i have a stock 98 tj and looking to get a bigger rear end once i lift, regear, and go with some 33" tires. i don't know too much about what parts i will need or what size should be right. i have a 4-banger and i don't have much of a big budget. any one have any advice?

i was thinking D44 with a locker but i wasn't sure if thats overkill for the 4cyl? could i just buy the axles and still fit them in the rear end or do i need an entire new set up?  

Your axle/diff size coincides with your tire size more than your engine size. It's the opposing forces placed on it from the leverage of the tires.

It's difficult to get a housing, gears, selectable locker, and gear install for much less than $2000. If you find a donar that didn't come from a TJ, add in another $200 for brackets.

Is this in your budget ball park?  

Yea, $2000+ is a little too much for me. heh.

Is an aftermarket D35 (e.g. superior 35) a reasonable fit for a locker and 33" tires?

Do I need to replace the housing along with the axle shafts if I decide to go bigger?

I'm basically a little nervous with running 33s and a locker on stock axles and looking to see if there is a cheap(er) way to get it done but without sacrificing too much value. Thanks.  

A locker and 33's might hold up ok with stock axles, it depends how hard you wheel it?  

The housing is not the most expensive part of going bigger. It's the locker, gears, axles and gear setup charges.

You can buy a brand new D44 empty housing from Chrysler for $500. It will bolt right in.

Then, put your upgraded axles locker and gears in it. The same price for locker, gears and axles for a D35. For an extra $500 you'll get what you want. For $500 less, you'll still have a weak D35.  

looks like i got some saving to do. thanks for the advice!  

Looks like I have some saving to do. Thanks for the advice!