To build a Cherokee 44 or Chrysler 8.25

[cjgolfer7]

I'm looking for a more direct bolt in for my cherokee. I will only run 33s. So my question is use the Chrysler 8.25 I have and put 4.10 gears and lock it. Or build a cherokee Dana 44 that I found for cheap. Thoughts?

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[94xjsport94]

If you are only running 33's you'll be fine with the 8.25. It's pretty comparable to the 44 rear, the biggest downside is the c clip axle shafts. Ring gear and shaft size and spline count are both pretty dang close. I believe the 29 spline 8.25 shafts are a hair bigger before the neck down... I ran 33x10.5 KM2's on my 27 spline 8.25 for a year with no problems. I put ZJ disc brakes on mine which is a nice upgrade to do too. Gear set up isn't that bad with them, you really only have to set pinion depth and can change the BL and side to side movement of the carrier with the adjuster rings like a 14b.

I'm relocating the shock mounts since every stock XJ axle's hang down so dang low. The center section is pretty big, similar to an 8.8, and it has a lip at the bottom that can be shaved for a hair of clearance, but I left mine since it will shave itself.

[Big Dave]

8.8, 8.25, then Dana 44. In that order.

-8.8- you have to cut off/weld on brackets but you can find them already geared 4.10
  strongest axle out of the 3
-8.25- bolt in, you might can find one already with 4.10's, you can find replacement shafts EVERYWHERE
  both left & right side shafts are the same length, therefore you only need to carry 1 spare,
  weakest out of all 3
-XJ Dana 44- bolt in but hard to find from a XJ, most are 3.55's so you need to re-gear, shafts are different  
 lengths so you'll need to carry 2 spares, TJ shafts are the same
 not as strong as a 8.8 but stronger than a 8.25    

[94xjsport94]

Yes, and for 33's the 8.25 that you already have should be fine.

Cost analysis of gears and set up vs buying an 8.8, brackets, and everything else for a swap.

Rumor has it David can hook you up with some disc brakes.

[Big Dave]

A locked 8.25 will handle 33's with stock shafts.

Disc brakes will hold a shaft in the 8.8 or 8.25 when it breaks.

On the 44 it is bolted in.

[cjgolfer7]

Thanks for all the help guys. I wanted to build a 8.8 for the disc brakes and 4.10 gears.  But  still need to get the perches spead, need spacers or to do it right the Super 88 kit. I've always had a Dana 44 from and early Cherokee or a 29 splined 8.25 in the back of my mind. Now that I'm parting a Cherokee out soon or will be soon that comes with a 8.25 with new brakes. So I'd just need 4.10s and at that point I'd put a locker in. But then I ran across a 44 that need new bearings for cheap. But I'd still have to put new brakes, 4.10s, locker and bearings. As much as I want the 8.8 I'd end up going all out and building it with the Super 8.8 kit and a locker and all the work I'd have a lot more in it than the 8.25 or 44. So ill end up putting gears and a locker in the 8.25 or building the Cherokee 44. But then I have to keep shafts and spares in mind. But I hate the c clip.

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[94xjsport94]

I would be surprised if you broke a shaft on 33's with either, but good to be prepared. I built my 8.25 because it was free from my old 98.

[cjgolfer7]

Yeah I've got a 00 I'll be parting out soon and it's got new brakes. So leaning towards the 8.25 for now since all I'll need is a locker and 4.10s. Keep the cost down til I break something then build an 8.8 maybe.

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[clark123456]

^that is a good plan for 33" tires.

[JROLIN]

Dont get too caught up worrying about strength since you are running 33s.

Consider ground clearance more. The 44 and 8.8 will drag on alot with 33s.

[DOUG]

Especially the 8.8. 

Sent off camber

[lt99ls1]

Especially the 8.8. 

Sent off camber

8.8 hater!  //;D//