Metlic53

Is the D44 better than the Chrysler 8.25? I have a D44 with the same gear ratio as my 8.25 and i am going to swap my 8.25 out for the D44. It is a 97 XJ with 31's. 3.73 gears. I've heard the 8.25 is crap compared to the D44 and i should def go with the other rear end= way stronger and can get more lockers for it. True?

winston427

If the 8.25 in your 97 is the factory axle then it is the 29 spline version and is strong enough for most offroad applications. By swapping in the D44 you will get thicker axle shafts, non c-clip axle shafts, and a wider range of aftermarket support.

ZachsXJ

If you have a D44 laying around definitely swap that in. yes the 8.25 is a good axel, but why not upgrade to the D44 since you have it?

JJaycXj

i wish i had a d 44 laying around lol those axles are good

Metlic53

i mainly wanted to put the D44 in because it has a more wide range of lockers and i want to put an ected locker in it. they dont make one for the 8.25......go figure......... A buddy of mine who bought a totaled jeep cherokee gave me the 44 out of it. pretty lucky..... I just want an electric locker from ECTED. D44 is stronger too......i heard from alot of people that the 8.25 was a really bad rear end, one of the junkiest that came with jeep, then i got on here and saw it was a good axle........hmmmm confusion....

winston427

Someone has their facts backwards. The 8.25 is a good axle when equipped with the 29 spline axle shafts. The Dana 35, or as it is commonly referred to "Dana turdy5" is the weakest link in the XJ drivetrain.

ZachsXJ

the 27spline 8.25 is only marginally stronger than a Dana 35. the 29 spline is an excellent axel however, and for what came stock in Cherokees its 2nd only to the D44

Don't we all? lol

winston427

I've got one from a MJ laying in the driveway that needs new spring perches and shock mounts, and it's a limited slip. I just need to get off my lazy butt and get it done.

ZachsXJ

Haha, Winston. It don't blame you. Its dang cold out

Mike1998XJ

Cost me $600 to have a Detroit true-trac installed in my 8.25".
That's a good enough reason to change to the Dana 44

winston427

No it's because I am the master of procrastination. It's been in the driveway since April.

Metlic53

well mine is a 97 and from the things i've heard on here i suppose mine is a 29 spline axle.......one thing.....i've gone through 2 pinion bearings in this rear end and i've only put about 40k on the jeep since i bought it.......pinion bearings are dang pricy too!

Mike1998XJ

All the more reason to go with the 44!
I had the guys go through mine to make sure I get lots of use out of it... $900 by the time I left! But everything is set up right now, all new bearings, seals, locked and ready to rock!

Metlic53

wow, thats a pretty good amount for the true trac......... I don't know if this d44 has an LSD but it would be cool if it did. one of these days i'll get my dad to help put it in with me. shouldn't be too hard......

winston427

Set it up on some jack stands and turn one of the drums. If the other drum turns in the same direction it is limited slip. If it turns in the opposite direction it is an open diff.