Dana 35 Upgrades/Swapping
 

I just put 33's on my YJ, and I am a little concerned about the
strength of my Dana 35. I will be off-roading in southeast Ohio about
once a month, so I will need something strong enough to handle
aggressive mudding in the hills. This topic has been covered before,
but I still lack some of the information I need to make the best
decision.

The three major upgrades/swaps I have found are:

1) Replace the Dana 35 with a Dana 44. The best Dana 44's for this
seem to be from XJ's and MJ's (‘87-‘89). It has the same bolt pattern
and width as the YJ. The spring perches seem to be the only thing
that would require modification. Is this the best replacement for the
Dana 35 then?

2) Upgrade the Dana 35 with the Superior Super 35 Kit. This kit comes
with stronger axles and a Detroit Locker. The axles are supposed to
be 35% stronger. Is the Detroit Locker a necessity for off-road?
Does the locker increase tire wear on pavement? I am very interested
with anyone's experiences with this kit.

3) Replace the Dana 35 with a Ford 8.8 or other such axle. I am very
concerned about axle width and bolt pattern, and how people overcome
these differences. The options get limited very fast when you try and
match the YJ's width and bolt pattern.

Here is a link I found to some useful information on the axle swap
subject..
http://www.jedi.com/obiwan/jeep/d44swap.html

Any info or experiences with upgrading or swapping your Dana 35 are
welcome.
Thanks for the info,

-Brent Bogrees
'89 Jeep Wrangler YJ 2.5L TBI – 33x10.5 BFG MT's
'94 Jeep Cherokee Sport 4.0L – 31x10.5 BFG AT's
http://www.chrr.ohio-state.edu/~bogrees/html/Jeep.html

Re: Dana 35 Upgrades/Swapping
 

No need to upgrade if you are in Ohio. There are no hills overthere and you
are only wheeling once a month. The D35 is more than enough.

Curt in PA


"Brent Bogrees" <bogrees.1@osu.edu> wrote in message
news:6a04cef7.0310160556.590de7d4@posting.google.c om...
> I just put 33's on my YJ, and I am a little concerned about the
> strength of my Dana 35. I will be off-roading in southeast Ohio about
> once a month, so I will need something strong enough to handle
> aggressive mudding in the hills. This topic has been covered before,
> but I still lack some of the information I need to make the best
> decision.
>
> The three major upgrades/swaps I have found are:
>
> 1) Replace the Dana 35 with a Dana 44. The best Dana 44's for this
> seem to be from XJ's and MJ's ('87-'89). It has the same bolt pattern
> and width as the YJ. The spring perches seem to be the only thing
> that would require modification. Is this the best replacement for the
> Dana 35 then?
>
> 2) Upgrade the Dana 35 with the Superior Super 35 Kit. This kit comes
> with stronger axles and a Detroit Locker. The axles are supposed to
> be 35% stronger. Is the Detroit Locker a necessity for off-road?
> Does the locker increase tire wear on pavement? I am very interested
> with anyone's experiences with this kit.
>
> 3) Replace the Dana 35 with a Ford 8.8 or other such axle. I am very
> concerned about axle width and bolt pattern, and how people overcome
> these differences. The options get limited very fast when you try and
> match the YJ's width and bolt pattern.
>
> Here is a link I found to some useful information on the axle swap
> subject..
> http://www.jedi.com/obiwan/jeep/d44swap.html
>
> Any info or experiences with upgrading or swapping your Dana 35 are
> welcome.
> Thanks for the info,
>
> -Brent Bogrees
> '89 Jeep Wrangler YJ 2.5L TBI - 33x10.5 BFG MT's
> '94 Jeep Cherokee Sport 4.0L - 31x10.5 BFG AT's
> http://www.chrr.ohio-state.edu/~bogrees/html/Jeep.html

Re: Dana 35 Upgrades/Swapping
 

No need to upgrade if you are in Ohio. There are no hills overthere and you
are only wheeling once a month. The D35 is more than enough.

