Shocker0316

I have a 2000 XJ and I am considering locking my rear axle....I don't have the funds for a legit ox locker or anything like that...My question is, should I buy a "lunchbox locker" or get a trac-loc. My rear diff is a Dana 35 open, I have priced a trac-loc carrier for about 150, I am not sure what parts are transferable, like spider gears, bearing, etc. Does anyone have any advise? Thanks, Steve

kirknd4spd

I'd take a locker over a limited slip any time. A limited slip will be just as useless as an open diff offroad, unless both wheels are firmly planted on the ground.
FWIW, I currently have a Lock-Rite locker up front and a welded diff in the rear. It works great, I'll never put a limited slip in a 4x4. And my new axles will both also be locked, Detroit up front and welded rear.

tom0826

Depends on tire size and how you'll use it. And I wouldnt put too much money in a dana35. 31" tires max if you just have to run a locker in it. Rather lunchbox the front axle and leave the d35 open.

browning4x4

why does everyone dog the 35? ive seen polls where people wheel the 35 hard but smart and have up 35's.

Atmos

theres nothing wrong with using a D35 if it came in your jeep. my buddy ran his factory one for years while he was working up the courage/skills to swap in an 8.8 and 4 link. but clearly you have no common sense if you decide to spend any money building it. the 8.25 is just so available and cheap and easy to swap in for XJ's. there is no valid reason to build a D35

schirm

It's been my experience that the hard core rock crawlers seem to break the D35s while the snow/mud runners seem to wheel with em just fine. One guy in my local club runs 35 rear and 30 front and has broken his D30 driver side shaft several times over the last few years and has yet to have a problem with his D35. But my area is great for snow wheeling and creek crawling and not so great for high angle rock crawling. So whether or not a D35 will hack it or not depends on what country you're putting it up against, IMHO.

browning4x4

you just gave the valid reason. If it came in it why not put lunch box and chromoly shafts? I think the same rules apply with the 35 as the 8.8. You go crazy with the skinny pedal or just don't maintain your rear it's going to break.

browning4x4

damn doubles

Shocker0316

Browning, did you mean 8.8 instead of 8.25?

Atmos

if you got the lunchbox and chromos for free sure. but as soon as you spend more than a dime on it I'm gonna have to call you a dumb***. for as much as you'd spend to get chromos and a lunchbox I'm sure you can find a 29 8.25 for $100 somewhere. an 8.8 on 35's is apples and oranges territory. if you're breaking rear axles that aren't a D35 it's time to learn how to drive

caronaxtr

I snapped my D35 on my 99 wrangler (4 banger) runnin 31's. Not doing anything hardcore. I agree,ok axle if it came in your rig, but dumpin money into it isn't worth it.

I'm on my D35 runnin 33's now but am putting my built 8.25 under it shortly. $100 for an 8.25 huge bang for your buck upgrade.

Desertfox1023

Don't upgrade the D35

Go take that $150 and buy yourself an 8.25 29spil

Also, if your just wanting to drop in a locker go with the lunchbox. You don't have to take the carrier apart and set the gears back up. Your $150 for a trac-loc will cost you about $300 more for someone to install it unless you know how to do it yourself.

And that's the advice I offer you.

ohio95xj

Swap in a 8.25. Do some simple math. Locker and chromoly shafts for D35. ~$800
8.25 29 spline ~$150. Locker for 8.25 ~$300
Sell d35 for $50
So you are looking at about half as much money to get a 8.25 and a locker. And at the end of the day. A 8.25 with factory shafts is still better than a 35 with chromos.

M5 253

I have a factory trac-lok lsd in my turd. Surprised i havent blown it out on 30's yet. Save your money and get a d44 or 29spl 8.25

Shocker0316

Ok, I'll start looking for a 8.25!!! Thanks a lot guys. Will there be any need for mods to get the 8.25 under my Cherokee, and what does that axle come off of?