should this have worked?
Its very possible that the d35 and the 8.25 share the same 27spline. Correct shimming could get you where you need to be. Now if the bearing surfaces are the same I don't see why it wouldn't work.
I would still be Leary though.
I would still be Leary though.
CF Veteran


Joined: May 2008
Posts: 5,188
Likes: 6
From: Bristol,Pa
Year: 94
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
I am under the impression the 8.25 has a larger diameter shaft.. a 35 sidegear should not slide over regardless of the spline count.
Unless of course the 8.25 necks down to the same diameter?
Originally Posted by 94XjSport94
All the pics are of 8.25's though...
Second 8.25 pic is just to compare...
Originally Posted by BatmanXJ
No he was posting a pic of what the locker for the 8.25 would look like. My pic is the Dana 35 locker in the 8.25
Thread Starter
CF Veteran
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 1,249
Likes: 12
From: Hamburg AR
Year: 1995
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 HO
I think it has gotten a little confusing lol. So here is what has been proven. (by me so dont do it unless you think about it or it was a mistake like me haha)
The Richmond Powertrax Lock right for a Dana 35 is compatible for the 8.25. (beta lol only had it for a week installed.)
The C-Clips must be ground down to a smaller outside diameter so the sleeve washer will slide over the c-clip. Inner Diameter of C-clip you will want to keep the same. Everything else is the same procedure as the Dana 35 install. Or at-least close enough because I used Dana 35 instructions since that's what I thought I was putting it in haha.
I have used it for about a week with at least 100 miles being put on it and a 37 mile trail ride last night. It does not slip and has full traction in extreme situations. It clicks when the throttle is not applied and no click when throttle is applied. I have noticed sometimes during breaking and turning it clicks slightly like it should. Parking lot driving was locked as I had it under power it did not bust loose unless I had it turned hard and gave it gas.
The Richmond Powertrax Lock right for a Dana 35 is compatible for the 8.25. (beta lol only had it for a week installed.)
The C-Clips must be ground down to a smaller outside diameter so the sleeve washer will slide over the c-clip. Inner Diameter of C-clip you will want to keep the same. Everything else is the same procedure as the Dana 35 install. Or at-least close enough because I used Dana 35 instructions since that's what I thought I was putting it in haha.
I have used it for about a week with at least 100 miles being put on it and a 37 mile trail ride last night. It does not slip and has full traction in extreme situations. It clicks when the throttle is not applied and no click when throttle is applied. I have noticed sometimes during breaking and turning it clicks slightly like it should. Parking lot driving was locked as I had it under power it did not bust loose unless I had it turned hard and gave it gas.
CF Veteran


Joined: May 2008
Posts: 5,188
Likes: 6
From: Bristol,Pa
Year: 94
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
All axles neck down at the splines, material gets removed when splines are cut into the material.
Shaft diameters:
D35= 1.09"
8.25- 1.19" 27 spline
1.21" 29 spline
Shaft diameters:
D35= 1.09"
8.25- 1.19" 27 spline
1.21" 29 spline
Well if this is true, then either the locker is actually for a 8.25. Or the d35 locker fits better in an 8.25. IF the axle splines actually slid into the locker then there is no reason it shouldn't work being a larger diameter than the d35 shafts
If your measurements are correct.
Last edited by holycaveman; Aug 5, 2012 at 06:53 PM.
Originally Posted by holycaveman
Well if this is true, then either the locker is actually for a 8.25. Or the d35 locker fits better in an 8.25. IF the axle splines actually slid into the locker then there is no reason it shouldn't work being a larger diameter than the d35 shafts
If your measurements are correct.
Thread Starter
CF Veteran
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 1,249
Likes: 12
From: Hamburg AR
Year: 1995
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 HO
The axle did slide into the locker a little snug but easy enough for me to push by hand.
My theory is that maybe it works because its a combination of axle wearing down some and the locker was used which allowed a little room for axle to fit. I'm running it until I come across a good deal on another or it breaks. It obvious now that its dumb luck that the locker slid in to place and my work around for c-clips was used but very cool that it works. I'm sure no one will try this on purpose but at least there is the option to attempt if the want.
My theory is that maybe it works because its a combination of axle wearing down some and the locker was used which allowed a little room for axle to fit. I'm running it until I come across a good deal on another or it breaks. It obvious now that its dumb luck that the locker slid in to place and my work around for c-clips was used but very cool that it works. I'm sure no one will try this on purpose but at least there is the option to attempt if the want.
Last edited by BatmanXJ; Aug 6, 2012 at 02:07 AM.


