Is it a mistake to add an ARB air locker to a Cherokee XJ C8.25 axle??

[Lockitdown]

I'm considering adding this as an option but I'm hearing conflicting thoughts, such as wait and buy a D44 axle...I just want some peace of mind when I'm on the trails in addition to my normal 4x4 operation...any recommendations or help would be appreciated!

 

[Prerunner1982]

Many people consider the 97+ C8.25 to be comparable to a D44.
What size tires are you running?

 

[Lockitdown]

I'm running a 32x11.5x15 BFG KM3/MT

 

[Prerunner1982]

You shouldn't have any problem with a locker.

 

[Lockitdown]

thx! Do you know if I should consider re-gearing or am I ok with how it's configured from stock?

 

[Downs]

Larger than stock could always benefit from a regear, the XJ espeically responds well to regears IMO they were geared a bit too high out of the factory anyway. If you're going to put an ARB in anyway then you might as well regear since even the stock gears would have to be reset as if they were new.

Downside is you would need to have front axle regeared at the same time.

8.25 is a solid axle by the way. Should be good up to 35s without any mods.

 

[Lockitdown]

Ahhhh...I wasn't aware that it required a re-gear on the front as well, but that makes sense. That would push the price up a bit also, so I may need to adapt and overcome with what I have for the moment...thanks for the info! After years of membership on this forum I finally decided on a rig I like...I bought it recently and I am building it up slowly.

 

[Anak]

The XJ is a good platform and the Chrysler 8.25 will serve you fine at the size of tire you are running.

Do be aware that the 8.25 got a change in shaft size in mid/late 1996. If you have a pre-'96 you have 27 spline shafts. If you have a post-'96 you have 29 spline shafts. If you have a '96, well, good luck figuring out what you have. The dealership might be able to tell you by your VIN, but even they don't always get it right. 29 spline shafts are preferred, but at 32" tires you would not have trouble with 27 spline shafts.

Enjoy the build.

 

[Lockitdown]

thx for the info....it's a 2000 so a 29 spline shaft.

 

[M Rose]

I'm considering adding this as an option but I'm hearing conflicting thoughts, such as wait and buy a D44 axle...I just want some peace of mind when I'm on the trails in addition to my normal 4x4 operation...any recommendations or help would be appreciated!

Check out http:\\www.NAXJA.org they are the go to place for all your XJ needs. The 8.25 is ok, most XJ owners swap in a 8.8 Ford Explorer rear axle for rear disk breaks, or find a D44 from earlier model XJs that came with stock LSDs (look for 91-95 XJ with Factory Tow Package and the NP-242 T Case).
Going more than 32” tires requires a lift. Regearing is needed for tires larger than 33’s.
You might also look at the Eaton E-Lockers as well... they are a couple hundred less and don’t require the vulnerable air lines...

 

[TerryD]

The 8.25 is a spanner nut axle so simply installing the locker without a regear is a simple job.

An XJ is an amazingly capable platform and I loved my 98. The sweet spot is 2.5-3" of lift IMO. 31s are lighter and more readily available than 32s and at these low lifts stock wheels fit with just minor lca contact, you can take advantage of full travel without trimming, a short arm system doesn't require drop brackets and the need for a SYE system is minimal if it exists at all.

I had the OME heavy leaf packs and RE shackles in the rear paired with TJ 3" lift Teraflax coils in the front and was completely satisfied with that setup offroad and on

 

[Billiebob]

The locker won't be a problem, the issue is how it is engaged and what many expect the locker to do.

 

[Lockitdown]

I plan on using an ARB air locker for mine (if I do at all, still not sure), since I am new to offroading, can you clarify more of what you mean with intended use of the locker? I think I understand what you mean by using it for less challenging terrain, (ie no rock crawling in its current set up) but I just want to make sure thats what you are saying?

 

[MidOH]

If you regear, save up and add a Yukon griz locker to the front axle. A pair of motobilt diff covers. Minus well get both axles done at the same time. Assuming that the XJ is nice enough to be worth it. There's some very rough XJ's out there.

They likely mean sparingly using the ARB gently. Not in dry switch backs for example.

 

[Lockitdown]

thanks for all the input everyone! ...I've decided to stick with no re-gearing and put an ARB air locker just on the rear C8.25... I want to see how I use it for now...I don't abuse my gear so it should last me for what I intend to use it for which is local trails and overlanding trips/camping etc....I just wanted some peace of mind for those "moments" when you wish you had a locker for that "one Part".... :)

 

[tjZ06]

I'm running a 32x11.5x15 BFG KM3/MT

You really shouldn't have any problems. It's not a bad idea to put better axle shafts in it "while you're in there" but on a 32" if you're not a super-aggressive driver I think even that is "overkill."

-TJ

 

[Lockitdown]

thanks, I'll keep that in mind!...I think the #1 reason I decided on the XJ is that there are so many configurable options I can choose from ,a nd if I want to keep it near stock there are plenty of parts for that as well

 

[tjZ06]

thanks, I'll keep that in mind!...I think the #1 reason I decided on the XJ is that there are so many configurable options I can choose from ,a nd if I want to keep it near stock there are plenty of parts for that as well

No doubt, the XJ is to off-roading what the Fox Body Mustang is to hot rodding. There are a million parts, form factory reproduction to wild and crazy. Probably "the best" platform to get started with. Apparently I like to do things the hard way, so I have a WJ. ;)

-TJ

 

[Lockitdown]

haha, I considered the WJ, but just didn't know enough about them to pull the trigger on one. I think they are way cool looking on the trails...

 

[tjZ06]

haha, I considered the WJ, but just didn't know enough about them to pull the trigger on one. I think they are way cool looking on the trails...

The WJ has a lot going for it stock like nicer interior (depending on trim level) with fancy features like dual-zone climate, a nice factory stereo, auto-wipers and such. From a motor and drivetrain perspective you can get a V8 (more on that in a sec) and the tran behind the V8 is the 545RFE which they also used behind much more powerful 5.7 Hemis in much heavier 1500 pickups with much higher tow capacities. It also got a rear D44 (albeit an Aluminium center section D44HD) which isn't bad, and the same old D30 front. Looking at suspension, it is multi-link with coil springs front and rear. About the only other factory vehicle in the US that you could get a V8 in with multi-link coil-spring solid axles would be a Land Rover (Discos, P38 Range, etc.)... but that 4.6 Buick-derivied motor makes the 4.7 look like the picture of reliability and the Rover wiring makes Chrysler's seem mil-spec. ;) But then, the 4.7 has it's problems (mostly liking to eat valve seats), and the more complex WJ has more to go wrong in terms of HVAC, wiring etc. It's all a trade off, and I LOVE my WJ... but I know it's not "perfect."

-TJ