d-35 or 8.25

Let me rephrase that for ya.

Which is better a D35 or anything?

The answer is anything.

The 8.25 is a decent axle, it is close to a D44, But it is pricy to get gears for it.

Specs

Dana 35 non c-clip - 27 spline, 1.18" diameter shafts, 7.58" ring gear, 2.62" axle tube - used 84-89

Dana 35 c-clip - 27 spline, 1.18" diameter shafts, 7.58" ring gear, 2.62" axle tube - used 90-01

Chrysler 8.25 - 27 spline, 1.17" diameter shafts, 8.25" ring gear, 3" axle tube - used 91-96

Chrysler 8.25 - 29 spline, 1.21" diameter shafts, 8.25" ring gear, 3" axle tube - used 97-01
 
CT-E53 said:
what is the better axle a d-35 or a 8.25
Click to expand...

the 29-spline version of the corporate axle is more desirable, started going in XJs in '97 and the 27 spline started going in xjs in something like '93.

Pretty sure any xj with ABS came w/a turdy-five rear but I might be mistaken. 29 spline 8.25 is a good rear, its got bigger axle tubes than a 44 (3" vs 2.75") and shafts are close. Deepest gears were 4.56s but I'm pretty sure nitro or someone else was making some 4.88s you had to grind off a tooth to fit the cross shaft or some crap like that tho.

I'm swapping a 44 in because its cheaper than gearing the 8.25 but I think pretty highly of the chryco axle. Easy to swap in ZJ disc brakes too.
 
I have no confidence in my d35...
 
If you are doing an axle swap, consider a Ford 8.8" from and Explorer or Ranger. 31 spline.
I did that a few year ago when my D35 blew up. And now I have disc brakes in the rear.
 
I wheeled with my 29 spline 8.25 locked with 36" tires for a while and never broke anything. Its a very good axle in my book.
 
Here's a link to a tech article from JP Magazine, ranking axles from weakest to strongest. (Disclaimer: I didn't write it. I just found it)

http://www.jpmagazine.com/techarticles/154_0708_weakest_to_strongest_axles/index1.html

The Dana35 comes in at #26 (second to last on the list). Chrysler 8.25 comes in at #18. Quite a difference.

I didn't know this until 99NCXJ pointed it out... but there are two different versions of the 8.25. My '94 XJ has a 27-spline. Later model Cherokees have a 29-spline. Everything I've read suggests that both will outperform and outlast the D35
 
i dont agree with the jp mag artical as im shure many others dont

dana 27 18'th*****?? it was designed in the early 40s for a 1/4 ton 3pass truck and was used till 71 that means thats almost 40yr tech put up aginst the 07 rubicon 44 and others ??

rockwell 2nd to a one ton that the aftermarket doesnt support much for ??


idk just seems a little off

not meaning to jack a thread sry
i would shoot for a 8.8 or 9inch u can do anything with them for cheap not to mention the gear choices
 
I have not had any problem wheeling my XJ with it's original 8.25 granted a few years ago I got a 29spline LSD and shafts for it and re-geared it to 4.56 and I wish that 4.88's were avail for it then, but are now. It is just as strong as a Dana 44 or a 8.8, when replacing the Dana 35 in my ZJ I got a 8.8 really cheap with 4.10's, disk brakes and a limited slip. So I went that route but could have just as easily got a 8.25 for it. The 8.8's from a Explorer are a little narrower then the factory Jeep axles.

Also with the 8.25 there are no carrier breaks to worry about when re-gearing like a Dana axle. Same carrier with 2.73s-4.56's also there is only one shim(pinion depth) and threaded adjusters to deal with.

With the 4.56-4.88s on a Ford 8.8, Chrysler 8.25 and 9.25 you have to slightly grind the toe of one gear tooth to clear the pinion shaft.

As for the cost of the gears I paid $150 for the 4.56's in my 8.25 now not much different for a decent gear for a Dana 44. They are Superior gears. Also again no carrier to buy when re-gearing from 3.55's(most common ratio in a XJ)
 
lbyota85 said:
20. Toyota 8-inch
18. Chrysler 8.25
:shaking:
Click to expand...

I was thinking the same thing...even in stock form the toy 8" is as stout if not stouter than a 44. This mag is handjobbing their target market...

The 8.25 is a solid rear in 29 spline form but I don't think on any day I'd say its stronger than an 8. Big tubes, stout pinion but still...

That whole article is pretty messed anyways.

If the OP is searching for axles to swap, I'd go for a 29 spline 8.25 I sold mine(3.55) with ZJ discs a little bit ago for right around $150 (trade + cash that equaled that) and I see the 3.55s around for $75-100 with drums frequently.

If you need a different gear ratio, don't bother with the 8.25 unless you find a 97 up 4 banger rear for cheap. You can go with a more proven axle out of a different vehicle for cheaper. I got a 4.10, disc brake 44 out of a rodeo for less than I sold the 8.25 for. I never worried about the 8.25 with 33s tho and I have beat the piss out of it, tons of wheelspin then regaining traction in deep snow (deep enough to fold the side mirrors in) and icy roads.
 
buckshot500 said:
I sure hope that the Chrysler 8-1/4" rear axles they put in the newer jeep vehicles are better than the 8-1/4" rears they used in the cars of the 1970's.

I went through 6 of those inside of two months in my Duster (318cid). Before swapping in an 8-3/4' pumpkin type axle.
Click to expand...
The 8.25 in the XJ, vans and Dakota are beefier then the old ones used in the cars.
 
Back
Top