I'm looking to get selectable lockers in my dd 97 XJ for better off-road performance. Looking to do the rear first. I am currently running 33s, but want to go to 35s. My 8.25 is currently geared 4.56. I live in MN so snow and ice are my main concern for wanting a selectable locker. I think parts (locker and alloy axles and misc) will cost about $1300 + install/gear setup of prob about $300 to $400, so total of up to about $1700. That doesn't include the air compressor for either situation. Seems like the CORE44 is a big upgrade for only 700 more and I could recoup some of my expense by selling my 8.25. What do you all think? Anyone have experience with the G2 CORE44s?
Thanks! Rob

 

The 44 in the rear is only a hair stronger then your 8.25 is,You can run a elocker insted of a air locker so you won't have to buy a compressor.And selling a used 8.25 its not a high demand axle you won't get much for it really.I would keep your axle and upgrade it only way id upgrade is to a 8.8 or something 1 ton.

 

yeah keep the 8.25 ,just upgrade it .

 

they don't make an E-locker for the 8.25.

And I agree. You won't recoup much money for the 8.25. They usually go for $100-$150 in my area.

 

personally i would spend the money on an 8.8 with an eaton, c clip eliminator kit(with dual drilled shafts, and a truss.

 

Go 8.8. You get disk brakes too. The c-clip eliminators puts you at the same width as the 8.25. I put the 8.8 in my 90, no c-clip eliminators though. The width difference is negligible, no one has noticed yet. No rubbing issues with 33x12.5s.

 

Agreed with above, D44 is no where near a big enough improvement (if an improvement at all) over the 8.25 that you have to warrant that sort of investment IMHO. If a swap is in your future to get the selectable locker setup you desire, I'm also agreed that a Ferd 8.8 is a better way to go. As big or even of an Aftermarket for them compared to the D44, and enough of a strength improvement to be worth it. However I personally would be on the side of its more work then it's worth most of the time still compared to your 8.25, but then again I'm fine with a regular locker or welded spiders since I rarely see enough snow to matter lol.

 

Your 8.25 is about the same strength as the D44 is and it you already have 4.56 gears that much is taken care of. I run 33 and 35" tires mounted on 2 sets of rims 35's on beadlocks have not broken a stock axle yet but carry a spare if ever needed.


I run auto lockers ft & rear in mine not a problem with like road conditions but an elockers would be nice in the front at times off road. The money saved by keeping what you have could be used to add disc brakes to the rear or something.


If I ever decided to go larger than 35" tires I would change both differentials then to 10 and 14 bolt ones.

 

Hey, you guys...thanks for all the replies. Sorry I haven't been chiming in until now, but I've been having issues accessing the website (full or mobile) or the app with my phone when I'm not on wi-fi. It has been giving me a "the administrator has banned your IP" message...of which I contacted them about but they found nothing.

I am thinking I will probably put money into my 8.25...I've already got all the parts for the disc brakes, which I figured I could used on the 44 too. I don't know if the G2 CORE 44 is stronger than the typical Dana 44...they give some specs like using the current JK R&P, and the tubes are supposed to be 3" x 5/16" wall, with heavy duty brackets. The one thing that I don't want to take a chance of messing up is the gears setup so I'll have to pay for that. And like XJwonders said, there unfortunately is no e-locker for the 8.25, unless the OX Locker has some electric option like their air option. Either way, having onboard air isn't a terrible thing to have to air up my tires at the end of a day.

Thanks - Rob

 

There are selectable locker options for the Ford 8.8, and if you shop around in the salvage yards you can find one out of an Exploder that already has disc brakes. And they are a good enough strength improvement that it could/would be a worthwhile swap.

 

If you can weld the 8.8 swap would be best for you vs what it cost and what you get out of it.

 

I've got about $300 into my 8.8 swap. Pulled one from Pick n Pull with 4.10 gears and good disc brakes on it (swap parts around to get fairly new rotors and pads). Grabbed a second passenger side brake hose while at PnP. Bought IRO bracket kit (minus truss, don't need it) on Craigslist for $60. Had to replace parking brake pads. Had to run new brake line on axle, maybe $20. Welded the axle tubes while I was at it. Was able to set my pinion angle for the SYE I put in, no shims needed. Definitely worth the investment.

 

Shipping on that dana 44 could cost him close to that 300 bucks i bet.

 

^^ this ^^

Or build the 8.25. 8.25 is a good axle to 35" tires. know a guy who ran 36" on a locked 8.25 with truss. didin't break it, but he's running 44s now, only reason he moved from it.