Dana 44 or Chrysler 8.25?

[Raven]

Here is what I'm working with. 1988 MJ converting to 1998 engine, AW4 w/NP242 and Chrysler 8.25. I'm updating the whole truck dash and all to 1998. I figured going with an SOA in the rear like the XJ and using a bastard pack. 

 

Then a monkey wrench gets thrown into the mix to knock everything off course. 1990 MJ with an AX15/231 and D44. Has the OEM buckets and interior. Yes it was an Eliminator. Now it is just a parts rig that I can buy for 600. I was pretty happy going the route I was on until this popped up in the radar. My wife is not very pleased as I have three projects I am currently working on. So another parts truck in the garage isnt going to sit well. I prefer a standard transmission but was ok using the AW4 and then converting over later after the other projects are finished. I can still go SOA in the rear but think Id just have some leaf packs cut for a 4.5" lift and then a modified shackle. 

 

This is a weekend warrior work truck. Tows a 10' single axle trailer with no more than 1200 pounds which includes the weight of the trailer.  Over all around a 4.5-5" lift with 32-33" tires. As of yet Ive not decided what gear ratios I want to use. 

[jeeptec1]

Both axles are good axles. The 44 is non c clip the ring gear is about 8.5 diameter. There is a whole lot more support/aftermarket parts available for the 44.
The 8 1/4 is what it is. It is a c clip type. Break an axle out it come. 2 spline types. 96 and earlier is 27 spline. 97 and later 29 spline. The pinion shaft is larger on the 8 1/4 than the 44. Aftermarket support is limited. Either one will make a good axle.
If your running 33 inch tires i would go 4.56 if you use the Renix fuel injection system. I
If you use the later OBD2 efi 96 and later I’d go 4.10’s. The later efi makes more power that early efi.


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[Raven]

Ive seen what happens when people break a C clip axle on the highway. Not a pretty sight. 

 

Ill be using the OBD2. 

[jeeptec1]

44 then.


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[ghetdjc320]

Not all 44s are created equal either. The 98+ rodeo/passport and the JK d44s use 8.9” ring gears and Dana 60 size pinions. 

[Jeep Driver]

Breaking the 8.25- That's a very short book. 

 

There's a ton of them being used and little to no complaints. 

[schardein]

8.24 in title.  You might want to edit that to 8.25 or 8 1/4" for search purposes.

 

I'm sure you've thought of this- 8.25 from XJ will need spring perch mods to fit an MJ.  Sounds like you were planning that already with the SOA.  

 

MJ D44 is a bolt in.  BUT, from a 5 speed it likely has 3.07 gears, not a good fit for bigger tires and/or trailer towing.

[Andy in Pa]

I would say the best possible combo is the 98 motor, the AX-15 trans and the 8.25 axle.  The D44 will need regeared for sure, as it will have 3.07 gears.  The 8.25 has 3.55's and with 32's /33's won't feel too sluggish with a 5 spd.  Not enough to gain strength-wise with going to the D44 either.  Weld the tubes to the center section on the 8.25 (if your planning on HD rock crawling) and run it.

 

Also remember the 242 will have a 23 spline input (which will not match the 5 spd), while the 231 (being from 1990) will have the 21 spline input, matching the 5 spd.

 

A.

[derf]

Strictly opinion here:

 

If I had the two axles sitting in my garage and was choosing between them, I'd take the Dana 44 every time.  Mostly because I would seriously consider going above 3.55 for anything much over stock size tires, even with the manual.  And with an automatic, I would start with 3.73 or more just for stock tires.  (for reference, I run 4.56 with 32's in my automatic XJ and wouldn't go with anything less.)

 

Since regearing would be on the table no matter what, I'd take the Dana 44.  More options when it comes to lockers/limited slips and the gear ratio options line up nicely with the Dana 30.  But the real kicker is that I already have everything I need to swap gears myself, including setup bearings, for the Dana 44.

 

Factor in that the 44 has MJ perches on it already, it would be my clear choice.

 

 

 

All that being said, the 8.25 is not a bad axle.  There's enough options for upgrades and lockers/limited slips to make it a good choice in an MJ.  Spring perches and shock mounts are trivially easy.  The brakes are a bolt-in either way.  You can't go wrong with the 8.25 if that's what you end up deciding on.

[Pete M]

4 hours ago, Andy in Pa said:

I would say the best possible combo is the 98 motor, the AX-15 trans and the 8.25 axle.  The D44 will need regeared for sure, as it will have 3.07 gears.  The 8.25 has 3.55's and with 32's /33's won't feel too sluggish with a 5 spd.  Not enough to gain strength-wise with going to the D44 either.  Weld the tubes to the center section on the 8.25 (if your planning on HD rock crawling) and run it.

 

Also remember the 242 will have a 23 spline input (which will not match the 5 spd), while the 231 (being from 1990) will have the 21 spline input, matching the 5 spd.

 

A.

 

 

all AX-15s have a 23 spline output.   it's the AW4 that lagged behind a bit in getting the 23