I bought an XJ

Kenny_McCormic wrote: I thought the 8.25 in an XJ was a very rare stopgap measure? When I was tasked with sourcing the bearing and seal kit for one it didn't come up in any of the parts books. We ended up ordering the bearing kit from Summit and getting axle seals for a 99 dodge half ton.

I don't know how common it is... i test drove 3 XJs before i bought this one, and none of them had Chrysler rear ends in them.

They must be somewhat common, though... Rancho has lift kits with different part numbers for XJs with the Dana and XJs with the 8.25.

Interesting.. I'll have to actually look under the damn thing haha.

Taiden wrote: Interesting.. I'll have to actually look under the damn thing haha.

Just look at the diff cover.

Stock XJ specs

I wanna swap my Dana 35 for a Chrysler 8.25 with 4.10s, which were found in all 4cyl XJs. You know, for fuel economy

If I were to swap, my truck would be getting a 8.8 out of an Explorer, common and pretty easy swap that nets you rear discs also.....

In reply to 92CelicaHalfTrac: According to that pic, I have a Chryco 8.25 in my 1991 XJ. But on the right diff ear, its stamped D35C. Also the RPO plate states its a Dana 35. So confusing...

Dammit this thread makes me want to keep my XJ now.

stanger_missle wrote: In reply to 92CelicaHalfTrac: According to that pic, I have a Chryco 8.25 in my 1991 XJ. But on the right diff ear, its stamped D35C. Also the RPO plate states its a Dana 35. So confusing...

That picture may only be for later ones? I'm not real sure. I'll double check mine again, maybe it's just one of those things where it's an inaccurate picture on the internet.

I definitely want some kind of locker. But I'm 99% sure I really want a selectable locker since it will be my daily. I just can't pull the trigger on a $1000 differential!

I also found a detailer here who has an ozone machine and a few different steam cleaners at his disposal... it took asking about five different guys before I found him. He's offering a full interior detailing for $125 which seems totally reasonable to me. That includes him picking up and dropping off the car, which is perfect for my busy schedule right now. I lysoled the dash and the vent faces the other day and pulled up the floor mats just to let things air out. Still smelled bad but not nearly as bad as I remembered. I have high hopes for the interior at this point.

Previous owner said that he didn't smoke in the car because when he banged up his arm he quit smoking, but his friends did smoke in it. Who knows what that means. I hope he didn't have a lot of friends haha. It almost smells more like vent junk than smoke. I don't think it's pot smoke either because IIRC pot smoke smell doesn't really linger like cigarette smoke does.

Why do you need a locker?

92CelicaHalfTrac wrote: Why do you need a locker?

I don't, I want one. Because it's cool and stuff.

Just checked my mileage... 1990 4.0 5 speed, about 15, all around town, and towing a tiny trailer. Plus, it seems to sit a little low in the rear, and that can't help aero.

Joey

To do what with?

92CelicaHalfTrac wrote: To do what with?

sn0w and diRt y0

Well, the local shop finally got to check it out. I came by to look it over while it was on the lift. Seems to be pretty damn solid. The tech there is some old quiet guy who definitely knows his stuff. He went over it with a fine tooth comb and then wrote up a bill. In my life I have paid a shop to do work three times. This will be the fourth.

Front brake pads
turned front rotors
Center brake line (the one that runs to the rear)
rear brake cylinders
rear hardware
rear shoes
rear drums
labor @ $75 an hour

total: $375

Seems like a deal to me

also, the tires are General Grabber AT2 235/75/R15s which are 29" in diameter. And i'm 99% sure it's the Chrysler 8.25

Taiden wrote: I just got really sad when I found out the eaton e-locker wasn't available for the Chrysler 8.25" rear end.

So? ARB does

92CelicaHalfTrac wrote:

Taiden wrote:

92CelicaHalfTrac wrote:

carzan wrote: Weird. Mine must be an anomaly. Mine can easily go 400 miles on a tank and gets ~25mpg (highway, of course) pretty consistently. It is a 5 speed, but kinda hard to believe the mileage would be THAT much better for that reason only. Tires are 235-75s.

The 5 speeds are MUCH longer geared. MUCH.

I may have a chance to trade my e30 for a 93 xj loaded with a 5 speed. I'll probably take it and pick the better of the two.

Normally i like a manual in everything. The XJ is not one of those things. The auto is a far better transmission.

I have no idea the size of the gas tank. I've never put more than 17 gallons in it (basically a few minutes after the "low fuel" light comes on.)

I don't agree with your assessment of the transmissions. They are both great transmissions. The earlier Peugeot 5 speeds might not be so great, but the later 5 speeds and automatics are tough as anvils. My 5 speed has nearly 300K miles on it and works perfectly and silently.

Sorry, i should have clarified i wasn't speaking of strength. The auto just seems much better to drive around town. I find auto jeeps rather peppy. Manuals.. not so much.

I imagine the gas mileage is better with the manual with how long they're geared though. What sort of RPMs do you turn on the highway?

In reply to Taiden:

I still think Jag 1st when I read XJ... But that does look like a nice Jeep XJ

Anybody have any experience with shackles or lifting blocks to raise saggy rear leaf springs? I don't want to lift it, but want the rear to sit where it should.

Joey

joey48442 wrote: Anybody have any experience with shackles or lifting blocks to raise saggy rear leaf springs? I don't want to lift it, but want the rear to sit where it should. Joey

I'm thinking about this too.

Yeah. And replacement leafs are not cheap.

Joey

joey48442 wrote: Yeah. And replacement leafs are not cheap. Joey

I dont need a huge lift. The OME 2.5" kit would be perfect. but I don't feel like spending $1000 on shocks and springs.

Taiden wrote:

joey48442 wrote: Anybody have any experience with shackles or lifting blocks to raise saggy rear leaf springs? I don't want to lift it, but want the rear to sit where it should. Joey

I'm thinking about this too.

I put a cut down s10 leaf on each side.

Brought the ride height to normal when loaded, maybe 2"+ unloaded.

However; it is stiff in the rear. not a nice ride. Much better than riding on the stock bump stops (and cheaper than new springs) but no where ideal. Good for carrying weight in the back (or people..)

I have the 8.25 and put a "lunch box" locker in it. Makes low speed/tight turns and parking a pain. Most notable when making a 90^ turn at a 4 way stop, but I love it!

I have a few years of data on my 5 speed; usually get 23-26mpg on summer fuel and 17-19mpg on winter blends. I'm pretty nerdy this way, track mileage with every fuel stop...

Is that highway or mixed?