So for $400-$500 more you could have a Dana 44. You could easily offset a big chunck of cost by selling your factory Dana 35 locally or eBay.
Didn't offend me at all. The hole in your resale argument is the vast majority of Jeep owners couldn't tell a Dana 35 from a 14 bolt. How many threads do we see that start out "What rear end do I have?" or the like. The TJ most always comes first, before the questions about components. If that weren't the case, there are a lot of horribly built TJ's out there that would be selling for south of $4,000. That's not the case though.
Lack of knowledge: a factor I hadn't considered. While that does shoot a hole in my "100% marketability" statement, I do have to wonder how big of a hole. From some of the questions that show up on this forum from the newest of the new, it could be sizable, yes. So, with taking what you pointed out into consideration (and I thank you for doing so!), I guess my viewpoint would more accurately be geared toward those potential buyers that are either educated, or opinionated. Hmmm...wonder how big a number that could be?!?
Lack of knowledge: a factor I hadn't considered. While that does shoot a hole in my "100% marketability" statement, I do have to wonder how big of a hole. From some of the questions that show up on this forum from the newest of the new, it could be sizable, yes. So, with taking what you pointed out into consideration (and I thank you for doing so!), I guess my viewpoint would more accurately be geared toward those potential buyers that are either educated, or opinionated. Hmmm...wonder how big a number that could be?!?
I don't profess to be knowledgeable on the issue by any stretch of the imagination. I just researched the fool out of the differences between the two, as I needed to either repair or replace my damaged Dana 35. It was that research that ultimately lead me here to this forum. That in itself made my $**** purchase of the Dana 44 ultimately worth it. Eventually, in a dialog with Chris, he pointed out the increased resale value. This did my heart good, as it was something I had considered, but was not entirely sure of the validity. I have since come to believe that there is a certain amount of truth to that way of thinking. Oh, and my wife said to just buy the Dana 44, and I never argue with a woman!
. I wheeled it as it was and with advice of experienced wheelers that I had become great friends with I opted to go with new axles. Those good friends of mine we not just everyday average jeepers they had been around in the sport for many years and wheeled everywhere from east coast to the west coast.
Math says you’d be right at the TCase skid, since a 2” larger tire will only yield 1” at the skid. Which is exactly the kind of reasoning behind my original post! Great minds think alike
Tires are easy for the average Jeeper. Adding a SYE and driveshafts is much more complicated. I think it scares most off, especially if the are do it yourselfers, like many of us are. It can and has been done, of course, just lots of steps
Then I have to do the front, which is another 1050 Bare bones. So that’s got me at the 4 Grand Mark, plus 250 s/h
I totally agree, either way is a lot of coin to drop for me. By the way, I did find a way to make some more money this year, so that’s solved, as long as I do the job! But, I think the advice that strikes me most is RESPONSIBLE Wheelin. If I break that Dana 35 on the trail I need a way to get out. Best thing is to prevent that from happening with the Super35 and go ahead and regear and lock it while I am there. The next year I could easily do the TT myself
@bobthetj03 is absolutely right. If there is a way to purchase in phases I say go with your heart after doing all your research. Either way you go here, it will take your Jeep in the right direction.
