On my YJ several years ago, after my first broken Dana 35 axle I stuffed in a LS 8.8 underneath, and it served me well until I sold it this spring after buying my TJ. My knee jerk reaction was to ditch the Dana 35 before it left me stranded like the one in my YJ once did! However, after LOTS of reading, I've decided to simply go the S35 route with the TJ, and my needs in off-road capability.
I've currently got a 4.0, AX-15, Dana 30 open, Dana 35 Trac-Lok, 31x10.50R15's (Probably Forever).
Jerry B recommends the Revolution Gear 30 spline axles, and speaks highly of their integrity, strength and reliability. I went to their website with the intention of pulling the trigger on a set of them this evening, and kept digging into their information, and find that they are made in India! No, I agree that it's not China, and yes my John Deere 5065E tractor was assembled in Pune, India, and it's a fine machine, but these days I try to go out of my way to buy those products made in the USA, supporting American businesses and manufacturing jobs.
It's partly why I've got an Ox-Locker sitting in my shop for the Dana 30, and an Auburn Ected in my shop for this S35 project, they're both 100% USA MADE! Eaton E-Lockers are Asian, ARB's aren't USA made, and all of the Yukon differentials are Asian made as well. And YES, I do require a selectable locker since I live 60 miles from the Canadian border in North Idaho, we do have snow and ice 5 months out of the year. Hence the Ected for the rear for its full time LS capabilities in addition to being able to greatly enhance the LS function with their "locker" capability and now the Maxx version is available in Dana 35 30 spline.
Oh, by-the-way, I've read many places on this forum that the Ected must be returned to Auburn for rebuilding. That might have been true for their earlier iterations of the Ected, but entire rebuild kits are now available, as well as individual long term maintenance parts including replacement clutch packs for under $50 for the current Ected Maxx models.
I had surgery last week, and am down for a bit, and all my accumulated parts are sitting in the shop for my axle/differential upgrades, so if anyone sees error or shortcomings in my vision for this build, it's not to late to change direction. I just want to do it once, and simply enjoy my ride without carrying a ton of extra parts, or holding my breath every time my rig does a little crow-hop on the trail.
Is there a set of USA origin S35 axles that are not 4340 alloy that any of you more experienced and knowledgeable folks might recommend?
Thanks to all for taking the time to read this!
I've currently got a 4.0, AX-15, Dana 30 open, Dana 35 Trac-Lok, 31x10.50R15's (Probably Forever).
Jerry B recommends the Revolution Gear 30 spline axles, and speaks highly of their integrity, strength and reliability. I went to their website with the intention of pulling the trigger on a set of them this evening, and kept digging into their information, and find that they are made in India! No, I agree that it's not China, and yes my John Deere 5065E tractor was assembled in Pune, India, and it's a fine machine, but these days I try to go out of my way to buy those products made in the USA, supporting American businesses and manufacturing jobs.
It's partly why I've got an Ox-Locker sitting in my shop for the Dana 30, and an Auburn Ected in my shop for this S35 project, they're both 100% USA MADE! Eaton E-Lockers are Asian, ARB's aren't USA made, and all of the Yukon differentials are Asian made as well. And YES, I do require a selectable locker since I live 60 miles from the Canadian border in North Idaho, we do have snow and ice 5 months out of the year. Hence the Ected for the rear for its full time LS capabilities in addition to being able to greatly enhance the LS function with their "locker" capability and now the Maxx version is available in Dana 35 30 spline.
Oh, by-the-way, I've read many places on this forum that the Ected must be returned to Auburn for rebuilding. That might have been true for their earlier iterations of the Ected, but entire rebuild kits are now available, as well as individual long term maintenance parts including replacement clutch packs for under $50 for the current Ected Maxx models.
I had surgery last week, and am down for a bit, and all my accumulated parts are sitting in the shop for my axle/differential upgrades, so if anyone sees error or shortcomings in my vision for this build, it's not to late to change direction. I just want to do it once, and simply enjoy my ride without carrying a ton of extra parts, or holding my breath every time my rig does a little crow-hop on the trail.
Is there a set of USA origin S35 axles that are not 4340 alloy that any of you more experienced and knowledgeable folks might recommend?
Thanks to all for taking the time to read this!
