Should I upgrade front or rear axle first?

[Nvthvn]

Would like to upgrade axles (D30front, D35rear 3.73) after an OME lift and 33s. Can only fund either or currently. Looking for solid but not over the top. Any recommendations on upgrades and or replacements? Which axle first?

Thanks!

 

[Nvthvn]

New here and apologize if this is an old hat ?
I will dig in to existing threads.

 

[Rob5589]

Welcome to the forum. When you say upgrade, are you talking axle shafts, re-gearing, or...?

 

[InfamousCanadian]

From my previous readings this is how I understand it. The Dana 30 is a fairly stout axle and simply upgrading it will be fine (aka putting in a locker and Chromly axle shafts). The Dana 35 can run 33 inch tires stock but you are going to want to go easy on the skinny pedal while offroading. Personally, I would upgrade to not end up stranded on the trails with a weak axle. In terms of upgrading the rear axle so you sleep better at night you have the option of upgrading the Dana 35 to a Super Dana 35 which can handle 35 inch tires no problem (from what I've read). The other option is trying to find a Dana 44, but they are expensive and rare to find that will bolt straight into the TJ. Another option is going with a Ford 8.8 rear axle but this will require a great deal a fab work (welding on new brackets).

 

[InfamousCanadian]

Also to note your front and rear axles need to be the same gearing. So if you find a Dana 44 or 8.8 but they don't have the same gearing, you will be looking at regearing your differentials which can get pricey.

 

[Nvthvn]

Rob gears and lockers into stock axles or axle upgrade plus gears lockers etc...

 

[Nvthvn]

RedJeep. Looks like the front 44 from various sources is REAL pricey. I have heard good things about the 8.8 and may go that route, The info about upgrading the 30 is comforting though. Do you recommend a brand locker/axle shafts?

 

[InfamousCanadian]

RedJeep. Looks like the front 44 from various sources is REAL pricey. I have heard good things about the 8.8 and may go that route, The info about upgrading the 30 is comforting though. Do you recommend a brand locker/axle shafts?

I am by no means an expert on this stuff. The information I was able to give was from the research I have done since I am also stuck with the dreaded Dana 30, Dana 35 combo in my TJ. I know a lot of people praise ARB air lockers and from what I've read they are really good. In terms of the axle shafts I cannot recommend a brand because I don't have experience with any. There are quite a few good threads if you do a quick Google search from this forum where the more experienced guys give their take on the Super Dana 35 rear axle as well as upgrades for the Dana 30.

 

[bobthetj03]

Do you play in the snow? Selectable lockers or Mechanical?

 

[Nvthvn]

Thank you RedJeep for sure! Wasn't aware the 30 may be an option and will be researching many sources before jumping.

 

[Nvthvn]

Bob. I look to play in the snow and a selectable locker would be ideal(because i cant get my head around an auto locker due to lack of experience)
Thanks!

 

[Rob5589]

Really depends on your intended usage and how much money you have to spend.

Generally: Dana 35 up to moderate to hard trails, 27 spline 1541H axles; Dana 30 5-760X u joints on stock axles, locker in rear and No Slip or Aussie in front. If planning on more extreme trails, full Super 35 kit with locker for rear and 27 spline alloy axles in front with a No Slip or Aussie locker.

Gearing will depend on which trans you have.

 

[TJBob]

I’m no expert, but @Jerry Bransford and @Chris (hopefully one or the other will chime in for you) had a lot of good advise for me and my own idea of the perfect rig. First you should answer the following:

Are you going to stay with the 33’s forever?

Are you going to keep the engine stock?

What kind of off-roading do you intend to do?

Do you have or want lockers?

What is your budget?

As I understood, once you have the answers to these questions, you have a solid foundation as to where to begin, and what options are out there. You have a few options as mentioned above. Ford 8.8, Dana 44, or the super 30 & 35 kits.

For myself, I’m running 35s with the 4.0 with stock axles. I don’t dare do any real Offroad stuff. Service trails only with extreme caution and some prayers lol! I’m looking into the Revolution Gear and Axle super 35 kit at the moment. They are offered separately or with a locker. From what I’ve seen, the common lockers offered are ARB, Detroit, and Eaton E-Locker. I’m pretty sure that Revolution Gear offers a 27 spline axle as well. I’m not sure about how much strength they add... If I understood correctly, the “super axles” are 30 spline, and there are no open differentials that are 30 spline. So in order to run the super kit you have to replace the the diff with a locker That accepts 30 spline axles. I know that chromoly is recommended for the front axles, and 1541h for the rear Dana 35. As the chromoly Dana 35 axles are know to wear from the bearings riding on the axle.

As to your question of which to do first... I’d assume the rear since it sees the most consistent load, when you combine on and Offroad. But I’m curious about this as well.

Edit: here is the thread I am reducing to. https://wranglertjforum.com/threads/new-from-monroe-co-indiana.18808/

Good luck! Hope this helps in some way!

 

[Chris]

Always do the rear axle first.

 

[Nvthvn]

Rob5589 and TJBob. Super good info and questions to ask myself moving forward into a decision. I did not know about the many options. Good to know the super kits will accept up to 35s. I may not stay with 33s for good. As it is currently, GP does everything ask of it. I am now considering upping the stock axles as I don't do any extreme off roading but would like to rely on a ride home.

Mega thanks!

 

[Nvthvn]

Thanks Chris! Will do.

 

[Nvthvn]

Will I break stuff putting lockers in stock axles? CA/OR forest roads, OHV parks etc..

 

[Rob5589]

Will I break stuff putting lockers in stock axles? CA/OR forest roads, OHV parks etc..

Depends on your driving habits. The 30 is actually a pretty strong diff for its size. 33's on stock axles with a No Slip or Aussie along with some 5-760X ujoints will hold up to a large variety of wheelin until you get into very difficult trails and/or are hard on the gas. The 35, while also on 27 spline axles, takes more abuse being the rear axle so it isn't up to a locker for more than mild to maybe moderate trails. Again, depends on your driving habits. A simple installation of 27 spline 1541H axles with alleviate most breakage worries until you go more extreme.

 

[S.McArthur]

Powertrax No-slip w/good chromoly axle shafts in your Dana 30 will take you places. I have not touched my Dana 35 as my front axle setup has been great. I'd start in the front before dumping some coin into the Dana 35.

I've looked at the 8.8 and all signs point away from it. If you are going to do an 8.8 with all the cutting/welding, look into swapping a JK Dana 44. There seems to be a trend of JK owners selling them.
I just bought a JK Dana 44 for $50 and will be using artecs JK2TJ swap kit. I got lucky, the PO had a damaged shock mount and was missing an axle shaft. Lucky for me, I'll be cutting off the JK mounts and repalcing the the shafts. I have plenty of time to put it together, I'd still like to find a matching JK front axle to match the width.

 

[Chuck Knight]

I, like most of you, had the same 30/35 combo, I was looking into the 8.8 swap and was actually searching for one on craigslist when I found a Dana 30 with ARB and Dana 44 with LSD on craigslist for $1100. Both geared with 4.56 which is what I was looking for and they both came out of a TJ with a guy that upgraded to 1 tons. I did have to drive 12 hours round trip to pick them up, but for the price I didn't think twice. I say this because they are difficult to find at decent prices but patience will pay off. As for the Dana 35 you have, I would not throw a lot of money at it, upgrade that dana 30, mine works well with the ARB, (I only lock it when I need to though) and I put some revolution gear chromoly axles in there.