lifted96xj.ricky

Happy new Year everyone. So I have a Chrysler 8.25 with 27 splines in my '96 xj. I am looking to buy an ARB air locker but noticed they don't make one for 27 splines. I found 29 spline axle shafts by Alloy USA from Quadratec. Can you guess my question?? Lol Can I simply buy the 29 spline shafts and put them in my axle? Would I need different axle seals? Bigger axle bearings?? Thanks in advance for any help.

XJmember

Im interested in this too. It seems for the most part from what I've read, you just need a 29 spline carrier/locker and the shafts.

Codenamefa

Plenty of people have converted their 8.25 27 spline to a 29 spline because its simply a shaft and carrier swap out but of course putting all the bearings and seals for a 29 spline would be a smart idea just so you know its done right. But the money you spend on that you could just simply go to your local you pull it yard and pull a 29 spline out from a 96+ XJ and have the same thing and still be able to go out and spend the extra cash on Alloy shafts.

Also when I went and pulled my 29 spline I stuck to 97+ because the 96 was the crossover year for the 27 to 29 spline axle. And I don't know about you but counting splines gets old.

Firehawk068

Seals and bearings are the same between 27 and 29 spline axle shafts.............
I would still replace them while you have everything apart. they are cheap.

XJmember

Good to know.I believe all the 27 spline shaft does it neck down near the splines.

lifted96xj.ricky

Thanks for the info. I actually replaced the seals and bearings last year. Had fluid leaking out of the end of the tubes lol Have a good weekend. Cheers!!

RWKHausSupply

Keep in mind a c-clip axle uses the shaft as the inner race for the bearing to ride on. SO if you take a New bearing and put it on a rough older worn surface, then you get what you get. Same goes for old bearings that are worn to mate/match a used shaft, then a new shaft is put in. Only time I recommend replacing bearings is at time of shaft replacement. And when replacing shafts, replace axle bearings.

Seals can be changed as needed without much consideration to the above.

md21722

There is something to be said for RWKHausSupply's advice but we don't always live in a perfect world. If a wheel bearing ever fails, people don't generally buy new shafts unless the old shaft looked bad.

Bearings and seals are the same. I would consider used shafts. Make sure you have the right tools to put the ARB locker in. Dial indicator, tool to turn the self adjusters. I'd consider checking the pinion bearings and if they are rough or preload is too low might as well change them while doing this.