The 8.25 came with two different spline counts, the early ones had 27 splines and the later had 29 splines. I believe the cut-off is mid 1996 model year but can't guarantee that. The 29 splines are the more desirable.
An old timer wrote this about the 8.25...
"29 spline Chrysler 8.25: 33's with a locker, 35's without a locker. I just can't trust a 29 spline shaft to 35's with a locker. MAYBE with upgraded shafts. Good stiff housing, though, which contributes greatly to carrier and ring gear strength. upgrade your 27 spline to 29, and you'll gain these benifits."
Search 8.25 and there is a thread somehwere comparing the 8.25 to the D44 and the pros and cons of both. IMO $200 for an open 8.25" w/stock gearing is way too high in price.