If I run 33 12.5 15 mud terrain tires, what would I have to do to the axles to make them reliable for mudding? I believe I have Dana 35 and 30s, I want all four wheels spinning at once. Any help would be appreciated.

 

I wouldn't lock the 35.hit the junk yard and get a 8.25 29 spline for usually under 200.is it a daily driver? If not get a lunchbox auto locker for the front and lincoln lock the back for around 450 you will be locked with a lot better axle.or get an auto for the 8.25 also.

 

If you're going to keep the D25...carry spare shafts. Even if you upgrade to alloy shafts, carry spares. The D35 has extremely narrow tubes that flex, this is what leads to the shafts snapping like twigs at the spines.

Consider upgrading to a Chrysler 8.25" (97 or newer), Dana44 from a 87-89 XJ. The Ford 8.8" is a popular upgrade, but even with 33's you'll be draging the diff alot.

Now to your original question.
You need to install lockers in both axles.

 

I want to maintain the factory wheel spacing 5 x 4.5. What locker availability is out there? I really don't want one that would snap crackle and pop. Would gusseting the D35 be worth while? Does the 8.25 bolt up? Would 35s be better than 33s? Also what gear ratios are best for mud? If I change the rear gear ratio do I need to change the front?

 

No offense, but you have a lot to learn. There are countless threads on this forum that answer all of your questions.

Take the time to search for, and then read, threads that pertain to what you are asking about.
Axle swaps have been cover many times.
Lockers (pros & cons) have been covered many times.
Tire size and gear ratios too.

This forum and those like it are full of info that's 100% free, take advantage of what's already available.

 

Just buy the Chy 8.25 29 spline axle setup from a 97 and up XJ a direct boltin. If you want quiet lockers go with the Detroit Lockers excellent quality and very quiet for the front and back. As for gears they depend on tire size for a 33" tire 4.56 or 4.88 are fine, for 35's you need at least 4.88's or deeper and both ft. & rear get the same gears.

 

X2 on this. Serious is a very knowledgable and respected member here. Better head his advice. All of these questions can be answered via a Google search with a plethora of information across several forums. I look for info here on cherokeeforum, naxja, pirate4x4, jeep forum, cherokee talk, xj talk, and there's several more.

"Jeep Cherokee xj forum rear axle swaps"

 

8.25's bolt in. Some XJ's had them, some had D35's (turd,) and some had D44's (scarce.) They all bolt in. You can get "lunchbox" lockers fairly cheap, and they are very effective.

Like the guys have said, google is your friend. All of this has been beat to death already.

Good luck 8)

 

No offense guys but as you may be able to see I am new here. I've hit up Google and have not been able to find what I was looking for which is why I asked here hoping to get knowledge not a lesson on my posting. A nice look around this area of the forum would have been helpful. I appreciate all the answers you all have given.

 

maybe you googled your original question, but I doubt you've searched 8.25 swapping, D35 weakness, which lockers are good, and what should be done when locking axles. start there, if you want more help you need to meet us half way

 

None taken...
You might find this useful;
https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f2/how-search-14306/

 

Yes ill meet you halfway and do some research with the information you have provided I just hoped that the veteran jeepers would be a little more willing to want to help a new jeeper. Let me look around again and see if I can find what I am looking for.

 

Thanks serious!!!

 

Your welcome....and WELCOME TO C.F!!!!

 

It's not that we're not willing to help, it's more that the same questions get asked everyday. Keep searching. Read those threads from 2006. Read those sketchy write ups and then read every comment that is under them. Take it allllllll in. Once you learn how to search properly you'll see that you can find the answers to the most stupid specific questions you could ever answer. Also, I've always found that searching on cherokeeforum is useless. I always just go straight to google.