I'm getting a 8.25 most likely on Wednesday. It's got 3.73 in it supposedly ill know more tomorrow I have 3.07 now I plan on gearing at 4.10 and locking them. I think I need a new carrier for the front the 3.73 carrier in the rear should be ok for the 4.10 right ? What brand gears and lockers do y'all recommend ?

 

I like Lock Rite and Detroit lockers. I usually use Detroit if I have to replace the carrier anyways, and Lock Rite if I can keep the existing carrier. Although my Lincoln locker is working great in the rear of my XJ too, and it was free.
For gears, I have used mostly Richmond and Yukon gears. Both are great brands. I've used G2 gears in my last couple vehicles, and they were well made gears too, I'd buy them again. They were cheaper too.

 

the 8.25 carrier break is like 2.73... so you dont need one for the back. carrier break for the 30 is 4.10, so you need a new one there.

i have always run yukon gears from www.completeoffroad.com.. he's always had the best prices.

 

Ok I read on a gear website that the d30 carrier break is 3.73 and up and 3.54 and down for a reverse d30 which I take it is a front axle. That's the two Dana spicer brand carriers for the 30 they show. Also what is all needed for install I want to do it my self I've had a lil experience with doing the measurements but never the shimming and adjusting of things. I know I have the ability to do it

 

Never changed gears but I love my Aussie locker

 

if you want to do it yourself, start reading. its not a simple job.

 

You'll need the gears, carrier (or locker, like a Detroit that is a full carrier replacement), master install kit, maybe some extra gear marking compound in case you don't get it right the first time, tools, and some time. Might want to have someone help who knows what they're doing.

 

I've used non name brand gears plenty and never had any problems, and love my aussie locker, I want one for the front now

 

I've always had good luck work Yukon gears

 

I always say buy locally. call around a bit find a quality shop (not 4wheelparts) that carries and installs gears. there are places around here that will do installs for $100/per axle (if you bring them a bare housing. takes about 3 hours to completely remove and empty and axle from your jeep). and it's good to support your local shops. they'll know the best brands to recommend to you for your budget etc. we can only give you our opinions on what brands we would choose

for lockers I will only be using Spartan lunchbox or Yukon grizzlies/zip in the future. my aussie is starting to look a little faint and the Detroit rear is great but I know there are better choices

spools would be my choice

 

How would a spool work in the front would it be noticeable on the road in 2wd ? I know how it would affect the rear

 

Never run a spool in the front. if you run a spool up front good luck steering

 

If you have locking hubs or a functional disconnect system, you'll never notice a front spool in 2 wheel drive. I have a spool in the front of my Silverado and love it.
With no disconnect or locking hubs, good luck driving it down the road. Steering will be difficult. I don't recommend it really unless you have locking hubs, which an XJ doesn't have unless you've swapped axles.
Spool in the rear is fine though, I have a welded rear, which functions the same as a spool, and I love it. Drive it every day too.
I recommend a lunchbox locker up front. Easy install, works great, and you'll never know its there in 2 wheel drive.

 

oops. yeah I forgot to mention definitely don't put a spool in a dana 30
I do fancy the spool rear though. but most people wont like it for their street driven rigs

this is the best D30 option. cheap, easy to install, just plain works

 

Ok well I have the disco axle up front and will have a 8.25 out back. I don't mind a rear spool we all had them in high school and had fun with them. But I want to be able to turn. I was only considering a full spool up front as it replaces the carrier but carriers are cheap might as well run lunch box front and possible spool rear