What would you do?: D44 vs 8.25

[87MJTIM]

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.

[shelbyluvv]

Don't. The 27 spline 8.25 is not much stronger than a D35. You would be going backwards.

[87MJTIM]

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?

[shelbyluvv]

The shaft should be OK.

[AeroNautical]

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. 

[Minuit]

:agree:

 

An MJ D44 is one axle worth regearing. Do that.

[HOrnbrod]

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:

[87MJTIM]

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?

[87MJTIM]

BTW

 

I will have an 8.25 (3.55) available, if anyone would like one.

[HOrnbrod]

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..........

[mtruckstuff]

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.

[87MJTIM]

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

[Crash]

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.