rckymtnt4r previously posted:
"Though plenty of XJ guys out there rocking 35's on an 8.25 without problems?"
mostly because that's what came with their XJs...if you're going through the trouble of cutting off and welding new brackets, you should probably do it on an axle that has a much better aftermarket support and is stronger by a long ways. the 8.8 has 31 spline shafts from the factory and disc brakes, has just as many options for upgrades as a 44 or 60, and will take the same amount of work as the 8.25.
just my opinion, but I'd definitely try to sell the 8.25 to an XJ guy who was stuck with a 35 and get yourself an 8.8.
J.