I've got D30/D35 (3.55) axles on my 96 XJ. I've been kicking around ideas on upgrading the axles. What I'm leaning towards right now are:

FRONT: Current D30 with TruTrac posi installed, regeared to 4.10

REAR: Replace current D35 with a C8.25, regeared to 4.10. Also, it's a 27-spline now, but will put in 29-spline axes and go with appropriate ARB locker. I'd go e-Locker if I could, but they don't make them for C8.25s, so I have to go with ARB. I want...nay, I *NEED* a selectable. While I'm at it, I'd convert the drum to disc brakes. (Or I might hold off on that to save some money.)

Probably not going to go to 33s and I don't go crazy boulder crawling. Mostly desert stuff. I also occasionally pull an 800 lbs travel trailer.

What sayest you?

 

If you can find one, go up to an 8.8 and you won't have any doubts about wheeling with anything 33 and smaller. A C8.25 will handle 32's fine at 4.10, but I wouldn't go offroad and pull a trailer and lock it up at the same time. You'll be able to find an Eaton for it and it comes with disc brakes if you can pull one from a '98 or so Ford Explorer.

How do you like that TruTrack in your D30?

P.S. - You'll love the braking power of the Ford 8.8 with disc brakes. There's one in Ramona on Craigslist for $150.

 

It' sounds like a good setup. I wouldn't worry with a 8.8 because the 8.25 with 29 spline shafts will be way more than enough with your tire choice. People run them locked all the time with 35s without issue. I personally hated my truetrac but plenty of other people have had good luck with them.

 

The thing is that I'm trying to control costs. I already have a C8.25 sitting in my garage. I don't think I'll ever go beyond 31" tires, but even if I did, I'm confident the 8.25 can handle it. The only drawback is the limitations in upgrade. Like ARB is available, but not e-lockers. I'm putting a trutrac up front because I don't think I'll need a full locker up there. I don't wheel as hard as most. I do mostly desert runs.

 

Do chromoly (sp?) shafts make that much difference?

 

a abused a locked 27 spline 8.25 on 33s for a while, then it was abused under another XJ on 33s, and now it's under a YJ on 35s that isnt wheeled much.

on 31s those axles are more than adequate.

 

I would have to agree that you will be fine with an 8.25 rear. I have that axle with the arb locker and ran 33s with no problem for a few years and I beat the snot out of it. Once I went to 35s and ran into problems