Upgrading Chrysler 8.25

[DesertRatRon]

So my understanding is i can put 29 spline shafts in my 27 spline 8.25 if i either change out the spider gears or i put an auto locker in?? Is that right??

 

[md21722]

You have to change the carrier. So if you are doing a lunchbox you need a 29 spline open carrier first. If you're putting in a Detroit then you're already changing the carrier and only need the shafts.

 

[dan1977p]

You have to change the carrier. So if you are doing a lunchbox you need a 29 spline open carrier first. If you're putting in a Detroit then you're already changing the carrier and only need the shafts.

Yep. I was given false information about just changing the spiders so I picked up a 29 spline lunchbox and 20 spline shafts, tore my diff apart and about threw my carrier through the wall when I tried dropping in the lunchbox and it wouldn't fit. Good luck finding an open carrier online without a limited slip and costing $300-$400. At this point, I'm beginning to think it's not really worth it to upgrade to 29 spline. May be easier to find an 8.8 and get disc brakes, 30 spline(?) and more gear options down the road. All for about the same cost as buying new shafts and carrier for an 8.25.

 

[DesertRatRon]

Ill just run 27 spline with 4.56 gears with zj disc brake mod and maybe a lunch box on 33s but i dont know cause i dont want to chew up my tires

 

[md21722]

The easiest way is to buy an axle for about $100 and then put in the lunchbox and/or any brake upgrades you want.

 

[dan1977p]

The easiest way is to buy an axle for about $100 and then put in the lunchbox and/or any brake upgrades you want.

Seems like they are getting hard to find around here. I suspect that's why I can't get just a carrier like I did for my turdy. If I could find one I'd pick it up and mod it before I put it under the sexj and then sell my current one.

 

[md21722]

Could be, where I live XJ's are on every street corner and 29 spline 8.25 axles go for $50-125 all day long.

 

[cdn_xj]

Yep. I was given false information about just changing the spiders so I picked up a 29 spline lunchbox and 20 spline shafts, tore my diff apart and about threw my carrier through the wall when I tried dropping in the lunchbox and it wouldn't fit. Good luck finding an open carrier online without a limited slip and costing $300-$400. At this point, I'm beginning to think it's not really worth it to upgrade to 29 spline. May be easier to find an 8.8 and get disc brakes, 30 spline(?) and more gear options down the road. All for about the same cost as buying new shafts and carrier for an 8.25.

That sucks about the false info.

Used parts availability really seems to be a regional thing in spite of how plentiful XJs are. I had no trouble at all when sourcing the parts to upgrade my 8.25 from 27-spline to 29-spline.

Maybe some of your local axle shops might be able to source a used 29-spline open carrier on your behalf? Perhaps they have connections that you might not have access to. If so, it would certainly negate you having to buy another complete axle.