I recently bought a 2000 wrangler 4 cylinder knowing that it had a differential problem. Sure enough when I took the differential cover off I could see two teeth off the worm gear laying there. After separating the spider gears and etc. I ordered the 4.11 ratio worm and ring gear for it as well as new bearings for it thinking that was what caused it. When I pulled the rear axles out I later noticed that on the passenger side the axle bearing had rubbed the hell out of the axle right before the studs. The other side is fine, but I cant figure out why it's doing it to the passenger side. I ordered a new passenger side axle and bearing hoping that all will be well, but when I called the previous owner he said they also put a new passenger side rear axle on due to the same problem. So I have no doubt it will do it to the new one. I dont really want to put on a new one if it's going to do the same thing, is there any underlying problem that could cause this?
Dana 35 axle problems
- Thread starter Jd2000tj
- Start date
Sounds like the passenger side axle tube might be slightly bent. You can test this theory by jacking the rear tires off the ground (making sure to chock the front tires first), place jack stands under the axle tubes, remove the passenger side tire, place the transmission in neutral, place a crayon or piece of chalk near the axle flange, spin the axle and see if the crayon contacts the surface of the axle flange the same all 360*.
If there is a gap or less of contact at a certain point; you know you have a bent axle tube.
The only for sure cure for this problem once you confirm the axle tube is bent; would be to replace the Dana 35 differential.
If there is a gap or less of contact at a certain point; you know you have a bent axle tube.
The only for sure cure for this problem once you confirm the axle tube is bent; would be to replace the Dana 35 differential.
Hopefully it doesn't come to that, but that sounds like the issue. Thanks for the insight
FYI you can't just bolt those new ring & pinion gears in. They have to be properly set up to mesh together properly which requires shimming, lots of time, lots of trial and error, and lots of expertise.
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