Jeepskii

Hey guys,

I'm new to the whole XJ stuff but i do have dreams and hopes. I have a 1999 XJ 4wd 4door. Im looking to get a 6.5" long arm lift with 33x12.50 R15 tires a SYE with custom drive shaft and upgrading the rear. The problem i dont know exactly what rear i should upgrade to. If anyone could help me out i would appreciate all the help i can get. But if you have any other suggestions beside just what axle would be good please chime in and any help is appreciated...

Thanks fellow Jeep Enthusiasts!!!

audioal69

Well you have several options. Only budget will dictate which one. I'd say go for a Dana 44 or 60 if budget allows. If you need to stay on the cheap go for a ford 8.8

Slick761

I'm springing for an 8.8 out of an explorer. Good stout rear end. All you have to do is take the spring and shock mounts off and weld new ones on.

ericfx1984

you might have teh Chrysler 8.25 29 spline rear end... in that case I would just use it... since all you plan to run is 33s

however if you have the Dana 35... then you need to upgrade something better either the 1997+ C 8.25 (bolts right in) or you can setup a Ford 8.8 with disc brakes

audioal69

I have a chrysler 8.25 on my 96. Along with the high pinion 30 up front. Don't just go by year on stuff like this. There are many years that cross over. And if you plan to wheel it very often or hard with 33's I'd at least go with the 8.8. 96 up if I recall have rear disk which is just a plus.

ericfx1984

yes... I don't doubt that at all... but in 1996 you most likely have a 27 spline c8.25... the 29 spline really started in LATE 1996 or 1997

so yes you can go by years...

oh here ya go this should help you out

front axles
1984–1996: Dana 30, High Pinion, Reverse Cut, 27-spline axleshafts (1989 – 1995 : with ABS used 5-297x universal joints, non-ABS had 5-260x universal joints. Certain XJ models were produced with constant-velocity joints instead of universal joints.)
1996–1999: Dana 30, High Pinion, Reverse Cut, 297x/760 universal joint, 27-spline axleshafts.
2000–2001: Dana 30, Low Pinion, Standard Cut, 297x/760 universal joint, 27-spline axleshafts.
1985–2001: Straight non-driven front axle for two-wheel drive only.

Rear Axles
1984–1989: Dana 35, non c-clip, with anti-lock braking system (ABS) or non-ABS.
1990–1996: Dana 35, c-clip, ABS or non-ABS.
1997–2001: Dana 35, c-clip, ABS.
1991–1996: Chrysler 8.25", c-clip, non-ABS, 27-spline axleshafts.
Late 1996–2001: Chrysler 8.25", c-clip, non-ABS, 29-spline axleshafts.
1987–1990: Dana 44, non-abs, 30-spline axleshafts.

Gorillaxj

if your going to run a 33-35 max then run the 8.25 rear if you have that. if you don't then find a 29 spline or a D44 for a bolt in. if you can weld or are willing to pay for it then get the Ford 8.8 . the ford axle is a great way to go but a 8.25/D44 should hold up fine to 35's. and even better with alloy shafts.

as far as gearing, make sure you have the axle's you want before putting money into axles you will replace, but for 33's i would run 4.56's, and they should be fine for 35's too if you go bigger later...

there are tons of lift makes/types, find what fits your budget and read up on Y arm, 3 link, 4 link ect to make the best choice for you. don't forget to check the venders on here, you can get discounts and better/cheaper stuff threw the website.

Jeepskii

Thanks everyone! I'll check into what i have if i have the 8.25 ill just stick with that but if not ill probably go with the dana 44. And thanks for the advice of checking into vendors on the forum.

OOdynamite

So if I have the D35 and want to swap it, then a C8.25 and a D44 are DIRECT BOLT-INS? No modification required (other the new u bolts and stuff).

Jeepskii

I have the C 8.25 in my jeep. when upgrading the gearing to a 4.56 do i need a new locker or just the ring and pinion and then just swap the old ring and pinion out?

Rock Toy

For the rear all you will need is to swap the R & P and a install kit for the bearings, shims, and seals, as for the locker that would depend on what locker you have now.

Jeepskii

so if i were to get 4.56 gears would i lose any top speed/ horsepower/ torque/ or any of that good stuff? after the get the lift and all the gearing and that stuff i plan on going for engine mods (intake, exhaust, headers). And stupid question would i need to regear both the rear and front axles with 4.56's?

ericfx1984

you need to regear BOTH axles... if you don't the tires will be spinning at different speeds... the slower tires will be getting dragged/pushed that and it will lead to transfer case damage

you really won't loose any top any top end speed that you could actually use... in fact you might gain some due to the fact that the engine will be in it's power band

excess650

I have a '96 Sport and a '96 SE, both with C8.25s. What can I look at to see if they are 27 or 29 spline short of pulling axles?

Jeepskii

does anyone know the stock gears with a 99' with a d30/C8.25 setup? and would the stock gears be able to handle 33's for the time being till i get the money for new gears?