1998 xj AXLE UPGRADES

[fatcatlincoln]

Ok I am looking to upgrade my Axles, maybe swaps maybe just change gearing and put in lockers The front is a dana 30 and the back is a chrysler 8.25" I am running 33/12.5/15 tires and am thinking of changing to 4.10 gearing and some kinda locker any suggestions??

[Jason L]

Try a Ford 8.8 with the 4.10's and upgrade the front shafts to the 297X ujoint. If you are running 33's then you may think about 4.56 gearing because 4.10 os perfect for 31's but a little on the low side for 33's.

[Jeepin Jason]

Originally posted by Jason L:
Try a Ford 8.8 with the 4.10's and upgrade the front shafts to the 297X ujoint. If you are running 33's then you may think about 4.56 gearing because 4.10 os perfect for 31's but a little on the low side for 33's.He's got a '98, it's already got the 297x joints. icon_smile_wink.gif

I'd probably also recommend going to 4.56's vs the 4.10's (which would be too high, not too low). icon_smile_wink.gif

An 8.8" would get you a stronger axle and rear disc brackes, but it's going to come with 4.10's, so to go with 4.56's you'd have to regear it anyway.

Your 8.25" is certainly capable of handling 33's, so you could simply regear it and toss in a locker at the same time.

Locker choices for the 8.25" are still somewhat limited (compared to a D44 or 8.8"), so it may depend on what locker you're wanting to go with.

[Ryan, aka: CheapXJ.com]

in '97, they started putting 29 spline axles (vs 27) in the 8.25" rear. You locker choices are bettwr with the 29 spline shafts (not much better, but still better)

So long as you don't beat it too hard, you shouldn't have any problems. I was really kinda hammerin' on my d30 (It's set up almost exactly the same as your d30, with the bigger shafts and whatnot, but i'm running mid 99+XJ/TJ knuckles and bearings) and it didn't bust anything with my new 33's. She even grabbed enough traction at full throttle low range to rip the fawkin steering wheel out of my hands and bounce the whole XJ around like a basketball.

So far so good... hehe

[Jason L]

I have a lockright in the rear of my 8.25 and it seems to work real well. Still need to hook up the ARB up front though even though I have not wheeled on any trails where I would need it. I have been through a pretty good wash out with just the rear locked and 31's BFG AT's and didn't have any major troubles. Even dragged the rear spare tire on the rear bumper on the way down. icon_smile_big.gif

Really wish I had my digital camera then.