Switching out Dana 35

[Dalewes]

Hey, I'm a first time Jeep owner and I'm hoping I can learn a lot from this site. I bought a 97 Jeep Cherokee XJ that has a stock Dana 35 in it. I've been told this is the weakest part of my jeep. I'm looking at a Chrysler 8.25 that came out of a 96 Jeep Cherokee at a local junkyard. My question is: Is this a simple swap out or do I have to modify anything else? I'm sure this has been asked a million times. Thanks in advance for any help.

[prerunner1982]

I'm sure this has been asked a million times.

No worries.

I believe it's a bolt in swap but since I have never done it myself I will refrain from saying positively. However, I imagine Steve (4.3LXJ) will be by shortly with a positive answer for you.

Welcome and I hope this forum proves to be of valuable information for you.

[4.3LXJ]

it is a bolt in swap. However, unless you are getting one with 29 spline axles you will not be gaining much. 96 was a transition year, so in can be a crap shoot. Best bet is to go with 97 and up 8.25. And get the U bolts and top plate too. The tubes on the housing are much bigger

[prerunner1982]

And get the U bolts and top plate too. The tubes on the housing are much bigger

Ahh yes I did forget that part. The Chrysler 8.25 has 3" tubes where the Dana 35 has about 2.5" or so tubes.

[Dalewes]

Ok, thanks I'll look for a 97 and up

[prerunner1982]

Wesley is your XJ an auto or manual trans?

[abebehrmann]

Since you have the Dana 35, you may have anti-lock brakes. If so, the Chrysler 8.25 is incompatible with the anti-lock brake system. Not a huge deal if you don't really want ABS, and you can always just pull the ABS fuse so you don't have the light on all the time.

[Dalewes]

It's an automatic and no, I don't have anti lock brakes

[4.3LXJ]

You will want to make sure it is a 3.55 gear ration then

[Dalewes]

Yes sir, I'm clarifying that anything I look at is a 3.55. I was hoping the 96 would be good, it was for $250. There is a place in Nashville though that has a pick of anything I want. I was looking at an 8.8 but everything I've read tells me there are some modifications to switch those out.

[abebehrmann]

Check this place out. Their online inventory lists four 97+ XJs, and it looks like the rear axle including drums would only be $93.50 + $15 core charge.

http://www.pullapart.com/locations/nashville/


I'm planning on doing the 8.8 swap eventually, but you're right it does take a few modifications, including moving the leaf spring perches and modifying the E-brake cable.

[Dalewes]

Well, I found out last night after climbing under the Cherokee, it is set up with a C8.25 and not the Dana. I knew the previous owner made some modifications but he didn't mention that he made a rear end change. Looks like I cab concentrate on other area now.

Sent from my XT1565 using Tapatalk

[prerunner1982]

Maybe it came with an 8.25 from the factory.....?

Around here (Oklahoma) I see more XJs with 8.25s than with Dana 35s.

[Hawkeye-Harris]

Hey, I'm considering this same swap. My '89 has the 35C and I can get what I believe is a 8.25 from a 2000 for $50. Will I have to replace my nearly new e-brake cables or will they fit the 8.25, too?