Lets actually add some true facts from Differentials written by Randy Lyman.

8.25 d44

Ring gear is 8.25 8.5
pinion shaft Diameter/splines 1.626/27 splines 1.375/26
axle shaft diameter/splines 1.21/29 (97+) 1.31/30spl
tube diameter/thickness HREW/3.0/ .185-.250 2.75/.21-.50
Axle retention C clip? Axle retainers



SO IF you look at the FACTS on paper the d44 is stronger the the 8.25 excpet on the pinion Diameter. Also the book doesnt recommend bigger then 33's on either axle. ???


***** This is a first copy of this book and was printed in 2006. ****

 

The minimum axle shaft diameters are closer than the overall diameter suggests.
While the D/44 has an axle shaft diameter of 1.31 inches it has a minimum diameter of 1.18 inches while the C/8.25 minimum is still less than the D/44 it has a minimum diameter of 1.125 so the difference in strength isn't as great as the numbers would suggest at first glance.
The 1/4 inch advantage in pinion shaft diameter more than makes up for the 1/4 inch advantage the D/44 has in ring gear diameter.
As for axle tube diameters the 97+ C/8.25 has a 3 inch diameter .250 inch thick tube while the D/44 in the Cherokee has a tube diameter of 2.75 inches and .21 inches thick.
As far as c clip and non c clip that has no impact on strength.

So they are really close to the same strength.

 

I'm with rock toy. Why spend the time and money to swap for a MARGINAL upgrade. If you swap, at the LEAST you should swap to a 8.8 or 9". And i'd even skip the 8.8 and go straight to the 9".

 

^x2 That is all I've been saying all along.

 

Leave the 8.25. If your asking this question. Chances are your not climbing crazy rock faces.
If anything. Switch out the D30. But even at that you can do the super 30 alloys w a locker and you'll be fine.