I know that this is a direct swap.

Here is the deal. I have a buddy that is giving me a 12k winch to put a different rear under his 88 limited xj. 3.55 gears. 3 inch lift on 33s NP242 tcase

So I know the swap is basically a direct swap. What I have read I will need. C8.25 with 3.55s and ubolts from the 8.25 as well. I have also read that the drive shaft will need to be swapped. Does anyone know if drive shaft will be needed to on the NP242 with 3 inches of lift and 33s. I know that the reason to use different drive shaft is because of the length of the shaft would need to be shorter. My thinking is that since there is a lift and 33s the d35 drive shaft is proly already barely holding on lol. If anyone has done the swap with this set up let me know if you had any issues.

 

Don't guess, check and see if its barely hanging on.

Doing a SYE as well? Now would be the best time to do a HnT, then a telescoping front shaft and exact shaft length won't be as critical.

The correct way , tho, is to get it together and measure while it sits on its own weight.

 

Its 2 hours away. I am going.to get rear at picknpull near me. He just wants it drivable to sell. The d35 grananded. Hnt not gonna happen for sure. I figure an 8.25 would add a little sell value for him too.

 

Does it have a T-case drop, or any known vibes? Chances are you'll need an SYE after the swap to make it driveable/sellable.

 

I wish you luck! Lol

 

Yep, the pinion on the 8.25 is longer so a shorter shaft would be needed. The 3" lift however does make a small difference in spline engagement too. Just for some sort of reference a D35+NP242 driveshaft is about 2.75" longer than my 8.25+NP231 driveshaft. With my old XJ I was at about 4" lift with 1.5" wheelbase stretch in the rear, the stock shaft popped off when I slammed the brakes due to axle wrap. It definitely was at it's max capability.