cherokee 8.25 swap

iluv_mud

iluv_mud

Active Member
Joined
Oct 23, 2007
Location
Asheville
I'm picking up an 8.25 about 2 weeks from now & I'm wondering what all do I need to do the swap I'm a pretty skilled mechanic but I don't have access to a welded or power tools. With that being said would it be easier on me to do the swap myself or pay someone to do it?
 
Sweet that's awesome now I just need to save up for gears & lockers
 
ASSUMPTION: you have an XJ and are swapping an XJ 8.25 in place of a D35...

The 8.25 pinion is a little bit longer than the D35, so the stock driveshaft with a D35 is a little longer to make up for it. With a little lift, you can re-use your D35 driveshaft after swapping in an 8.25. I know firsthand, I did with my ECORS XJ with bastard pack in the rear, ~3" lift.

You need wider U-bolts because the 8.25 tubes are about 1/2" bigger diameter.

Later XJs had slotted springplates for both width U-bolts, earlier XJs only work with the D35 width. Slotting the earlier springplates could be done, that would suck to do though.

Non-ABS D35 brakes are identical to 8.25 brakes, not sure about the D35 w/ABS.
 
I'll be swapping the 8.25 in when I do my shackle lift so I assume that should be enough to make up the difference. I was going to replace the u bolts cuz there is no way I'll re use u bolts BTW does anyone know where I can get new u bolts. Would advance auto carry them.
 
RenegadeT said:
ASSUMPTION: you have an XJ and are swapping an XJ 8.25 in place of a D35...
The 8.25 pinion is a little bit longer than the D35, so the stock driveshaft with a D35 is a little longer to make up for it. With a little lift, you can re-use your D35 driveshaft after swapping in an 8.25. I know firsthand, I did with my ECORS XJ with bastard pack in the rear, ~3" lift.
You need wider U-bolts because the 8.25 tubes are about 1/2" bigger diameter.
Later XJs had slotted springplates for both width U-bolts, earlier XJs only work with the D35 width. Slotting the earlier springplates could be done, that would suck to do though.
Non-ABS D35 brakes are identical to 8.25 brakes, not sure about the D35 w/ABS.
Click to expand...
Wait so your saying on my 87 I'm going to have to some how slot the springplates? Does anyone have a pic of what I need to cut?
 
its the 4 holes. not so hard. or grab the ones from the axle that you pulled it from.

auto zone does sell u bolts, they are like $8 each.. or you could grab a 1inch block kit and throw out the blocks. (thats what i do) they are 1/2-20 threads. the kit is like 3-5bucks cheaper
 
Oh ok sounds good can't wait to get this pos 35 out.
 
yes, try to get the springplates from the donor axle.

New U-bolts from any driveline shop, they usually make them there. Best deal would be to bring the old U-bolts in, seems like they always want to copy something. I took measurements, but forgot to add extra length due to the increased tube diameter. My U-bolts were just barely long enough. I got mine @ Fleet Pride.
 
I'll pm cardudenc he is the guy I'm getting my 8.25 from.
 
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