Hi all,
I have a 1998 XJ auto trans with a Dana 35 rear end that is making noise.
My XJ has ABS brakes with a LSD. I have a 3" lift and run 31" tires.
I really like this set up for driving in snow although where I live that is rare. Maybe once or twice a year.

I have decided to swap the axle and have to make a decision on which way to proceed.The vehicle is currently a DD but that could change in a year. I'm also considering running 33's (with fender trimming) for my next tire.

I have a chance to buy a factory XJ Dana 44 with 3.73 gears. it has a LSD or possibly a locker. My other option is a Chrysler 8.25 with 3.55 gears.

I'd rather have the Dana 44 but I'm concerned with swapping the front gears to 3.73's. I'm planning to do the axle swap myself but would have to get a shop to do the gears. I'm concerned I'm biting off more than I chew (or afford to do) I suppose the worse case senario is that I swap the axle and lose the 4x4 until I can afford the gearing swap.
I know the Chrysler would definately be a less expensive option as I wouldn't have to regear, and I would lose my 4x4. The cost of the regear with gears, new carrier, and labor would be about $1,000.
I'm leaning toward the 8.25 at the moment.

I guess I'm looking for opinions, experience, and other pros and cons on those options.

Thanks in advance for any advice or experience with this type of set up.

 

3.73s are not big enough of a jump to make it worth it.

Spend the $150 on a good 8.25 and be done with it.

For a few bucks more you can EASILY go to rear discs.

 

Oh...........and dump your ABS.

 

I'd get the 8.25. There are a ton of them in the jy if you should need another axle shaft. I don't think that you will need one unless you lock it on 35s & drive like it's a rock bouncer.

Or, you could swap in a ZJ Dana 30 with 3.73 gears in it. The only downside is that it is a LP axle & your current 30 is a HP.

 

I bought the Chrysler 8.25 I was leaning that way already, but your advice confirmed it.
Thanks for the input guys.

 

How much was the dana 44?

 

$300 with LSD or possibly a locker
It was a great deal, I just don't have the coin to re-gear my front. Plus, I didn't want to re-gear to 3.73's

 

My 96 Sport with 330,000 miles has developed some backlash in the stock rearend. I saw you mention, easy to go rear disk brakes?, with the option you described. A fantasy of mine since the last time I changed the drums shoes. I'm wide open to any advice.