What's the best rear locker I could get for my 2wd XJ? I'm probably not gonna be doing rock crawling or anything major, I'd just like to not get stuck in mud or wet grass and potentially keep up on mild/mid trails

Opinions?

 

do you know what rear axle you have?

 

If I'm not wrong its an 8.25

 

Also since i'm kinda an nooby; i'f i'm going for a 4 inch lift and 32s besides a 4.56 regear, do I need more than whats listed here? (for example a drop pitman arm or something) I wanna do it right the first time
Also noob question, is a tie rod conversion considered aftermarket steering?

 

Lunchbox lockers like the Spartan or Aussie work good and are easy to install.

 

I looked into the Aussie locker for the 8.25 but what's the "29 Spline" mean?

 

It's how many splines are cut into the axle and spider gears in the carrier, Generally speaking more splines=stronger. Your 98 will have 29 spline axles. XJs prior to 97 will have 27 spline axles. The 29 spline 8.25 seems to have larger aftermarket support as far as lockers and limited slips go.

 

So if I got this 4.56 gear for my rear axle would it be compatible with the 29 spline Aussie locker?
https://www.quadratec.com/products/52463_501X_PG.htm

 

Yes you can use an Aussie with any gearset.

 

Thanks for all the help clearing this up guys!

 

ive got a spartan in my 2WD and it works fantastic!

 

That looks awesome and is great to know!

 

In another thread you mention wanting to regear to 4.56. Since this is going to require a new carrier anyway you might as well go full case locker.

 

I was considering regearing to 4.56 cause I wanted to run some bigger tires but settling on 32's would I really need that ratio?

 

Regearing an 8.25 doesn't require a different carrier.