Small upgrade for the 8.25...

[RUGD JP]

Ordered Aloy USA shafts a while ago for the rig, had some time today and helping hand and we got these suckers in.




Stupid wheel studs :rant:

[JJsKJ]

Where did you get yours, how much, etc? Looking at doing that to mine in the near future or possibly just going to a D44. Have you had time to get working on your cage yet?

[YJwonderboy]

How much stronger are the 8.25's compared to the D35 axle?

[RUGD JP]

I got them from Drivetrain outlet. Good price, but make sure you specify 8.25 a couple times. The lady you order from has no idea.. They sent me a D44 set first.
http://www.drivetrainoutlet.com/Jeep...erokee_XJ.html

A 29spline 8.25 is significantly stronger then a d35. Much thicker tubes, actually thicker tubes then a D44. Only down side is, it is still a c-clip axle. I think they will hold up to 35's ok but perfect for 33's.

The alloys are 35% stronger then stock..

Jim, no work on the cage yet, Im gonna do my frame stiffners first then get going on the cage.

[JJsKJ]

FWIW, the other down side to the 8.25 is, as of now, you can only run as low as 4.56's. You can call me Jim but I prefer John!

[RUGD JP]

FWIW, the other down side to the 8.25 is, as of now, you can only run as low as 4.56's. You can call me Jim but I prefer John!

oops my bad John :haha: and yes forgot about the gear issue, lowest you can run is 4.56

-Mike

[YJwonderboy]

how hard are they to find? Are the lengths of the axles short enough to fit under a YJ? Cause I saw that they had rear leaf springs, so putting new perches on them wouldn't be too difficult. Hmm, what are your opinions? Would it be a relatively inexpensive and practical swap, compared to a Dana 44? I don't mind that it'll only gear as low as 4.56...that seems low enough to run 32's or 33's right?

[RUGD JP]

I would probably just shop around for a D44. the 8.25 is a spring over axle too so you would have to cut the perches. The 29 spline 8.25 only came in some 96 model XJ's and 97+ XJ's so techinally if u just find the axle you would have to pull the shafts to know if its 29 or 27. Also there is no cheap locker for the 8.25.. Aussie sais they are coming out with one, but its been 2 years now and still noting.

Also look into an 8.8 they are about 59 1/2" and a very common YJ swap.. look for 99+ explorer with 31 spline shafts

[YJwonderboy]

I've heard eveyrthing you just mentioned...just weighing my options, trying to find the most "bang for the buck," you know. While I know ANY axle swap is gonna put a big dent in my pocketbook, i'm trying to keep from breaking the bank, so to speak. I've been looking at the 8.8 upgrade, cause the D44 sounds like a PITA in comparison.