D30 vs. 8.25

[Imjosh]

My friend totaled his xj last night he's fine but the jeeps gone and he has an 8.25 rear end in it and i was just wondering how much better off or not i'd be if i swapped it in. It has 3.54 gears and i have 3.55 now that wont hurt anything will it

 

[Matt]

no problem - it will work fine....

Matt

 

[Maximus]

I dont think that the difference in the gears will be that big of a deal especially if it is an open carrier. To decide if it is worth the swap is to find out what spline count the 8.25 is. If it is a 27 spline forget it but if it is a 29 then do it. I run 35's on my 29spl 8.25 and have no problems.

 

[5Cent]

Do it! Even if it's a 27 spline count, anything is better than that weak 35. I'm not sure, but I think it's a direct swap. Someone correct me if I'm wrong. But I'd do it in a heart beat.

Adam

 

[Eagle]

It's a bolt-in swap, but the 8.25 has a longer pinion so if your XJ is not lifted you should get the driveshaft along with the axle (assuming you both have the same tranny and transfer case setup). If you have some lift, the longer pinion will probably make up the slip spline engagement you lost due to the lift.