So I have a 2000 xj sport (4.0, dana 35, 5-speed). Daily Driver. Pretty much stock. The carrier or the pinion bearing has just about had it in the rear end. I found an 8.25 out of a 99xj 5-speed. I figure, heck yea. Stronger axle and I'll even covert ot over to disc brakes as well. Got the axle for $80.
Anyway. The big question I have is Driveshaft length. The 8.25 was in a 99xj 5-speed which had the AX-15. I have a 2000xj 5-speed which has the NV3550. Does anybody have the driveshaft specs or will I have to take it to a Drveshaft shop and have them take care of it? I was hoping for an easy drivesaft swap but maybe not. Unless, I can find a 2000-2001 xj 5speed with an 8.25 rear end. Thanks.

Eric

 

The drive shaft comes off the transfer case right? Id guess it sould use the same drive shaft.

 

Last 35 to 8.25 swap I did the shafts were the same

 

C8.25 DS is shorter than the d35 one, not by much like an inch or so. If lifted it wont be an issue but might be at stock height

 

A 2000 XJ with a dana 35, really??? Figured that year would have the 8.25 already.

 

I swapped an 8.25 into my 1989 cherokee for same reason, D35 pinion was going bad. I did this about 2 months ago.

I re-used the original driveshaft from the D35. I did have 3.5 of lift already though.

At the JY I grabbed the 8.25 D/S too if anyone wants it.

 

Thanks for the help guys. The new spring and shocks make the xj sit higher than stock but I wouldn't necessarily call it a lift. I'll probably reuse the same driveshaft and see what happens. Should be able to at least limp it to the Driveshaft shop if need be.