3.55s won't be that much better and if he goes 33s+ he'll want deeper gears anyway probably. Regardless, an 8.25 will bolt right in so there is that...

 

PITA to reweld? its really worth it to weld on anti wrap leaf perches if your packs are worth a crap. if you've ever seen a rear diff hung on a rock and when they hit the gas the axle is visible twisting. makes you cringe a bit. plus you get your pinion angle without shims and raised shock mounts. you can do this to any axle, but most don't. I like that the 8.8 actually forces you to reweld everything

8.25 isn't a bad option. but like you said you'll have to swap in both front and rear for 3.55's. not worth it. and good luck finding a 3.07 8.25 I've only ever seen 1 late model 5 speed in person. 4.10 LSD 8.8 + 4cyl 4.10 d30 + lunchbox + 33's + 5 speed xj = one bangin setup

and if I ever built another xj on a budget that would be the setup

 

Pez, what is your planned use for the XJ?
Tire size?
If you are running stock size tires, leave it alone. If you plan on running tires 35 inches or less go with a 29 spline C/8.25 because it will be strong enough and it is the easiest.
If you plan on going over 35 inch tall tires the 8.8 will be the strongest, but the 8.8 is a big differential and you do lose ground clearance.

 

I hang my D30 almost just as often as the 8.8 it seems. reverse 2ft, skinny pedal down. works every time.. so far

 

Im on just a 30/8.25 and I drag my 30 more than I do the 8.25 and its a big differential.

I run solid covers on both and just drag them over rocks when I have to. Never a big deal.

 

diff covers are one of my favorite investments. I love slamming into rocks and not worrying

 

Rephrase:
PITA to cut everything off and then reweld an Expedition 8.8. Coil buckets, all control arm mounts, panhard mount, and shock mounts all have to come off.


---Totally almost turned that into a gear ratio debate......too many threads on that. I'd say that a bolt in swap is easier and that's my story; sticking to it.

 

it only takes a few hours

 

My statement was that the 8.8 is a big differential, and it is, my shaved C/8.25 has about 2 inches more ground clearance than an 8.8, whether or not you get hung up depends on where you wheel and what lines you pick.
Yes, mostly you can back it up and hammer down to make it, and it will work every time, until it doesn't.

 

yeah and my statement was that you can drag it over if you get stuck, big differential is a non issue you can drag it over almost anything. you didn't make it sound like it was an issue I was just adding onto it with my experiences. that's all. I'm not worried about hurting anything on that axle

 

Or you could just get a 44 out of an XJ! Haha Im sorry I just prefer the 44. Cant wait to get the new one on the front. hopefully I can stay on the road lol.

 

I`m about to put on 33`s...........I`m lifted 4.5 and am looking at stronger just in case.......durability and dependability I guess .....its still the daily driver so no hard core but definitely need it to get me to trailhead and back on moderate stuff.....and 3.07`s ARENT cutting it w/32`s right now.....haha....I actually have the 4.10`s for 30/35 but it looks to be cheaper/stronger (even with c-clip) AND disc brakes on 8.8..........thanks for the insight and opinions........all VERY helpful!!!