in if you already have the 8.25.

Transpoquick

8.8 is obviously a stronger axle, it has a 8.800 inch ring gear, the 8.25..well.

Better question to ask yourself since your happy w/ the 3.55(for the tire size that was stated, that's a good choice) and disc brakes are on your mind, which is also a good choice. Which axle has less miles on it?, If your not afraid of welding and the swap details, do it.

That's a no brainer, if mileage is less or equal to your current axle..?

8.8 r&p will have better tooth contact than the 8.25.
Tooth contact is good with both axles at that ratio. If you choose to go with bigger tires later, all the better if the 8.8 is installed. Thicker ring gears and numerically higher ratio's will have less tooth contact w/ smaller diameter ring gears.

CLSegraves1

The 8.25 has 120,000 miles (just rolled over this weekend). No clue on what 8.8 I'd get.

From what everyone has said, it sounds like I should just install disc brakes on the 8.25 and keep playing.

Fixmy59bug

I went with the 8.8 just for the fact that it was MUCH cheaper to swap than it would have been to build the 8.25 to similar specs.

My 8.25 has drum brakes, open carrier, and 3.55 gears.

To convert to disc brakes, locker (or LSD), and regear to 4.10's would have been about $1,000

Where as an axle from a 97 Explorer Eddie Bauer (with disc brakes, LSD, and 4.10 gears) was $180 plus about $100 for the mounting kit.

00t444e

The factory limited slip in both the 8.8 and 8.25 aren't that good for offroading, they are ok for the street, but I assume since you are wanting a stronger axle then you are going to use it off road. If you want an 8.8 your best option would be to find one with an open diff so you can put a lunchbox locker in it.

J_Irish85

good point you got there