rear end

rchieboy96xj · #1 (**permalink**) 01-25-2005, 11:19 AM

how do i find out what rear end i have in my 96 xj and i checked for tags theres one and its the ring and pinon ratio?i need to know what it is .

Joopin · #2 (**permalink**) 01-25-2005, 12:12 PM

I believe XJs only came with D44s and D35s, and the D44s were only put in up to early 90s.(I found my D44 out of an 89) So that means yours would be a D35. One thing you could do to make sure is look at the diff cover. You can tell the difference between a 35 and 44. I was looking for the link that shows all the different axle diffs but I can't find it. Maybe someone else knows where it is? I have my money on it being a D35 though.

Where are you in jersey?

Bounty__Hunter · #3 (**permalink**) 01-25-2005, 01:05 PM

It's either the D35 or the Chrysler 8.25" rear axle. The 8.25 came with the tow package and included the reciever and external tranny cooler.

Have you checked for a paper tag around the end of the axletube, directly behind the brake backing plate?

rchieboy96xj · #4 (**permalink**) 01-26-2005, 08:26 PM

ok theres no paper tag and i know its not a d35 because my friend has a d35 in his wrangler theres no tranny cooler and it didnt come with a tow package.also the check plug is different its rubber with no treads on it , it just pushes in and its about the size of a silver dollar . so i still dont know what it is?

White · #5 (**permalink**) 01-26-2005, 09:08 PM

The rubber plug sounds like the 8.25

Bounty__Hunter · #6 (**permalink**) 01-27-2005, 12:59 AM

My D35 had a rubber plug, until my buddy made me a diff with skidplates that had a metal plug.

The 8.25 is pretty flat at the bottom of the diff, compared to the more round D35. The 8.25 also has a large flat area cast into the diff above the pinion.

If you can compare it closely with your friends D35 and it's not similar, then it's an 8.25". The 8.25" also has thicker axletubes.

IcyFridge · #7 (**permalink**) 01-27-2005, 08:56 AM

Cherokees are commonly found with 3.55 gearing. What I suggest you do is. Try two places. I think the sticker on the inside of the driver's door has the gearing on it. Also, you can take the Jeep to a jeep dealer and they can pull up EVERY spec on your jeep using your VIN.

Bounty__Hunter · #8 (**permalink**) 01-27-2005, 11:20 AM

He found the gear tag, he's looking to ID the axle.

rchieboy96xj · #9 (**permalink**) 01-27-2005, 11:53 AM

ok so then if i do have an 8.25 , are they any good or should a get a d44 and trough that under in . i really dont know much about the 8.25 rear so any info would be useful.

Bounty__Hunter · #10 (**permalink**) 01-27-2005, 02:18 PM

The 8.25 is plenty strong, a lot stronger than the D35. You're really not gaining a whole lot by switching to a D44, except maybe more locker and gear selections and the elimination of the c-clips, but that's it. They're comparable in strength. The c-clips aren't really an issue in the 8.25 unless you break an axleshaft. I've never seen it in a 8.25 but I'm sure it's possible.

rchieboy96xj · #11 (**permalink**) 01-27-2005, 04:13 PM

well i did want to run with a detriot locker and from what u said about the lift im gonna have to settle for the 6 in with 35 s with cut out s . i have heard of problems with the c clips with running 35 s and lockered up so i take it my best bet would be to get a d44 out of an older cherokee and do it like that .oh and i desided to go with the hesco 4.7 stroker it seems like a good pick and its not too much loot.

Bounty__Hunter · #12 (**permalink**) 01-27-2005, 05:15 PM

What problems have you heard about c-clips?

The only negative I know of is that if an axle should break, the shaft will slide out of the housing. Doesn't make a c-clip axle any more prone to breakage. It would take an enormous side-load on a tire to break a c-clip, it's not realistic.

rchieboy96xj · #13 (**permalink**) 01-27-2005, 06:07 PM

witch one is stronger and more realiable the d44 or 8.25 ?i wanna put the better one of the two in my jeep .

Bounty__Hunter · #14 (**permalink**) 01-27-2005, 11:20 PM

I've seen the torque ratings of both axles listed before, wish I could find it now. The D44 ring gear is only .25" larger thant he 8.25 ring gear.

Your 8.25 axleshafts are 27spline, they switched to 29spline in '97. I checked some other forums and seems many have abused the 8.25 with up to 35" tires with no problems.

rchieboy96xj · #15 (**permalink**) 01-30-2005, 01:46 PM

so whats a better rear?oh and what would be a good locker choice , im thinking of useing a detriot ?

Junkpile · #16 (**permalink**) 01-30-2005, 03:39 PM

Quote:

so whats a better rear?

D44. Stronger in all areas, and there are more parts for it.

Don't rule out the 8.8" Ford axle for an application like this.

rchieboy96xj · #17 (**permalink**) 01-30-2005, 04:22 PM

yea but i dont like ford , im a jeep chevy and dodge kinda guy. id rather put a d60 then a ford rear lol

Bounty__Hunter · #18 (**permalink**) 01-30-2005, 08:43 PM

The Ford 8.8 is more stout than the D44 and 8.25, and comes with disc brakes. You can get them factory with many different gear ratios and a limited slip.