axle swap:

twisted

twisted

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Joined
Jun 29, 2006
Location
Charlotte
I have been doing some research and found out that the Dana 35 behind my jeep cherokee is weak (no surprise). Now, should I go ahead and get a dana 44 and regear it and the front Dana 30 or just get the superior gear and axle super 35 kit. It says that it changes the splines from 27 to 30 making it 40% stronger and comes with a detroit locker and I don't have to regear it. I don't really have alot of money to spend on this but either way I looking at over a thousand bucks, I would just like to know some opinions on the matter.
 
Yup

Don't waste a single penny on that piece of crap axle.

Dana 44 or 8.8 would be the easiest.

Regarding the 8.8, ideally you want an Explorer axle with disc brakes. I think they started discs in 95 and continued till they switched to independent rear suspension (2000 was that?).
 
Whats your gearing? You can find a 8.8 in most factory gearing. I'm in the middle of an 8.8 install right now and I've really liked all I've read. From what I've read its stronger than a 44 but I would suggest welding the tubes
 
For long run reliability, get rid of that thing. But, contrary to what a lot of people say, the 35 can hold up just fine with a light right foot and smaller tires. People are usually breaking those things with larger tires. If you have a C-clip style, those suck if you do break and the 8.8 won't fix that. Early 35s had axle retainers at the tube ends (like a 44) and won't leave you with a tire hanging out if the shafts break. I know a couple of guys that have run the early style 35s and beat the piss out of them on 33s (with 4-bangers) and have not broken them. I have also seen a few I-6 rigs snap c-clip style 35s doing stuff that didn't look stressful.
 
okay so apparently the 35 is a piece of chit. I do not know what gears are in the axle it is a 2001 I-6 auto, so I figure they are probably 3.73. I want to put 34x1050r15 LTB on it with a rubicon 4.5" lift, SYE kit, trim fenders, and bushwaker flares this is why I cannot afford to do a very expensive axle swap, and if I change the rear how strong is the dana 30 in front. My ultimate goal is atleast 44's front and rear 4.56 (sitll want the hwy speed) gears and detroit, ox or auburn lockers. I am not new to wheeling I just to graduate from the VW size rocks to the Buick size rocks and I don't want to be stranded miles away from somewhere because of some weak part that can't hold up to the abuse.

Thanks for the advice guys.
 
I would do an 8.8 since it already has the wheel bolt pattern you need. That is just one less thing you have to spend money on. Find one with your gear ratio and you can be out very cheap. I think you can pull an 8.8 for 150 easy. Gear later when you have the coin. People talk bad about them, but your 30 front should be ok with the auto, depending on your driving style. Put some chrome molys and locking hubs on it down the road and you should be set. I would just not go too much bigger on the tires. Just remember, you can break anything.
 
I've got an 8.25 that I think is geared 3.73 that you can have for $50 if you want it. It's missing the brakes, but it's still assembled and not rusted out.
 
how about a ford 9" would that be a good choice for the rear of an XJ. I have always heard good things about them except the fact that there is no drain plug.
 
Let's get something clear here. The D35's weak link aren't the punny undersized Shafts. It's not even the teeansy weensy iddy bitty Ring and Pinion, It's the housing. when you're out wheeling, that housing flexes, sending pressure from the ends of the shafts to the spider gears. at this pint one of two things happens, te SPiders explode or the shafts pop. So not only would you need beefier shafts, but an axle truss. Then you're left with weak little R&P. after after you've dropped the money in a locker, shafts, and truss, you've spent all this money to still have an axle that doesn't compare to an 8.8 or D44 that you caould've had for just pennies more.
 
I get it the 35 is crap, that is why I am trying to get some opinions of some different axles. 8.8, 9", or 44 which would be the best choice. Of course I am currently looking for all of these just so I know where I can get one I am just for some opinions on these axles.
 
Out of the three you mentioned? D44, followed by 8.8, with Ford 9 bringing up the rear. But that's just my opinion. Others May vary. At any rate, they are all proven axles.

downfall of the 9, Low pinion unless you get reverse cut gears, and more often than not (at least that I'm aware of) 5 on 5.5" hubs.

Downfall of the 8.8, Thin tubes and Diff cover, But can come with Disc Brakes.

Downfall of the D44......... um..... comes with drum brakes is about all I can come up with.... if that's really a downfall.
 
9 inch hands down for strength. You can get the small 5 bolt pattern on late 70's t-birds, ltds, crown vics, etc. Or just get new shafts with the bolt pattern of your choice. Or convert the front to 5 on 5.5 when you swap in a 44 up front.
 
mbalbritton said:
Out of the three you mentioned? D44, followed by 8.8, with Ford 9 bringing up the rear. But that's just my opinion. Others May vary. At any rate, they are all proven axles.

downfall of the 9, Low pinion unless you get reverse cut gears, and more often than not (at least that I'm aware of) 5 on 5.5" hubs.

Downfall of the 8.8, Thin tubes and Diff cover, But can come with Disc Brakes.

Downfall of the D44......... um..... comes with drum brakes is about all I can come up with.... if that's really a downfall.
Click to expand...

9" last out of those axle choices? Really?
Interesting...
 
IMHO the 9 is the strongest choice, but not the best match (lug spacing)
8.8 is a little weaker than a 44 but are more plentiful and cheaper (at least in my experience, but I have never went looking for either)
 
I think I am going to go with the 9" and the 44 up front. I found a set on here that I am going to pick I just have to wait for the bank to take the hold off the check that I put in the bank. :fuck-you:that is what I think of the bank.
 
I was looking into the 44/9" combo and I am not sure what you are putting it on (TJ, YJ, etc) but if you are doing leafs then make sure you get a 44 with welded wedges. Otherwise you will have to use coils. This is all from my limited research and understanding of these axles.
 
it is eventually going on XJ I will just have to wait for tax season to come aroung so that I can regear and locker them both.
 
I have the 44/9" in my Cherokee. Getting the rest of the parts to build my steering tonight. 1 ton TRE's with 1.5" dom tubing. Should be Beefy. After the steering and new brakes I will address gears.
 
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