Novak Conversions Jeep Wrangler TJ engine mounts

Want to Run 35s: Should I build the Dana 35 or swap in a Dana 44?

JeepFarmer

JeepFarmer

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I’m new to the forum. I created this account for one main question (and many to come in the future).
02 tj/IV6/5spd/Dana 30&35
Wanting to run 35’s. Drive as second daily driver/occasional mud hole stress relief/hunting camp

Build up the Dana 30/35?
Or get a Dana 44?
 
If you have not put any money into the 35 yet, then now would be a good time for the 44, if you can locate one at a decent price. If you can find one with disc brakes that is another benefit in upgrading. At least from a maintenance standpoint.
 
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Don't waste your money on a Dana 44 unless you're getting it for a really good deal. They tend to be pretty expensive, and if that's the case, it makes more sense to build the Dana 35 into a Super 35, which will run 35s without any issue, even in the tough stuff.

See this thread:
Should I upgrade my Dana 35 axle?
 
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JeepFarmer said:
I’m new to the forum. I created this account for one main question (and many to come in the future).
02 tj/IV6/5spd/Dana 30&35
Wanting to run 35’s. Drive as second daily driver/occasional mud hole stress relief/hunting camp

Build up the Dana 30/35?
Or get a Dana 44?
Click to expand...
I'm sure you meant to say "02tj/I6/5spd/Dana 30&35", and not "IV6", right? ;) Welcome to the zoo!
 
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JeepFarmer said:
I’m new to the forum. I created this account for one main question (and many to come in the future).
02 tj/IV6/5spd/Dana 30&35
Wanting to run 35’s. Drive as second daily driver/occasional mud hole stress relief/hunting camp

Build up the Dana 30/35?
Or get a Dana 44?
Click to expand...

Dana 44

As for your “IV6”? I assume you mean inline V6? No such thing... You have a I6, in-line 6, straight 6. There’s nothing “V” about it lol.
 
There are deals to be had on a 44 if your patient. Yes a super 35 would be up to the task. If you can find a 44 at a reasonable price I would go that route.
 
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I'll help you use google:

https://www.google.com/search?q=jee...rome..69i57.7687j0j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8

Start reading now before you waste your money. Or is it too late?
 
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Tests show that due to its shape the 35 is actually more stout than the 44. It has the same tubes as the 44. It offers greater ground clearance. Its cheaper (typically) to build it with a super35 from RG&A vs finding a bolt-in/ready Dana 44. The S35 will give you 30 spline shafts and a locker. As far as I know, there is not one recorded failure of a super35.
 
suicideking said:
Dump the Dana 35 if you can. The Dana 44 will tolerate more abuse.
Click to expand...
Dana 35 axles with a quality Super 35 kit installed handle 35's on trails far tougher than 99.99% of us ever see. The TJ Dana 35 uses the exact same axle tubes as the TJ Dana 44 does and the 30 spline 1541H Super 35 shafts are actually slightly stronger than the factory OE 30 spline carbon steel Dana 44 shafts are.
 
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suicideking said:
I'll help you use google:

https://www.google.com/search?q=jee...rome..69i57.7687j0j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8

Start reading now before you waste your money. Or is it too late?
Click to expand...

As I suspected, a link to a bunch of threads talking about the inadequacies of the stock Dana 35, an entirely different axle than a S35, or were you unaware of that?
 
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That's a highly debated topic, that honestly has good points for doing either.
I'll add an additional thought that helped me, without picking sides:

If you purchase a 2nd axle (a 2nd Dana 35/Dana 44/Ford8.8, etc), you can have it worked on while you are still driving your Jeep everywhere. Any "delays/setbacks" in finishing the axle won't affect your daily driving. Then, when the axle is done, you swap the axle(s).
I had a Dana 30/Dana 35, bought a HPD30/Ford8.8, and had them installed once it was done. Luckily I did this, as illness and other unexpected things delayed the build significantly. I only lost 1 evening of Jeep access vs losing over 1 month of waiting.

I mention this, because a Dana 30 or HPD30 can often be found quite cheap, and I imagine a Dana 35 can also be found quite cheaply too. You'll also have backup shafts as a bonus (well, for the Dana 30 at least).
 
suicideking said:
I don't know anyone that's dumped a Dana 44 for a Dana 35. I know many people that have dumped their Dana 35.
Click to expand...

No one is talking about dumping a 44 for a 35. Folks in this thread are suggesting he keep his 35 and install the super35.
 
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suicideking said:
You're running a Dana 35 Jerry? I thought you had a Dana 44.

I don't know anyone that's dumped a Dana 44 for a Dana 35. I know many people that have dumped their Dana 35.
Click to expand...
What axle I run was irrelevant to my posts pointing out that your incorrect claims about the Super 35 were based on you Googling stock Dana 35 axles, not the Super 35.
 
Last edited:
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My Jeep being temporarily out of commission to upgrade is no biggie. I would honestly prefer upgrading to the super 35 just due to the fact that I have a 35 right now under my Jeep. I’m not the rock crawler type, though I do want a tough setup when I need it. I’m definitely leaning towards a super 35. Thanks for all the comments people!
 
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Novak Conversions Jeep Wrangler TJ engine mounts
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