Curt in PA


"Brent Bogrees" <bogrees.1@osu.edu> wrote in message
news:6a04cef7.0310160556.590de7d4@posting.google.c om...
> I just put 33's on my YJ, and I am a little concerned about the
> strength of my Dana 35. I will be off-roading in southeast Ohio about
> once a month, so I will need something strong enough to handle
> aggressive mudding in the hills. This topic has been covered before,
> but I still lack some of the information I need to make the best
> decision.
>
> The three major upgrades/swaps I have found are:
>
> 1) Replace the Dana 35 with a Dana 44. The best Dana 44's for this
> seem to be from XJ's and MJ's ('87-'89). It has the same bolt pattern
> and width as the YJ. The spring perches seem to be the only thing
> that would require modification. Is this the best replacement for the
> Dana 35 then?
>
> 2) Upgrade the Dana 35 with the Superior Super 35 Kit. This kit comes
> with stronger axles and a Detroit Locker. The axles are supposed to
> be 35% stronger. Is the Detroit Locker a necessity for off-road?
> Does the locker increase tire wear on pavement? I am very interested
> with anyone's experiences with this kit.
>
> 3) Replace the Dana 35 with a Ford 8.8 or other such axle. I am very
> concerned about axle width and bolt pattern, and how people overcome
> these differences. The options get limited very fast when you try and
> match the YJ's width and bolt pattern.
>
> Here is a link I found to some useful information on the axle swap
> subject..
> http://www.jedi.com/obiwan/jeep/d44swap.html
>
> Any info or experiences with upgrading or swapping your Dana 35 are
> welcome.
> Thanks for the info,
>
> -Brent Bogrees
> '89 Jeep Wrangler YJ 2.5L TBI - 33x10.5 BFG MT's
> '94 Jeep Cherokee Sport 4.0L - 31x10.5 BFG AT's
> http://www.chrr.ohio-state.edu/~bogrees/html/Jeep.html

Re: Dana 35 Upgrades/Swapping
 

No need to upgrade if you are in Ohio. There are no hills overthere and you
are only wheeling once a month. The D35 is more than enough.

Curt in PA


"Brent Bogrees" <bogrees.1@osu.edu> wrote in message
news:6a04cef7.0310160556.590de7d4@posting.google.c om...
> I just put 33's on my YJ, and I am a little concerned about the
> strength of my Dana 35. I will be off-roading in southeast Ohio about
> once a month, so I will need something strong enough to handle
> aggressive mudding in the hills. This topic has been covered before,
> but I still lack some of the information I need to make the best
> decision.
>
> The three major upgrades/swaps I have found are:
>
> 1) Replace the Dana 35 with a Dana 44. The best Dana 44's for this
> seem to be from XJ's and MJ's ('87-'89). It has the same bolt pattern
> and width as the YJ. The spring perches seem to be the only thing
> that would require modification. Is this the best replacement for the
> Dana 35 then?
>
> 2) Upgrade the Dana 35 with the Superior Super 35 Kit. This kit comes
> with stronger axles and a Detroit Locker. The axles are supposed to
> be 35% stronger. Is the Detroit Locker a necessity for off-road?
> Does the locker increase tire wear on pavement? I am very interested
> with anyone's experiences with this kit.
>
> 3) Replace the Dana 35 with a Ford 8.8 or other such axle. I am very
> concerned about axle width and bolt pattern, and how people overcome
> these differences. The options get limited very fast when you try and
> match the YJ's width and bolt pattern.
>
> Here is a link I found to some useful information on the axle swap
> subject..
> http://www.jedi.com/obiwan/jeep/d44swap.html
>
> Any info or experiences with upgrading or swapping your Dana 35 are
> welcome.
> Thanks for the info,
>
> -Brent Bogrees
> '89 Jeep Wrangler YJ 2.5L TBI - 33x10.5 BFG MT's
> '94 Jeep Cherokee Sport 4.0L - 31x10.5 BFG AT's
> http://www.chrr.ohio-state.edu/~bogrees/html/Jeep.html

Re: Dana 35 Upgrades/Swapping
 

I disagree. If you have 33s on a d35 and you are going "aggressive
mudding", I suggest you consider option 1 (d44). You can change out lots of
parts on a d35 and still not cure the various weak points. Leaf spring d44s
were available on most of the later model FSJs like the Grand Wagoneer,
also. (mine has front and rear d44s and, no, you can't have them.)

I'm not familiar enough with the 8.8 to advise regarding it's merits.

