Alright guys so heres my problem, im pretty sure my rear end is going out. I currently have the Dana 30. Now is there one better i should try to find and put in. Working on limited cash so if anyone can help me out it would be greatly appreciated.. Maybe some one has a extra rear end just sitting around taking up room they would like to get rid of? Cause of right now im up that brown colored creek we all know about and i aint got no paddle btw im in lawrenceville ga..

 

First you have the 35 in the back (30 is up front). A good cheap factory upgrade would be the 97+ Chrylser 8.25. They are larger spline count and stronger. The only mod might be that you would need the rear driveshaft off of the jeep that it comes from, but IF im not mistaking, there shouldn't be a difference. But that would be the cheapest upgraded axle. Good luck

 

Just realized that you are a manual trans and that affects your choice. Im not sure if there are manuals with 8.25s just because i just dont know. Manuals usually only have 3.07 gears, and autos usually have 3.55 gears. If you plan on going higher than 30s, or if you feel a little sluggish, then get both front and rear axles from an auto. Then there wont be a need to regear later. And remember you have to have the same gear ratio in both front and rear or else you will break just about everything lol.

 

You can have a manual trans with an 8.25.

A D44 rear wouldn't be bad either. Arguably stronger.

I'd look for whichever is more available.

 

@blacksport so your saying find a 97+ in a yard somewhere, and yank both front and rear axles off of it along with the drive shafts?? and everything should mount right up??? i do plan on going 31x10.50 on my tires.

@gee so a dana 44? what would i find that on?

Is the the d35 a decent rear though as far as if i can find one quicker and cheaper round here. Like what is the difference in these rear ends??? Besides the gearing? I want something somewhat strong and dependable...and if i change out the back then change out the front??? im just confused on this guys sorry

 

D35s aren't very strong and typically can't handle tires much larger than 33s depending on what your doing and how you drive. Thats why most suggest staying away from them, but if you don't do crazy offroading, then the D35 will be fine, and much cheaper and easier overall.

You can get a D44 out of quite a few Cherokees.

 

Hit up some junk yards if your on a limited budget.
The junk yards around here are pretty awesome cause the pull whatever you need for you.

 

gee i go quite often, and the is some pretty good stuff down here in GA not like amazing or anything but decent none the less. So you your saying on a budget that a d44 would be the way to go for me, and if i do ,...i have to swap out the front with also? and how do i tell if its a 44 i know its the shape of the diff plate but what am i looking for exactly?

 

thanks red

 

There are a few threads here with pics of each rear that came in the XJ.

D44s and Chry 8.25s are really close, I just suggested the D44 because no one else did, and some are more available than others depending on where you are from.

If you wanna go further you could get a Ford 8.8 out of an Exploder.

But it depends on what you wanna do.

And you may not have to replace the front end at all, it depends on your current gear ratio and the ratio of the rear you swap in.

 

right on i noticed your rocking a d44 rear and a d30 front is that working good for ya? cause if i can get away with just finding a d44 and putting in in that would be optimal for me

 

You should have a HP D30 up front, and thats good for some decent sized rubber. I'd say they'd handle 35s easily depending on how you drive and if you beef it up a bit.

I love my D44, especially because its got an ARB airlocker. If I had the front setup with an airlocker, I could crawl over just about anything.

The D44, properly built, can handle 38s without breaking a sweat.

 

Dude i appreciate all the good info. Im def looking into getting a D44. The biggest tire i think Ill run is a 33. As far as my front i have beefer shackles from rustys, and im getting Rustys trac-bar and tie rods (well those or sum that are compriable) So i guess ill be alright. I do once again thank you for the good info bro.

 

I'd like to see a pic of these control arm shackles. Not trying to be an ***** but your front doesn't use shackles. BTW the XJ only came with a 44 for 3 years and then only in certain ones. The 8.25 will be a lot easier to find and fine up to 35s.

 

See where the control arms bolts on to the shackle that is welded to the front axle. The stock ones are thin and bend easy trust me i know from experience. Thanks for your input btw.