Dana 35, 32's, upgraded 27 spline axles, truetrac

wv_kid

TJ Enthusiast
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4.0 with 32RH. Planning to regear to 4.10 but I want an LSD so avoiding a Super 35 kit. I am pretty sure the thread title is an ok plan but just looking for feedback.
 
What are your reasons for the upgrades? Just looking to regain street/ highway performance? Does your Jeep get off road? If so, what type of terrain/ obstacles?
 
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Getting better tires will be a huge advantage off road. Not sure you need to go larger though? I get it, it looks stupid with a huge lift, yeah we've all been there. Why not just remove the lift? Stick with the 29s, save you money not having to regear. I'll bet you can find some used stock springs for FREE on the forum. You may end up improving your ride quality also.

As far as the LSD, again - do you really need it for hunting? Keeping the rear end open will also eliminate the need to upgrade the shafts.

Probably not what you wanted to hear? Or maybe I just saved you a bunch of money?! Now you can go buy a new rifle instead! 😂
 
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These jeeps are very capable machines right off the showroom floor.

Put a winch on it and use for a few years and then determine if you really need to spend thousands.
 
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4” lift w/ stock Dana 35 and 33s here.
From the reading I’ve done a stock Dana 35 is fine up to 33s, if you don’t do any hard wheeling.
First weak point is the axle shafts, after that is the spider gears.
My ultimate plan is basically the same as yours, regear, add a TrueTrac LSD (takes care of spider gears), and throw in better axle shafts. For a Dana 35 we want 1541H shafts, which I know Yukon and Rough Country both make.
I don’t do any real wheeling and can’t speak from experience yet but IMO taking care of both of those weak points should make the Dana 35 plenty safe on 33s.
That’s my plan anyways.
As far as the LSD, again - do you really need it for hunting? Keeping the rear end open will also eliminate the need to upgrade the shafts.

Why would you need to upgrade shafts just for a TrueTrac LSD?
 
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mostly would just upgrade the shafts since you're in there anyway. north idaho has some rugged forest roads so hurting an axle seems plausible even if not really "wheeling." and 50 miles from the nearest paved road
is a bad time to break something!
 
I ran 4.10 gears in a Dana35, stock shafts with a trutrac and 33x10.50s for years. Never had a problem with all the wheeling I did, even in the rocks. I was just light on the throttle and was careful. I did carry spare shafts just in case, but never needed them.
 
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Be careful with wheelhop and you should be ok. Stock shafts will snap pretty fast from the shock loads. Do you have 3.07s now? If you have 3.73 I wouldn't bother gearing one step down.
 
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i mean i get that i may be fine with stock shafts, just can't see throwing 2k at a regear and truetrac and not doing the shafts at the time.

and i agree stock is probably fine but removing the lift sounds like a huge pain. my daily is paid off so not a huge deal to throw a few bucks at the TJ.

it's not going anywhere, i can't see myself ever selling it. when the kids move out i am sure i will be in the woods every weekend, driving the jeep around at 2 in the morning on remote forest roads, listening to Dokken and drinking Malbec with the heat on and top down like a normal person.
 
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i mean i get that i may be fine with stock shafts, just can't see throwing 2k at a regear and truetrac and not doing the shafts at the time.

and i agree stock is probably fine but removing the lift sounds like a huge pain. my daily is paid off so not a huge deal to throw a few bucks at the TJ.

it's not going anywhere, i can't see myself ever selling it. when the kids move out i am sure i will be in the woods every weekend, driving the jeep around at 2 in the morning on remote forest roads, listening to Dokken and drinking Malbec with the heat on and top down like a normal person.

I still have my windows out in the rain and freezing temps. Heater on high and mud flyin!
 
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Keep on the lookout for a Dana 44 they have a limited slip already in. 31's are plenty for what you describe. I would get a good used Warn winch if you are out by yourself much.

For 31's or 32s, I think a 2” spring lift and 1.25” body lift would be simple and effective. Agree, the 4 inch lift is what makes it look silly
 
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Not quite a LSD or a selectable locker, but you can get a Detroit Locker in 30-spline, which would allow the Super 35:
https://revolutiongear.com/eaton-detroit-locker-for-dana-super-35-rear-1987-2006-jeep-tj-with-30-spline-axles-3-54-and-up/

Or of course a full locker:
https://revolutiongear.com/eaton-elocker-for-dana-super-35-rear-1987-2006-jeep-tj-with-30-spline-axles-3-54-and-up/

If you have the cash, the Super 35 and the selectable locker is your best bet. Will get you out of most any situation and be exceptionally reliable.
 
4.0 with 32RH. Planning to regear to 4.10 but I want an LSD so avoiding a Super 35 kit. I am pretty sure the thread title is an ok plan but just looking for feedback.

Been there. Truetracs front and rear with CroMo shafts were my 1st attempt at upgrading my stock Dana 30/35 combo.
DO NOT recommend.
First time off road, I lift a wheel and had zero traction (not as hard to do as you might think, especially with less lift or less than well thought out suspension).
If you are spending the $ for new carriers and re-gear and shafts, get selectable lockers and 1541H (30 spline) rear, 4340 CroMo front shafts (27 spline is OK in front but super 30 shafts and locker aren’t much if any more).
For 32s, a 2” spring lift and 1.25” body lift is simple and effective.
 
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"when the kids move out" Looks like it might be a while !!