So I've been hearing that I can swap an 8.8 rearend from an explorer, and that is just a bolt on...no mods needed. What yr am I looking for? And do they all have limited slip? How could I tell by looking at it?

That requires some work from what I have read.
For starters I believe welding on leaf spring perches.
From what I have read I believe only the 3.73 geared one has the limited slip.
The 3.55 one does not. How you could tell at just a glance I can't answer.

You have to weld spring perches and shock mounts on them for it to work, you could get them in limited slip with any gear ratio, but the factory limited slip in those is garbage, I would look for one with an open differential so you could put a lunchbox locker in it.

so, should I go with an 8.25 from an xj with 3.55 like fronts and intall a lunchbox? I'm not going to do any rock crawling. And it's a daily driver

Sounds like the stock 35 will work just fine lieft in its current location

so, I have 31's on there. And I would like to upgrade to disk brakes. What I have learned is in order to get a conversion kit u would need to have an 8.25 axel. Now I have found one from an xj.....would that be recommended? And would it come with limited slip? Or better for me to add a lunchbox locker?

You can put disc breaks on a dana 35 just as easily as a chrysler 8.25 but it isn't really worth wasting money on a Dana 35, the 8.25 is a much better axle. Most 8.25s come with open differentials and lunchbox lockers work great in them.

Whats wrong with a 35 for driving around the street that sees limited trail use on amall tires

I lincoln locked my 35 and ran it on the trail with 33s for about 2 years. I wasnt super hard on it lots of gravel rds and bumpy idaho trails.

I definitely wouldnt axle swap just for brakes. You can adjust your drums brakes and get good results.

If you Truly run trails and put lockers to use then a rear upgrade could be needed.

i dont know if your needs are wants or needs thats up to you to decide if youve needs/wants have surpassed 31s and open diffs

so can I use the disc brakes off a Downer jeep liberty? I have a friend that owns a tow yard and has a liberty I can pull parts from.....

You will have to check or somebody else here will have to confirm this.
While I think Liberty brakes will work with a D35 I think ones from a ZJ would be a little better choice.
And I think only because with the Liberty brakes you need to enlarge the hole for the axle tube in the backing plate.
Don't have to with the ZJ ones.

good point....didn't think of that. I know a typical liberty has a 8.25 rear end.....is there anything g I could pull off that liberty that will work with my xj?

Yes you can use them on either axle. ZJ disc brakes can be put on either axle as well but if you are putting them on an 8.25 you have to bore out the center of the backing plate to get them to slide over the hub, Liberty brakes fit the 8.25 withouyt having to do that so that is why most people with the 8.25 use liberty brakes. The way the backing plates mount is the same for both axles so you can use Liberty brakes on either one.

I think adjusting the current drums brakes will go farther towards improving brake feel than converting to disc.

Run them till brakes are worn metal to metal then convert if you must.

did the disc on my rear it was the least rewarding project ive done on my rig.