jwilk13

Hi all,

I'm new here, and just bought my first XJ. I've been looking for one for ages, so I'm pretty excited. It's a 2000 Limited, and I feel like I got a good deal, only problem is that the rear is whining pretty bad. It's a Dana 35, so I'm exploring my options for swapping in a Chrysler 8.25 instead of having the Dana 35 rebuilt. First, a little about the Jeep:

It has a Rusty's 4.5" lift, transfer case drop with an NP-242 t-case and 32" tires. My biggest concern is with the length of the DS if I do the swap. I know for stock height XJ's that the DS is shorter on the 8.25, but what kind of situation would I be in with my current setup? Do I use my stock DS and just see what it's like with the rear wheels stuffed, then if it's not right grab a shorter DS from a stock 8.25 Jeep?

I know these types of questions get asked all the time, so I apologize in advance. I'm proud to be a new Jeep owner, and I don't want to neglect it. Thanks in advance for the help

jebmccall

if i remember correctly the 35 drive shaft is atleast two inchs longer that an 8.25 driveshaft. i would jsut grab the driveshaft for the 8.25, keep in mind though with running a shorter length driveshaft you may get driveline vibrations due to the u-joint angles being more extreme. you may wind up having to run an sye.

HudsonN

Might as well pull the front axle from the donor XJ as well assuming it's a pre 00.

The 00s and 01s have the LP D30 in the front. All (or most. I can't remember) XJs have a HP d30 in the front.

HP = High Pinion.

jwilk13

Thanks for the tips. Will the 2" increase in length be offset at all by the lift I'm running?

I'm going to take it to a rear end shop tomorrow and see what they say then hit the pick 'n pull this weekend.