E-Locker with 28 spline vs. 30 spline LSD

I'm laying out my first XJ build. I've searched and read countless hours on the 8.8 swap. But, as always, there's a "yet to be answered" question/opinion.

I currently have a '91 Bronco with an Eaton E-Locker, 28 splines 8.8. I'd like to save the locker as it's less than two years old. I've read that 8.8's can be had with 31 spline and limited slip. I don't plan on extreme 4 wheeling but do plan on harder than the D35 and D30 can handle. (Note: I've been offered a rebuildable D44 front axle for cheap.)

Planning: 4.5" lift (w/new leafs) and 33x10.5 tires

Here's my question: Would you run 28 spline with the locker if you already had the $800+ locker?

No.

I'd sell it to a ranger kid on one of the desert sites, and buy a 31 spline 8.8 to build correctly.

If you are actually going to stay with 33s...grab a 29-spline 8.25, it's bolt in.

'96+ with a 4 cyl 5-spd combo for factory 4.10s as well. No need to regear the rear.

4LowandGo said:

That is my opinion at least.

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And that's what I'm looking for; Honest opinions, maybe with some suggestions, I can gleen info. I'd rather learn here than on a trail.

Thanks!

MoparManiac said:

If you are actually going to stay with 33s...grab a 29-spline 8.25, it's bolt in.

'96+ with a 4 cyl 5-spd combo for factory 4.10s as well. No need to regear the rear.

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some 96's came with a 27 spline... so look out. i don't know of any way to tell other than counting them either.

that's a tough choice, i think for the $, i'd do the 29 spline swap and regear to 4.56. getting one out of a 97+ is guaranteed to be 29 spline, they can be found for about 150 in the classifieds and i don't think i'd run 4.10 and 33s, i would want as much gear as possible. depends on which transmission you have too... the ax15 is geared a little lower than the aw4 so any gear will feel lower in the manual than with the same xj with a aw4. if you sell the locker, you could easily profit from it and put that $ toward other xj parts... i think that's what i'd do... :dunno: