Locking axles for mudding ?

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Jan 26, 2015 | 01:57 AM

#16

Larry's XJ

Senior Member

Joined: Nov 2013

Posts: 773

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From: Lapeer, Murder Mitten

Year: 2000

Model: Cherokee

Engine: 4.0 I6

Hey, welcome!!
Sometimes a beat to death question will get beat some more.
Sometimes it's answered with harsh realities.
Biggest trick is to enter the correct terms for search.
Have yet to see a forum with good search abilities.

http://lmgtfy.com/?q=8.25+axle+swap+%2BCherokee+forum
http://lmgtfy.com/?q=Best+axle+locke...Cherokee+Forum

Jan 26, 2015 | 05:04 AM

#17

burg3rlicious

Seasoned Member

Joined: Aug 2013

Posts: 405

Likes: 0

From: Connecticut

Year: 1998

Model: Cherokee

Engine: I6 4.0

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cherry424

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?

Selectable lockers are the most desirable (some may disgreee), lunchbox lockers are the most affordable . if it's not a daily driver you could put a spool in your axles which will lock them permanently. Yes 8.25 is a direct bolt on, it was the second most common rear axle in Cherokees (are you positive your rear is a d35?). The 8.25 is very capable of handling a 35 inch tire, there's just not a ton of aftermarket support, 35 inch tires are always better than 33s

you're going to want to go with pizza cutters for mud (tall and skinny tires). Both gear ratios need to be the same, 4.56 for 33s and 4.88 for 35s.