rear axle

[snakebitten999]

I dont know if this has been asked before but im gonna have at anyways. I have a 00 xj classic. How do I know which rear end that I have the 8.5 chrystler or the dana 35? Can you look by vin or is it somethin else that im not seeing? Or am I totally wrong all together? Any help would be greatly appreciated.... :grin:

[mountainmaggot]

I'm not sure about the chrysler axle, but the dana 35 should have a little metal tag attatched by a bolt to the diff. cover. This tag will say Dana corp. on it and will also have the gear ratio on it. The tag is about 1/4 in. wide by about 2 in. long.
Sam

[Simo]

im betting 8.25

[snakebitten999]

ok thanks. ill crawl under there tomorrow and take a peak. thanks a bunch!

[snakebitten999]

what are the strengths and weaknesses of those two... i assume that the dana would be stronger, but what bout the 8.25?

[Simo]

this should tell you what you want http://www.naxja.org/forum/showthread.php?t=101249

further, copied n pasted someone's maximum tire size recommendations from a cherokee forum to give you a strength comparison:

"Dana 35: 31's with a locker, 31's without a locker. (This axle doesn't care if it's loaded or empty. It just plain sucks.) Weak housing, thin tubes, and a small 7.5" gear don't add up to much. I've seen them successfully trussed with a 30 spline kit stand up to 33', however.

29 spline Chryco 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"

[Bluegill]

Most Wrangler D35's hold up pretty good unlocked running 33x12.50 tires :wink: That's why I have 'em on mine.

If it is a D35, the diff cover looks like this:
http://www.ringpinion.com/Images/Differentials/M35.jpg


If it is a Chrysler 8.25, the diff cover looks like this:
http://www.ringpinion.com/Images/Differentials/chry825.jpg