Welded rear on a dd ZJ

stockzjwnc

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Well i am possibly getting a 2wd truck for a dd and keeping the jeep for driving in the snow and pulling a trailer, etc. I wanted to know if it would be OK to weld the rear of it?Ive noticed that a locked rear helps a lot in the snow
 
If your not careful with a welded rear itll get away from you in a hurry in the snow, the two dont mix well.
OH I guess im referring to my buddies tj with a rear e locker, would a aussie locker be suitable? Im trying to not put a whole lot of money into but i would like to make it a bit better offroad
 
pulling a trailer with a welded diff will result in a broken diff.
 
I drive my ZJ with a spool in it alot, about 15k miles a year. The tires WILL wear faster, but if you keep them aired up, and it's mostly highway, it won't be too bad. I've got BFG MudTerrain's, an the rears look like they'll need to be replaced about 10k miles before the fronts.

As far as the behavior of a spooled/welded diff on the street, I'd say it is far more predictable than a traditional auto locking diff. It won't suddenly decide to lock and kick you sideways on slick roads, when turning in the rain etc. It's always there, and with the exception of the tire wear, far better for on road duty than a regular locker. I guess the best bet would be to Get a locker that is a posi, and then engages the locker electronically. Or an ARB or OX type locker.


The only thing I'd be worried about, I think your Jeep came with a D35, If welded it will break the shafts on the trail
 
pulling a trailer with a welded diff will result in a broken diff.

yes Added weight on the rear axle, superior traction on pavement, broken axle.


The only thing I'd be worried about, I think your Jeep came with a D35, If welded it will break the shafts on the trail


no I have beat the hell out of a welded rear in the woods and not broken because the tires can slip on the dirt surface.




opinions are like assh*les, everyone has one and they usually stink!!
 
I have beat the hell out of a welded rear in the woods and not broken because the tires can slip on the dirt surface.

was this with the infamous d35, and a nearly 5k lb ZJ? They are marginal at best, add in heavy weight, no differential action, grippy tires, and a few rock ledges, and say goodbye to an axle shaft.

The OP's sig says he is running 30" tires and 3.73(stock) gearing, so either way, he'll probably be fine
 
Yes the 35 is weak, but I guess my 4 banger never had enough ass to break an axle. I have ripped on the 8.8 welded and never broken it. Break front d30's all the time. Guess I should up grade when money is better. oh, and my 35 was in a yj, much lighter. It actually puked out when the welds broke one day on the road and it started working like it had never been welded. I didn't weld it I had an idiot do it for me.
 
If you cant afford a locker at the moment and you want to drive the zj on the road...DONT WELD IT..I would weld it if i was making a cheap trail toy (unless you have the D35, then you are just making a headache for you and someone elese later on the trail)

To me it sounds like you still want to use/drive and for some reason..Tow with the jeep. Save up and get a locker or a cheap rear swap with the work already done..Look around there is tons out there.
 
If you cant afford a locker at the moment and you want to drive the zj on the road...DONT WELD IT..I would weld it if i was making a cheap trail toy (unless you have the D35, then you are just making a headache for you and someone elese later on the trail)
To me it sounds like you still want to use/drive and for some reason..Tow with the jeep. Save up and get a locker or a cheap rear swap with the work already done..Look around there is tons out there.

x2 dont weld it save up for a locker it will be worth it in the long run
 
yes Added weight on the rear axle, superior traction on pavement, broken axle.
no I have beat the hell out of a welded rear in the woods and not broken because the tires can slip on the dirt surface.
opinions are like assh*les, everyone has one and they usually stink!!

No.

Have you towed with a welded rear and broken an axle, or is this just your opinion?

Because I have for years, with no issues. 5.29 gears and 39" tires also. :flipoff2:

Now I will agree with the fact a d35 is a grenade with the pin pulled, and it will break if you look at it funny, and if I were the OP I would not weld it.

Just dont agree with the generalized statment that a welded diff will break an axle towing, and have years experience to back it up.

If the axle is not a piece of:poop: to start with, it will be fine.
 
I think the cheapest way to go with a 50/50 dd/trail zj would be a 8.8 swap. If you stay stock geared, you should be able to find an axle that matches your gears, has the disc brakes, and a limited slip. Get it on the right day at a pull-a-apart, and then get some control arm brakets welded on. For the cost of a locker, you've got a pretty stout rearend, and some sort of traction aid.

I think it's been discussed before, with a d35 rear, lock the front first, it'll get you through most situations.
 
No.
Have you towed with a welded rear and broken an axle, or is this just your opinion?
Because I have for years, with no issues. 5.29 gears and 39" tires also. :flipoff2:
Now I will agree with the fact a d35 is a grenade with the pin pulled, and it will break if you look at it funny, and if I were the OP I would not weld it.
Just dont agree with the generalized statment that a welded diff will break an axle towing, and have years experience to back it up.
If the axle is not a piece of:poop: to start with, it will be fine.

Sounds to me like you have been lucky..its got to put a lot more stress on the axle... ive never heard of people welding up the tow rig..It just sounds and when thinking about has to be a really dumb thing to do (for towing reasons) But then again i have no experiance towing with a welded rig :flipoff2:

Ive seen people on 35s beat the :poop: out of D35 and never break...That dosnt mean the next one wont blow up leaving the mall:beer:
 
it seems like it would put more stress on the shaft. but a spool (or welded) is less likely to break shafts than a locker because you eliminate the sudden shock load created when the locker ratchets. spools (welded) are more predictable under any circumstance. The only real downside is the rapid tire wear. and the 5-point turns to get into a parking spot.

i wouldn't tow more than a lawn mower with a d35.... open, welded, or locked.
 
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