You are going to spend $200 on a locker for the d35 why not skip that spend $200 on the 8.8?
Just to reiterate one point, I
was going to spend $200 on a d35 locker. Then I watched a non-M4 install of an Aussie (Vermont Jeepgirl) and said to myself "hey stupid, how do you plan on getting that clip out when she can't get it in with the axle off, cover pointed to the ceiling, and not a single rock in the way?"
It seems to me that a locked 35 C-clip has no chance at a trail repair. Not saying it couldn't be done, but once those springs are in, how the heck do you get the clip out? It looks like I'll go open on the rear until I make the swing to something different. 8.8 is still in the running, but not thrilled about the clip on principal.
Mark's comment on cost is valid though. As Cora pointed out, there is a point where I need to ask, "Should I buy Rubi? or Moose? or ...". MLC is a ton of fun, but once I start cutting that far into her would it be smarter to keep her as my DD and go full on with something for RC, AOAA, etc... Just a thought.