Rear Axle Questions

marvilusone

marvilusone

Well-Known Member
Joined
Oct 21, 2007
Location
Charleston, SC
First, how much stronger is a Chry 8.25 rear vs. a Dana 35??? I guess what I'm getting at is can I run 35" Boggers and a locker in a stock 8.25 and be ok? This is a trail truck only and will see it's fair share of abuse.
Second, why doesn't anyone use the Mopar 8.75 rear in off road rigs? I know for drag racing is it a very strong and popular rear end and is very comparable to the Ford 9. I would think it would be a great axle for the trails too, but maybe theres something I don't know.
Third, will a Dana 30 with Cromo shafts and a locker be able to handle 35" Boggers?
 
Depends a lot on the year. 97+ came with 29 spline axleshafts that are a bit smaller around but neckdown less dramatically than the cherokee d44 shafts.

D44 has a stronger ring gear and axleshafts can be anywhere from marginally stronger to much stronger ( I think isuzu d44 came with 1.5" shafts).

the housing on the 8.25 is stiffer and the pinion is stouter. Its not a lack of strength that keeps people from using these extensively offroad, its aftermarket support. I don't know of any upgrades for axle shafts, and the gear depth is limited to 4.56


as for why no 8.75 or 9.25? I'd guess the aformentioned aftermarket support and ground clearance issues, but I can't really say.

The 8.25 is a great axle if you don't ever plan on going for bigger tires, 35s are about all you want to push locked. Swapping on some disc brakes from a ZJ is easy too.
 
i've seen a few 8-3/4s out there. I think most mistake them for a 9" or toy 8" and don't give it a second look.. I agree they are a good axle not sure there is much 4x4 products for them.
 
well the 8.25 hold up just as well as dana 35 and can be built with good aftermarket parts. As for holding up to 35 boggers that is a good one . I seen stuff hold up without problems and then I seen axles fall apart without ever seeing a load on them. As for the dana 30 with 35 boggers even if you upgrade the axleshafts the ring and pinion is a weak point. The boggers are aggressive and cause havok. Are you planning on it as a daily driver or a full trail rig. You call call me at my shop if you have any questions 252 444 4440 thanks ALex
 
This is a full trail rig and might only see pavement to go to some local trails. No more than 10 miles and going easy on it while I'm on pavment.
 
Looks like I'll be upgrading to a 44 and a 9 since I don't know what mild trails are nor do I know how to be easy on anything!!!
 
the 8.75 and 9.25 are not used because of lack of support in hte offroad community... and 9.25 is a beefy axle with beef shafts, but its a c-clip design which can become useless, as it also is a anchor with small tires, ask me how i know
 
i knew a guy running 35's on a welded 8.25, held up until he got stuck, started to hop and just nailed the skinny pedal, then an axle shaft broke. if you don't do that you should be fine, because he had been running it for almost a year before it broke. it's way better than a dana 35
 
referring to the above post, the 29 spline 8.25 found commonly in 97+ xj's is much stronger than the d35, whereas the previous 8.25's were 27 spline and were about the same strength of the d35, i've heard its almost as strong as a d44 (29 spline that is)
 
Some responses here are dead on but......

I think nobody has addressed the tires........Boggers are great in mud, hands down the best as I see it.

However, on dry trails Boggers may just give you TOO MUCH traction, if there is such a thing. I have a set on a FJ40 and I never really broke too many parts until the boggers, we are quite a bit drier than you are but they can be too much for anything under a 14 bolt.

The Chrysler 8.25 is stronger than a D35 in any configuration but you do want the 29 spline model. Also, they would be the equivalent to a D44 if they had more support but that support is coming......Many companies are building more & more products for them.
 
That is why I mentioned in my original post that I am running Boggers. This is not my first set, it is actually my eighth. I have run them on just about every type of terrain and I know exactly what you are talking about when it comes to too much traction. I am originally from Washington state from up in the Cascade mountains and used to do alot of mudding and snow wheeling. I have since given up mudding and don't get to see snow too much here, so I am running just trails and rocks now. I have been to Moab once and ran my Boggers there and loved them on the rocks, and now, with all my good experiences with them, I won't run anything else unless I'm going to drive it on pavement. Then I will go with AT's for the street and swap to boggers for the trail. IMO they are the ultimate tire for just about everything. I have mostly owned fullsizes and never really had to worry about axle strength but with a smaller/lighter vehicle it's a different story. I was just wanting to get everyone's opinion and experiences with these axles to see what I should do. I think my best option is going to be to swap in a set of Waggy 44's. I appreciate everyone's help and I will soon have a D30 3.55 front and a D35 3.55 welded rear for sale. PM me with offers or possible trades. Thanks again!
 
Back
Top