What rear end do I have?

[Anciano]

Guys,

New to TJs and new to the Forum. What an awesome resource.

Just bought an 2004 TJ 4.0 w 42RLE. Build sheet says it is a Sport (despite the Sahara stickers on the body). Seller was clueless. Came with a small lift, 33s (285/75/16s), and what appears to be stock gearing. YIKES! I have to turn off the OD on any highway hills. Will primarily be a motorhome dinghy. Dirt roads, easier trails, no crawling and no additional lift. Like to stay with 33s. Maybe go to 15" wheels. Probably 80-90% pavement. Likely to go with 4.56 gears as a compromise. Don't envision needing lockers, but who knows? .

Build sheet also says Dana 30/186MM front and Dana M35/194MM.

Couple questions:

1. Is the 35 a limited slip?
2. If it is NOT, will it make sense to add that at re-gear?
3. Better to just go the extra mile and add a rear locker?
4. Any guess on cost to add a locker?
5. Additional advice?

Thanks All.

 

[Jerry Bransford]

The Tracloc limited slip differential was strictly an option for the Dana 35. Your Dana 35 axle may or may not have it. Unless removed, there is a steel tag bolted onto the differential cover at about its 1 o'clock position when there is a Tracloc LSD present, it'll say "Use limited slip diff lube only".

That said, the LSD offered in Wrangler axles is clutch-based and its clutch pack doesn't last for all that long. 40-50k miles is a commonly quoted life span for the LSD's clutch pack. When the clutch pack is worn out it just means there's no more LSD action though the axle and its differential will still continue to operate normally.

 

[JESTER801]

Guys,

New to TJs and new to the Forum. What an awesome resource.

Just bought an 2004 TJ 4.0 w 42RLE. Build sheet says it is a Sport (despite the Sahara stickers on the body). Seller was clueless. Came with a small lift, 33s (285/75/16s), and what appears to be stock gearing. YIKES! I have to turn off the OD on any highway hills. Will primarily be a motorhome dinghy. Dirt roads, easier trails, no crawling and no additional lift. Like to stay with 33s. Maybe go to 15" wheels. Probably 80-90% pavement. Likely to go with 4.56 gears as a compromise. Don't envision needing lockers, but who knows? .

Build sheet also says Dana 30/186MM front and Dana M35/194MM.

Couple questions:

1. Is the 35 a limited slip?
2. If it is NOT, will it make sense to add that at re-gear?
3. Better to just go the extra mile and add a rear locker?
4. Any guess on cost to add a locker?
5. Additional advice?

Thanks All.

There are many TJ owners that rock crawl and successfully navigate Moab moderate and hard trails without lockers. If you dont plan on many difficult trails you will be spending money on something you dont need. I always suggest lots of seat time before you buy something you "think" you need.

Adding A rear locker on a dana 35 will be 1K for parts, plus onboard Air, Plus labor to install. you would be in the 1500-2000 range if you had a shop do it.

 

[Anciano]

The Tracloc limited slip differential was strictly an option for the Dana 35. Your Dana 35 axle may or may not have it. Unless removed, there is a steel tag bolted onto the differential cover at about its 1 o'clock position when there is a Tracloc LSD present, it'll say "Use limited slip diff lube only".

That said, the LSD offered in Wrangler axles is clutch-based and its clutch pack doesn't last for all that long. 40-50k miles is a commonly quoted life span for the LSD's clutch pack. When the clutch pack is worn out it just means there's no more LSD action though the axle and its differential will still continue to operate normally.

Thanks Jerry. Jeep isn’t here right now to check and given what I know about the PO who changed the diff covers, my guess is the tag is gone.

It has 73k miles on it so if it has LS the pack is likely toast.

 

[Anciano]

There are many TJ owners that rock crawl and successfully navigate Moab moderate and hard trails without lockers. If you dont plan on many difficult trails you will be spending money on something you dont need. I always suggest lots of seat time before you buy something you "think" you need.

Adding A rear locker on a dana 35 will be 1K for parts, plus onboard Air, Plus labor to install. you would be in the 1500-2000 range if you had a shop do it.

 

[Anciano]

Jester…

Great intel. Wise advice regarding seat time first, money later.

Thanks

 

[JESTER801]

Jester…

Great intel. Wise advice regarding seat time first, money later.

Thanks

I am getting back into this hobby after a hiatus of 20yrs. I have been overwhelmed by products and changes in that time. I research everything crazy and watch tons of videos and tutorials. I never would have thought about upgrading my brakes until I came off the mountain last week with my driver side brake smoking like crazy. PO did not do anything to the brakes after the lift and 35" tires, so I am in the process of getting them all upgraded.

 

[Jerry Bransford]

Adding A rear locker on a dana 35 will be 1K for parts, plus onboard Air, Plus labor to install. you would be in the 1500-2000 range if you had a shop do it.

It would cost more than that since you need to install a Super 35 kit into a Dana 35 to make it strong enough for a locker. A Super 35 kit replaces the factory 27 spline carbon steel axle shafts with larger diameter 30 spline hardened 1541H shafts, it also includes a choice of several lockers, only one of which requires a compressor.

 

[roverhi]

The Tracloc limited slip differential was strictly an option for the Dana 35. Your Dana 35 axle may or may not have it. Unless removed, there is a steel tag bolted onto the differential cover at about its 1 o'clock position when there is a Tracloc LSD present, it'll say "Use limited slip diff lube only".

That said, the LSD offered in Wrangler axles is clutch-based and its clutch pack doesn't last for all that long. 40-50k miles is a commonly quoted life span for the LSD's clutch pack. When the clutch pack is worn out it just means there's no more LSD action though the axle and its differential will still continue to operate normally.

What does it cost to rebuild Tracloc clutches?? Is it worth trying to save the Tracloc vice switching to a locking differential??

 

[Jerry Bransford]

What does it cost to rebuild Tracloc clutches?? Is it worth trying to save the Tracloc vice switching to a locking differential??

A Tracloc is not worth rebuilding, you'd be better off swapping it for a better LSD like the Detroit Truetrac which uses gears instead of a clutch pack, there's nothing that is considered a wear item in a Truetrac LSD. But if you really want it for offroading and not just for icy streets or slick flat trail surfaces you'd be a lot better off with a locker. Having had front and rear Truetracs nearly 20 years ago I gave up on them for offroad use, they were pretty much useless and did nothing to help on the more difficult trails I enjoy. I replaced them both with lockers and never looked back.

You can easily upgrade your Dana 35 with a Super 35 kit made by Revolution Gear & Axle so it has the strength for a locker. Dealers like www.4lowparts.com carry them.

 

[Anciano]

A Tracloc is not worth rebuilding, you'd be better off swapping it for a better LSD like the Detroit Truetrac which uses gears instead of a clutch pack, there's nothing that is considered a wear item in a Truetrac LSD. But if you really want it for offroading and not just for icy streets or slick flat trail surfaces you'd be a lot better off with a locker. Having had front and rear Truetracs nearly 20 years ago I gave up on them for offroad use, they were pretty much useless and did nothing to help on the more difficult trails I enjoy. I replaced them both with lockers and never looked back.

You can easily upgrade your Dana 35 with a Super 35 kit made by Revolution Gear & Axle so it has the strength for a locker. Dealers like www.4lowparts.com carry them.

Thanks again.