The reason why I ask is I was looking into purchasing a wrecked cherokee to swap the AX-15 and the axles.. Sell the motor and the rest. Is the 8.25 compatible for a swap into a YJ? If so is it worth it to get out of the dana 35
Just about anything to swap into a leaf sprung YJ is probably better than the D35 if you have done your homework prior. An 8.25 27-spline is probably little better than the D35 in direct comparison with torque break numbers. The axle does have limitations for aftermarket support so that is the next step to figure out. A D44 from a MJ (Commanche) may be a direct bolt-in since they were SUA also. Another option is a 8.8 from 95-01 Explorer/Naviho, other options include an early Bronco 9", full-size matching Ford axles (78/79 leaf sprung), etc. Basically just about an axle will require some choices for you to make.
If you plan to keep the YJ SUA, this is probably not a bad axle as I know several other XJers run with locker/axle upgrades with 37's. However, if you can basically get the 8.25 from the XJ without a loss in money, little upgrade in axle splines, locker and gear, putting it under the YJ with SUA, then I wouldn't see a problem.