87MJTIM Posted October 9, 2015 Share Posted October 9, 2015 A client has given to me, through bartering, a 93 XJ, 4.0, 4x4, auto w/ a CAD D30 and an 8.25. Since it is an auto, I assume it is 3.55. My MJ has a factory D44 with 3.07. I am going to do a straight swap up front: my CAD D30 (3.07) for the XJ D30 (3.55). My original plan was to re-gear the D44 to 3.55. I thought the XJ has a D35, but upon looking closer, it is an 8.25. (Oval shape, flat spot on the top and bottom.) Now, I am considering a swap of the D44 for the 8.25. This is what I am confronting: To re-gear: I don't have to remove either axle. I have to get the R&P and have someone install it. I don't have to mess with the brakes. I keep the factory original components. To swap: I have to remove two axles. One axle has to be installed. I have to get the perches and shock mounts relocated. I have to mess with the brakes (Can you say disk conversion?) What to do with the extra axle? My MJ is my DD. I don't any wheeling with it. The most offroad this sees is a dirt road to some property in WV. For my driving habits, why is one axle better than the other? Your thoughts, please. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shelbyluvv Posted October 9, 2015 Share Posted October 9, 2015 Don't. The 27 spline 8.25 is not much stronger than a D35. You would be going backwards. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
87MJTIM Posted October 9, 2015 Author Share Posted October 9, 2015 Don't. The 27 spline 8.25 is not much stronger than a D35. You would be going backwards. So, if I did the swap, would I also have to change the drive shaft? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shelbyluvv Posted October 9, 2015 Share Posted October 9, 2015 The shaft should be OK. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AeroNautical Posted October 10, 2015 Share Posted October 10, 2015 It was in 97 that the 8.25 switched to 29 spline, making it close to D44 strength. Not worth it at all for a 27 spline. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Minuit Posted October 10, 2015 Share Posted October 10, 2015 :agree: An MJ D44 is one axle worth regearing. Do that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HOrnbrod Posted October 10, 2015 Share Posted October 10, 2015 Seconded and thirded. Keep the D44, re-gear to 3.55, then slide convert to rear disks later at your convenience if needed. I keep the factory original components. This I would think is an important consideration for your rig. :thumbsup: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
87MJTIM Posted October 10, 2015 Author Share Posted October 10, 2015 Thanks to everyone. I was leaning toward keeping the D44, but wasn't sure if an 8.25 was worth changing to. Who makes the best R&P and install kits? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
87MJTIM Posted October 10, 2015 Author Share Posted October 10, 2015 BTW I will have an 8.25 (3.55) available, if anyone would like one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HOrnbrod Posted October 10, 2015 Share Posted October 10, 2015 Thanks to everyone. I was leaning toward keeping the D44, but wasn't sure if an 8.25 was worth changing to. Who makes the best R&P and install kits? Since you will be going from a 3.07 to 3.55 on your D44, no worries about the carrier since the break is 3.73. I went from 3.55 to 4.10 when I re-geared my D44 and used "thick" gears which enabled me to keep my existing limited slip carrier. In your case it's a simple R&P re-gear. I like the original Dana gear sets the best, but they didn't make the "thick" gears I needed. So I went with Yukon gears. I've used Yukon gear sets in the past too with good results. A bit more than the offshore Chinese gears, but worth the extra $$ I think. But who knows - maybe they are all manufactured offshore now.......... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mtruckstuff Posted October 21, 2015 Share Posted October 21, 2015 How about a rear out of an Explorer 8.8? Strong as a 44. Downside is c-clips. Would be great for a DD, or a mild build. Comes in 3.55/3.73/4.10 usually a LS and disc brakes for anywhere from $250-$450 depending on condition. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
87MJTIM Posted October 21, 2015 Author Share Posted October 21, 2015 I already have the D44 in MJ. The 8.25 is on an XJ that was "free". I don't have the 8.8, nor am I looking to get one. Thx thou Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crash Posted October 21, 2015 Share Posted October 21, 2015 If you can fab, and the c8.25 has the gears you want. Run that. Otherwise gear the 44 and maybe swap to discs or whatever. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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