Axle question (prospective buyer)

[B.E. Coyote]

Looking at 2 possible jeeps

Both Safaris

99 with Dana 30/35 3.07 ratio with 33" tires

2002 with Dana 30/44 The 44 has the factory limited slip and 3.73 ratio with 31" tires

I would prefer 33" tires and I know 3.07 is too high and 3.73 is marginal for 33"s



The 99 is cheaper and I could rebuild the axles with proper gearing and lockers. I hear that Limited slip isn't all that great offroad.


Would you rather have a rear Dana 44 with limited slip and 3.73 ratio or a Dana 35 rebuilt with the correct gearing and maybe a locker?

 

[L J]

What's the difference in price? Is the general condition the same? Autos or manuals?

 

[B.E. Coyote]

Both 3 speed autos. Condition about the same, price about the same.

Both have new soft tops, both have good frames and bodies. Both have non functioning AC. 99 has 189k and 02 has 159k

The 99 also comes with a hard top, full size and 1/2 doors, has a 2" suspension lift and 1" body, aftermarket front bumper that I can add a winch to. All things that I would pay to add to the 02

 

[CharlesHS]

Appreciate all the vehicle information you provided....
What is a Safari model ? Do you mean Sahara ?
You have not identified what engine these Jeeps come with, but with those gear ratios I would expect both to have the 4.0L.
Since both are in similar condition my recommendation is the 02 which has 30K less miles, has 3.73 gears instead of 3.07s,
The difference between 31" tires and 33" when purchasing a Jeep only comes into play depending upon their condition and how soon you would need to purchase new tires.
The gear ratio change going from 3.07 to what ever will cost you $2000 or more depending upon the local labor rate.

Just remember... great Jeeps are not purchased.. they are built by their owner...

 

[B.E. Coyote]

Good Lord, I can't believe I called them Safaris. Yes, Saharas and the 4.0.

 

[taylormade73]

Where are these Jeeps located? All the other concerns are warranted, but the main question is: "What do the frames look like regarding rust?" I ask because you're in WV and have mentioned nothing regarding rust/rot status on frame and torque box.

 

[Irun]

The 1999 is a very good year. Simpler, and cheaper exhaust, A/C compressor is up top and easy to work on. The head is a good one. The ignition is still wires and distributor, but they are reliable. The only real issue with the 99 is a tendency of the exhaust manifolds to crack. Although having the Dana 44 is nice, doing a regear and installing a Super 35 kit would easily handle 33 inch tires. That said, it comes down to condition and price

 

[TheBoogieman]

Appreciate all the vehicle information you provided....
What is a Safari model ? Do you mean Sahara ?
You have not identified what engine these Jeeps come with, but with those gear ratios I would expect both to have the 4.0L.

All Sahara Jeeps are 4.0L. Safari probably is too.

 

[TheBoogieman]

Looking at 2 possible jeeps

Both Safaris

99 with Dana 30/35 3.07 ratio with 33" tires

2002 with Dana 30/44 The 44 has the factory limited slip and 3.73 ratio with 31" tires

I would prefer 33" tires and I know 3.07 is too high and 3.73 is marginal for 33"s

The 02' is worth more with the lower mileage. The 32rh trans with 3.73 gears would pull 33s fine. It wouldn't be worth the cost to regear it to 4.10. It comes down to price and what you're willing to pay.

 

[B.E. Coyote]

Both Jeeps in Southern Virginia. The 02 has no rust to speak of. The 99 in pictures looks rust free but I won't see it in person until tomorrow. So the 99 would be less prone to misfire issues?

 

[TheBoogieman]

Both Jeeps in Southern Virginia. The 02 has no rust to speak of. The 99 in pictures looks rust free but I won't see it in person until tomorrow. So the 99 would be less prone to misfire issues?

Buy the 99'. I want to 02' auto. Best year and combo. I've been looking for one for a couple years now.

 

[Vasq]

Both Jeeps in Southern Virginia. The 02 has no rust to speak of. The 99 in pictures looks rust free but I won't see it in person until tomorrow. So the 99 would be less prone to misfire issues?

I'd snag the '02 with the 44

 

[Shwiftypickle]

Considering either way you'd want to regear and add lockers pick either, the super 35 kit will make the rear end equal if not slightly stronger than a stock 44. Buy whichever has less rust or better taken care of.

 

[B.E. Coyote]

Ok, I'll hold out for the 02 but I might even decide to get both. Maybe hold onto the hardtop, bumper, wheels etc from the 99 and then find it a new home at a reduced price.

 

[Steel City 06]

I would be fine with either one.

As for the limited slip, factory clutch-driven limited slip differentials aren't all that great. They have a limited amount of torque bias that does not scale with traction, and wear out in 50-100k miles.

But a lot of aftermarket limited slip worm-gear differentials are really good. These mainly include the Torsen limited slip and the Eaton Truetrac limited slip. They're great for trails, mud, and most common off-road situations. Their limitation is when you lift a tire off the ground or have almost no traction on one tire. That is where lockers shine.

That said, in a TJ I would prefer lockers versus limited slip differentials. Especially with the Dana 35, as a locker is required to do the Super 35 kit.

 

[B.E. Coyote]

Buy the 99'. I want to 02' auto. Best year and combo. I've been looking for one for a couple years now.

A high mileage Rubi just came up in Camden, NC. for $9500 Looks clean and stock but 200+K. I'd go after it but I have some hand problems and don't want a manual. Go after that and leave my 02 alone