98 XJ Axle Upgrade

[Arya Ebrahimi]

I'll jump on the dogpile. Get the locker first.

Anyone who doubts the significant improvement a locker makes to an otherwise stock vehicle has obviously not seen me wheel the elephant

[rbneron]

Thanks, folks, for the information and advice.

As I do drive this vehicle elsewhere, I'd rather not do the lift thing...I've upgraded the shocks front and rear to Edelbrock IAS, and see no need to go higher.

Now, WHICH lockers would you recommend, given that most of the time, the vehicle will be on the pavement. I've seen the Detroit type, but also read they're noisy. There are others out there on the the market that aren't true lockers; rather, they work so that torque is transferred to the non-slipping wheel. They're also less expensive than the Detroits, and claim that you don't need to reset the pinion gears.

Any experience with these?

[TerryD]

well, most of us 8.25 guys on here are killin time waiting for the release of the Aussie locker for it. aussies got everyone beat in price and they're tough as nails. i think richmond makes one similar to the aussie, but its $200 more than the usual price of an aussie, and we're all cheap (broke) bastards....so....my $0.02 anyways... also, if this is going to be street drivin and you dont want a locker on the street too, get an ARB air locker. i can do your setup on the ringgear in that 8.25 in a heartbeat if you want to go w/ a full locker instead of something like the aussie "lunchbox" unit.

[rbneron]

As you said, Aussie doesn't offer one for the Chrysler 8.25...also, they didn't recommend using such on the front for vehicles operated in 4WD in icy conditions (read: Blacksburg).

What about the Powertrax route? Understand it's a bit more, but it's available, and looks like might be a better option for the street.

http://www.quadratec.com/products/76104_814.htm

rbneron

[TerryD]

thats a lunch box type locker like the aussie. however, if you're planning on running a front locker, this is still not good for icy condidions as its automatic. it'll lock in when ever you're moving. if you're wanting a front locker, consider the ARB or some of the electronic lockers available for the D30's. i think eric is running an e-locker in his D44 also. that way in snow/ice you can leave the front open so that you dont lose control but when you really need it, you can just flip a switch offroad and put the power to the ground. i'm not planning on using a front locker in my jeep, but have been looking at the e-locker and ARB units just incase i find that more traction is needed.

[shmoken875]

As you said, Aussie doesn't offer one for the Chrysler 8.25...also, they didn't recommend using such on the front for vehicles operated in 4WD in icy conditions (read: Blacksburg).

What about the Powertrax route? Understand it's a bit more, but it's available, and looks like might be a better option for the street.

http://www.quadratec.com/products/76104_814.htm

rbneron

I bought a powertrax for the rear, I'll let you know how I like it in a week or two when it gets here.

[alk1174]

I ran a Powertrax No Slip in a tacoma for a few years it was very quiet and smooth, more so than the aussie I have now. It also came with a hardened replacement cross pin.

[Steinberg]

if you have the extra money to throw at it... a fully selectable locker (ARB, Eaton E-Locker, etc) is the absolute best way to go for a daily-driven, weekend-warrior rig. they are 100% transparent when disengaged, and are very strong. but when all is said and done, the cost could be double or triple that of a lunchbox locker (powertrax, aussie, etc).

[rbneron]

Folks:

Thanks so much. I believe I'm going with a Powertrax type unit for the rear only for now. I can always add one an electronic one later for the front.

So...I'll be looking to one or two of you to help out when the time comes. I have a clean garage and the tools, but have never worked on differentials before.

Thanks again.

Rene

[BlueDodgeRam]

i have a powertrax right not. works like its suppost to so no complaints here. I have a aussie locker for the front on the way right now.

[TerryD]

just hit me up when ever you're ready to do this. i'm good w/ diffs and have taken apart more c-clip rears (even had my own 8.25 down twice so far) than i can shake a stick at.