ExpeditionXJ

I just picked up a 99 Chrysler 8.25 with 4.10 gears for $350 shipped.

My plan is to swap my Dana 35 and then have my Dana 30 regeared to 4.10. Beefier rear axle and 4.10 gears front and rear for under $1k.

I'm going to remove the cover and make sure everything checks out before installing it. I also figure now would be a good time to rebuild the drum brakes or do a disk brake conversion.

Is there anything else I should replace while I'm at it (master install kits with new bearings are under $100). Also any thing to look out for/ check would be great! A 180k axle on a rwd 4 cyl Cherokee shouldn't have seen too much abuse.

Thanks!

Fred/N0AZZ

If you have ABS search the forum for how to take care of that. Your correct on the disc brakes an excellent time to do those and clean/paint the rear end while out.


Another thing I did was to install HD ribbed aluminum differential covers to my D30/Chy 8.25 that had drain plugs in them at the bottom. Makes it easy to change fluids without pulling the covers every time. I change mine often and only pull the covers once a year to inspect for any problems or see lots of metal in the fluid drained out.

Cvail

I'm in process of doing the same thing right now. You'll need new spring plates and u-bolts due to the larger axle tubes on the Chrysler. Only bummer for me is the shipping guys strapped it down to the pallet and crushed the hard brake line against the tube between the diff and the left rear wheel.

Some folks will tell you need a shorter drive shaft but on all the lifted XJ's we have done is hasn't been necessary.

Jeep Driver

I keep trying to tell people............they just won't listen........

http://indianapolis.craigslist.org/cto/5104721845.html

Would have gotten you BOTH axles and what ever other goodies.

Scrap or sell the balance..............


The swap would have cost you NOTHING!

marshmellowxj

Youll need 3" u-bolts for 8.25 in comparison to the 2.75 on dana 35 Goodluck on swap!

Fred/N0AZZ

Who would want to swap a LPD30 from an 00 XJ into anything, all most want is to get rid of them.

Fred/N0AZZ

My Rustys lift kit came with my U-Bolts included in his kit but he does sell them separately at a decent price and not China junk either.

Jeep Driver

It's and EXAMPLE!!!!!!!

I should always state a disclaimer for those who cannot think and choose for themselves, I suppose.


I have no idea where the OP is so I just did a quick search for an EXAMPLE.

Jeep Driver

FWIW-

When I converted my MJ, I chose a '94 XJ 2.5 that I dragged home for $500. I got the front axle, AX5, TC, front DS, and linkages.....etc.....
I was not interested in the 8.25 as it was open and a pre '97, so I sold it for $75.

I piled up the carcass on a trailer and scrapped it for $350.

I got back $425 of my $500 investment.

My swap cost me $75.


Patience is a virtue.
I later found a '97 LSD 8.25 for $100 in perfect condition. It came with a RockCrusher cover that was worth at least if not a few dollars more than I paid for the entire axle.


Would I ever pay $350 for an unknown axle? absolutely not.

philthycoder

New spring plates aren't needed. The u-bolt holes in the factory plate are slotted to accommodate either the 2.5 inch diameter of the Dana 35 or the 3 inch diameter of the Chrysler 8.25

XJwonders

you are correct about using same spring plates. But the Dana 35 are 2.75

ExpeditionXJ

Great ideas as usual Fred! I was planning on doing some painting as well. From what I've read on 97+ the abs just needs its fuse pulled. Older XJ's require more.

I didn't think the aftermarket differntial covers were anything but bling. I'm glad you just gave me an excuse to upgrade (drain plug location).

ExpeditionXJ

I'm doing a lift and SYE at the same time.

Keep me posted on how your swap goes. Good luck!

Yeah... I'm in Dallas/ Fort Worth, Texas and not wanting to travel across the country. The population density of country boys with jeeps here is astronomical. Stuff like that goes real quick here. I don't have the time to wait several months for something like that to pop up.

My tires are cracking badly and unsafe. I need to do this lift, axle, sye, and regear, so I can put new wheels and tires on and drive my jeep.

Thanks man! The u-bolts and lift kit are inroute.

ExpeditionXJ

Ok good to know. Thanks!

philthycoder

hate to nitpick, but the preponderance of evidence (not that I've actually measured, ha) specifies the D30 and D35 as 2.5" tube with a 0.25" wall thickness: http://www.ruffstuffspecialties.com/...035-PERCH.html
http://www.4x4help.com/axle/axletube.htm

Anecdotal evidence suggests that the actual tube diameter varies slightly from 2.6" to ~2.45" where it's necked down at the carrier housing. So, not exactly 2.5" and not exactly 2.75"