93 Cherokee 8.25, gears and lockers question

[fungfumassa]

Alright, so I got a 93 cherokee with what Im sure is a 8.25 rear end. How do I know what spline it is? And I run 32 inch tires, and need to regear it, due to the lack of highway power, and gas prices. I'm also wanting to improve traction back there. I was looking at 4.11 gears, incase I end up with 33's.
But with a locker, does it replace the spider gears? or do they hold the gears?
Just tryin to find the cheapest way to get the gearing done, and get traction.
Cheap is what I want, but if its not gonna last, Im considering whatever parts I need to do it. Please someone help me out
Thanks
chase

 

[Bounty__Hunter]

I believe the 8.25 is 27spline up until '97 or '98 when it went to 29spline. The 27 is plenty strong up to 33" tires.

You can get a 'lunchbox locker' like an Aussie or Lockright, it simply replaces the spider gears inside your stock carrier.