97 XJ axle question.

[kcooper2598]

Hello!

First post and excited to join community.

Just bought 97 XJ (my second XJ).

CURRENT AXLE
Front-D30LP
Rear-D35

From what I understand, the front factory should be high pinion and rear should be a 8.25.

What would have been a previous owners motivation for swapping these?

I'd like to swap a HP up front and a 8.25 or 8.8 rear. Recommendations?

 

[JonnyCat63]

If your XJ has ABS, then it came with the D35. Could be any number of reasons that the PO swapped out the axles.

As far as using an 8.25 or an 8.8? The 8.25 is a plenty strong axle for most wheeling, it will handle up to 35's with no issues, and is bolt in. The 8.8 is a good option, too, but requires some modifications to make it fit. The plus on the 8.8 is it comes with disc brakes.

I run D44's, and an 8.25 in my trail rigs. I would do the 8.25 all day every day. Strong and bolt in. Yes, you can swap for discs brakes, I'm not sure but I think you can use the KJ disc brakes on an 8.25.

Are you positive you have the LP30? If so, you can run it, they came on 2000-2001 XJ's, so a lot of people run them no problems. If you want a HP30, there are plenty available and are plug and play.

The main issue when swapping axles is that they must have the same gear ratios. If you're planning on re/gearing and/or lockers, then it's not an issue.