Looking for 1st Jeep

44s are a bit stronger... important if you want to with much bigger tires... Or if you know you are buying to do aggressive stuff like rock climbing. But the standard Dana 35 is fine for normal use with up to 33s. And there are ways to toughen up the D35s. I'd never even consider the Dana 35, Dana 44 issue for my use. And I had an '87 YJ with 300K miles on it running 33s for the last half of its life. Never an issue with the rear end.

If you know you are going rock climbing. You might want the Dana 44.
 
  • Like
Reactions: JMT
You can get lower range gearing for the 44 too, which you may be interested in if you're looking at a 4 speed auto. Not familiar enough to tell you the limits, but the 44 housing is bigger and allows the deeper gears.
 
ok yea no rock climbing in my future so 35 should be fine for time being.
The Dana 44 would just be a bonus. I think that was the point the original inputter wanted you to come away with, and that if wheelin rocks might, just might be in your future you might be on the lookout for it, and it's a new thing to learn about Jeeps that most owners don't know. Your options will certainly be much wider if your open to a Dana 35, and you can always do a super 35 later if you go that route and do want it stronger...
 
  • Like
Reactions: StG58
My folks recently bought a ranch in South Texas that I intend to visit as often as possible. The last 15 miles are very rocky and our suburbia tahoe takes a beating. Sounds like a perfect reason to get something I've always wanted right?!? This will not be a daily by any means, but the first 5 hours of the drive is on highway, we have 2 little kids (5 and 8), and we its always hot outside. So I've narrowed my requirements down to a TJ with an AC in good working order, and a hard top and back seats will be required whether they come with vehicle or not. An automatic transmission is preferred. Something with an upgraded suspension and aggressive tires in decent shape are also a major plus.

This jeep checks all the boxes above, but the chassis has a lot of miles on it. He lives close enough to me that I shouldn't have an issue getting it checked by a mechanic, but before it gets to that point I thought you experts might have some thoughts. I have read the thread on what to look for, so more interested in thoughts on this specific vehicle.

I also really like this YJ, but the guy lives a good 2.5 hours away and has not been terribly responsive thus far. Plus I would have to get a hard top afterwards.

Thanks!

I have a 2001 TJ i bought in August. It needs a new transmission pump seal. Its still a daily driver. Its not sitting in the driveway rotting away. Its a badass jeep. Every bell & whistle has been added to her. Seriously....she even has a train horn! Winch, high jack, suspension lift, huge tires with matching spare, kc lights, LED light bar, hard top, soft top, net for going topless, cb radio, new stereo system, amp, speakers, subwoofer, after market hands free installed, new battery.....
She is red
Black hard top, tan soft top, black netting
I paid 12k for her August 2nd, 2017
i will let her go for 12k if I fix the pump seal.
If the new owner handles the repair i'll let her go for $10,500.00

shes got 94000 miles and is beautiful.
 
I have a 2001 TJ i bought in August. It needs a new transmission pump seal. Its still a daily driver. Its not sitting in the driveway rotting away. Its a badass jeep. Every bell & whistle has been added to her. Seriously....she even has a train horn! Winch, high jack, suspension lift, huge tires with matching spare, kc lights, LED light bar, hard top, soft top, net for going topless, cb radio, new stereo system, amp, speakers, subwoofer, after market hands free installed, new battery.....
She is red
Black hard top, tan soft top, black netting
I paid 12k for her August 2nd, 2017
i will let her go for 12k if I fix the pump seal.
If the new owner handles the repair i'll let her go for $10,500.00

shes got 94000 miles and is beautiful.
What size are the "huge tires"? A picture would be nice.
 
What size are the "huge tires"? A picture would be nice.

Here she is

1511636174467293877181.webp