I am new to the Jeep world and I have a ton of questions. I currently have a 1997 Jeep Wrangler TJ 2.5 with standard shift transmission, I also have the Dana 35 rear axle and 33 inch tires. I have read in numerous places where this axle is weak. I also have read about upgrading to chromoly shafts. How much better does this make the axle? My plan is to upgrade to the chromoly axles and add OX lockers. Is this a good decision or should I go to a Dana 44 and if so why? If I should go to a Dana 44, what is the best donor vehicle and what mods or fabrications will I have to do?
Dana 35 Upgrade
- Thread starter mbjj2369
- Start date
Check out this thread: Should I upgrade my Dana 35 axle?
Tons of good info there.
The general consensus is that if you don't plan on going bigger than 35s, you can safely run a Dana 35, as long as you do a Super 35 conversion.
Not worth the upgrade to a Dana 44 if you ask me, unless you're getting one for a damn good price.
Tons of good info there.
The general consensus is that if you don't plan on going bigger than 35s, you can safely run a Dana 35, as long as you do a Super 35 conversion.
Not worth the upgrade to a Dana 44 if you ask me, unless you're getting one for a damn good price.
X2. I did a rubicon axle swap since it was cheaper then a regear, super 35, and f/r lockers.
The Super 35 kit from Revolution Gear is definitely the best way to get your Dana 35 worthy of a locker and big tires. It's well proven with 35" tires though I can't recommend more than 33's with the 2.5L engine.
Why Ox though? And are you thinking of cable or air actuation for the Ox if you go that way?
Why Ox though? And are you thinking of cable or air actuation for the Ox if you go that way?
I missed the 2.5 part... If you have a 4 cylinder, I wouldn't go above 33s (not even sure I'd go that big) unless you never plan on taking it on the highway. Your'e probably already aware of that though.
I have no experience with any locker. Just what I read, I like the thought of being able to engage and disengage as needed. Planned on going with air actuation. Between ARB and OX the OX just seemed better. The Jeep will be trailed to wherever I go for off roading.
I don't have any experience with OX air lockers, have not even seen them on the trail & have only seen the cable version. The ARB version is very commonly used & well known to be very reliable, parts & shops that are familiar with them are probably more common. I don't know what the price differential is or if that's a factor for you. Regarding your initial question about 35 v. 44, that thread linked above is excellent & should answer all your questions in more detail. I think the upshot of it is if you stay at or under 35 inch tires & use common sense when wheeling the S35 will last as long as the TJ
fxrsliberty
TJ Enthusiast
Your 2.5 likely came with 4.10 gears, which if it did makes going up to 4.56 and bigger tires very easy.
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ARB is FAR more popular than Ox is. I did a count of the various lockers used in King of the Hammers several years ago and something like 84% ran ARB Air locker, the next most popular was the Detroit Locker. Only 2-3% ran Ox lockers. If I was changing lockers and had the $$$ I'd definitely go with ARB which has a superb reputation among serious offroaders with good builds.
33's on the 4 cyl needs more gear than 4.56. 4.88 minimum but I'd strongly recommend 5.13. I run 4.88 with 31's and am certain that 33's would need more.
Being that your new to the Jeep hobby, I would highly recommend that you upgrade the Dana 35 with the Super 35 and start from there into this hobby.
If I was a betting man, you might not make your money back on the built 35. However, if you do stay in the hobby then upgrading to a 44 would be the route to take next. Nothing against you, but some folks get into the Jeep hobby then get out even faster so that’s why Im advocating for the simple route first.
I appreciate everyone's help. I think what I am going to do is still up in the air. I have found a front and rear DANA 44 from a 89 Grand Cherokee for $700. If possible I will re-gear it to 5:13 and in the mean time keep researching which lockers to go with. I want a one and done kinda thing. I really would over build it than under build it and have to redo it later, if that makes any sense.
I strongly advise that you don't need a Dana 44 up front. Your present Dana 30 can be far more easily upgraded with alloy axle shafts that will make it worthy of any tire your rear Dana 44 can handle. The front axle seldom sees more than about 50% of the stress that the rear axle sees on a continuous basis.
But at that price? He could easily flip the front to fund the rear build/install. Try looking at it from a different angle @Jerry Bransford
The guy will only sell them as a set. I may leave the front axle alone and sell it as Fouledplugs is talking about.
Any idea what I will have to do to the Dana 44 to get it under the TJ?
Any idea what I will have to do to the Dana 44 to get it under the TJ?
For the rear, find a reputable Jeep shop and burn these in or use their suggestions on parts to purchase.
https://www.ruffstuffspecialties.co...stuff&Product_Code=R1988&Category_Code=Jeeptj
I only recommended he not install that Dana 44 up front.But at that price? He could easily flip the front to fund the rear build/install. Try looking at it from a different angle @Jerry Bransford
So for someone who is a newbie to axle "re-gearing" voodoo
I am with ultimate open-30-35-3.07-kill me combo. Hate my life past 55mph and im sure that engine hates me even more. Cant even remember the last time i went on a date with my 6th gear. Plenty of speed for sand though(at least some positive).
I really want to do a 35super upgrade with Detroit locker to my rear.
I am a happy minimalist with 31" tires, have read plenty about D35vsD44 and Dana 35 will more than fit my style.
Did my part on reading about Detroit locker as well - i can live with it!
I can pick up Dana 35 with 4.10 gears for $200(im sure i can talk it down to $150). Will i, or will i not have to change out the carrier in it, if i go with super upgrade?
From what i have read so far, carrier change needs special attention, procedure and tools. Majority of prices for such job from what i have seen so far, hover around $800.
800(job) + 150 (axle) + 1000(super+detroit) is a bit too much $. Especially considering that Dana 30 will have to be regeared.
Roughly for that ^ price, if i did my search correctly, i can order front and rear open Dana 44 with 3.73 gears. I think i can live with 3.73's and eventually throw in locker into the rear. Plus i can do all the job myself...
Would you, ohhh the wise wranglers, give some guidance to me the mortal one?
I am with ultimate open-30-35-3.07-kill me combo. Hate my life past 55mph and im sure that engine hates me even more. Cant even remember the last time i went on a date with my 6th gear. Plenty of speed for sand though(at least some positive).
I really want to do a 35super upgrade with Detroit locker to my rear.
I am a happy minimalist with 31" tires, have read plenty about D35vsD44 and Dana 35 will more than fit my style.
Did my part on reading about Detroit locker as well - i can live with it!
I can pick up Dana 35 with 4.10 gears for $200(im sure i can talk it down to $150). Will i, or will i not have to change out the carrier in it, if i go with super upgrade?
From what i have read so far, carrier change needs special attention, procedure and tools. Majority of prices for such job from what i have seen so far, hover around $800.
800(job) + 150 (axle) + 1000(super+detroit) is a bit too much $. Especially considering that Dana 30 will have to be regeared.
Roughly for that ^ price, if i did my search correctly, i can order front and rear open Dana 44 with 3.73 gears. I think i can live with 3.73's and eventually throw in locker into the rear. Plus i can do all the job myself...
Would you, ohhh the wise wranglers, give some guidance to me the mortal one?
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Where are you ordering front and rear Dana 44's and for how much? The front TJ 44's came with 4.10's being that they only came on the Rubicon.
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