WTB Dana 30 and Chrysler 8.25 for 1999 Jeep XJ

[68BRONC]

I know this is a long shot but here goes.

My son has decided to turn his 1999 Jeep XJ into a trail buggy. He's already purchased the lift, tires, wheels, etc.(not yet installed), but wants to upgrade the axles, too. He's been out looking at salvage yards but has found that they are "proud" of any axles that come out of a Jeep. Apparently the operators see $$$ signs when someone inquires about Jeep parts...not that I blame them. However, he's not prepared to drop the thousands they're asking to acquire a set of Dana 44's from a Wrangler or other and hopes he can find a lead on some old XJ axles. For the front end he's looking for a high pinion Dana 30 (1992-1999) and for the rear he's looking for a Chrysler 8.25 with 29 spline axles (1996 and up). Apparently these were both available on the "Sport" models but not his "SE". The current gearing and carrier are less of a concern as we intend to rebuild and re-gear them prior to installation. Of course he'd love to find axles that are already geared (4.56:1) with lockers but something like that only comes up rarely and they are snapped up quickly (he's 'just missed' on some local postings over the past few months and is frustrated).

I told him I'd give it a shot on this forum and see what (if any) responses we get.

Thanks in advance. Any potential leads would be appreciated.

[mickphatmac]

I know zero about jeeps but does this qualify!?? ...and then maybe swap fronts and rears (Put yours in his in his and yours) and turn around and sell what’s left!!

Please Lord forgive me for posting this...

[B.O.B.]

I have quite a few come through work. See what I
Might have .

[68BRONC]

I know zero about jeeps but does this qualify!?? ...and then maybe swap fronts and rears (Put yours in his in his and yours) and turn around and sell what’s left!!

Please Lord forgive me for posting this...

Thanks for the heads up. We'll check it out. Yeah, I'm with you brother. I know just enough about early broncos to get myself in trouble, but I don't know anything about Jeeps. I guess now that I have a Jeeper in the family I'm gunna have to learn.

Thanks again.

[1SICBRONCONUT]

Why not a 8.8 from a 95'-01' Ford Explorer? pretty common swap for the Jeep crowd and can be found with 4.10 gears and LS.

[Justin]

Has he considered a Dana 44/9" combo? They're a dime a dozen and way stronger for trail use. A set from the 70's would be a great width for a trail XJ.

[Jesus_man]

Why not a 8.8 from a 95'-01' Ford Explorer? pretty common swap for the Jeep crowd and can be found with 4.10 gears and LS.

Agreed, this seems like the most common budget upgrade.