--
Jim
--
98 TJ SE
90 SJ GW
http://www.delawareja.com/gallery/JDJeep98



"curt" <nospam@verizon.net> wrote in message
news:OGyjb.12697$fv4.10710@nwrdny02.gnilink.net...
> No need to upgrade if you are in Ohio. There are no hills overthere and
you
> are only wheeling once a month. The D35 is more than enough.
>
> Curt in PA
>
>
> "Brent Bogrees" <bogrees.1@osu.edu> wrote in message
> news:6a04cef7.0310160556.590de7d4@posting.google.c om...
> > I just put 33's on my YJ, and I am a little concerned about the
> > strength of my Dana 35. I will be off-roading in southeast Ohio about
> > once a month, so I will need something strong enough to handle
> > aggressive mudding in the hills. This topic has been covered before,
> > but I still lack some of the information I need to make the best
> > decision.
> >
> > The three major upgrades/swaps I have found are:
> >
> > 1) Replace the Dana 35 with a Dana 44. The best Dana 44's for this
> > seem to be from XJ's and MJ's ('87-'89). It has the same bolt pattern
> > and width as the YJ. The spring perches seem to be the only thing
> > that would require modification. Is this the best replacement for the
> > Dana 35 then?
> >
> > 2) Upgrade the Dana 35 with the Superior Super 35 Kit. This kit comes
> > with stronger axles and a Detroit Locker. The axles are supposed to
> > be 35% stronger. Is the Detroit Locker a necessity for off-road?
> > Does the locker increase tire wear on pavement? I am very interested
> > with anyone's experiences with this kit.
> >
> > 3) Replace the Dana 35 with a Ford 8.8 or other such axle. I am very
> > concerned about axle width and bolt pattern, and how people overcome
> > these differences. The options get limited very fast when you try and
> > match the YJ's width and bolt pattern.
> >
> > Here is a link I found to some useful information on the axle swap
> > subject..
> > http://www.jedi.com/obiwan/jeep/d44swap.html
> >
> > Any info or experiences with upgrading or swapping your Dana 35 are
> > welcome.
> > Thanks for the info,
> >
> > -Brent Bogrees
> > '89 Jeep Wrangler YJ 2.5L TBI - 33x10.5 BFG MT's
> > '94 Jeep Cherokee Sport 4.0L - 31x10.5 BFG AT's
> > http://www.chrr.ohio-state.edu/~bogrees/html/Jeep.html
>
>

Re: Dana 35 Upgrades/Swapping
 

I disagree. If you have 33s on a d35 and you are going "aggressive
mudding", I suggest you consider option 1 (d44). You can change out lots of
parts on a d35 and still not cure the various weak points. Leaf spring d44s
were available on most of the later model FSJs like the Grand Wagoneer,
also. (mine has front and rear d44s and, no, you can't have them.)

I'm not familiar enough with the 8.8 to advise regarding it's merits.

--
Jim
--
98 TJ SE
90 SJ GW
http://www.delawareja.com/gallery/JDJeep98



"curt" <nospam@verizon.net> wrote in message
news:OGyjb.12697$fv4.10710@nwrdny02.gnilink.net...
> No need to upgrade if you are in Ohio. There are no hills overthere and
you
> are only wheeling once a month. The D35 is more than enough.
>
> Curt in PA
>
>
> "Brent Bogrees" <bogrees.1@osu.edu> wrote in message
> news:6a04cef7.0310160556.590de7d4@posting.google.c om...
> > I just put 33's on my YJ, and I am a little concerned about the
> > strength of my Dana 35. I will be off-roading in southeast Ohio about
> > once a month, so I will need something strong enough to handle
> > aggressive mudding in the hills. This topic has been covered before,
> > but I still lack some of the information I need to make the best
> > decision.
> >
> > The three major upgrades/swaps I have found are:
> >
> > 1) Replace the Dana 35 with a Dana 44. The best Dana 44's for this
> > seem to be from XJ's and MJ's ('87-'89). It has the same bolt pattern
> > and width as the YJ. The spring perches seem to be the only thing
> > that would require modification. Is this the best replacement for the
> > Dana 35 then?
> >
> > 2) Upgrade the Dana 35 with the Superior Super 35 Kit. This kit comes
> > with stronger axles and a Detroit Locker. The axles are supposed to
> > be 35% stronger. Is the Detroit Locker a necessity for off-road?
> > Does the locker increase tire wear on pavement? I am very interested
> > with anyone's experiences with this kit.
> >
> > 3) Replace the Dana 35 with a Ford 8.8 or other such axle. I am very
> > concerned about axle width and bolt pattern, and how people overcome
> > these differences. The options get limited very fast when you try and
> > match the YJ's width and bolt pattern.
> >
> > Here is a link I found to some useful information on the axle swap
> > subject..
> > http://www.jedi.com/obiwan/jeep/d44swap.html
> >
> > Any info or experiences with upgrading or swapping your Dana 35 are
> > welcome.
> > Thanks for the info,
> >
> > -Brent Bogrees
> > '89 Jeep Wrangler YJ 2.5L TBI - 33x10.5 BFG MT's
> > '94 Jeep Cherokee Sport 4.0L - 31x10.5 BFG AT's
> > http://www.chrr.ohio-state.edu/~bogrees/html/Jeep.html
>
>

Re: Dana 35 Upgrades/Swapping
 

I disagree. If you have 33s on a d35 and you are going "aggressive
mudding", I suggest you consider option 1 (d44). You can change out lots of
parts on a d35 and still not cure the various weak points. Leaf spring d44s
were available on most of the later model FSJs like the Grand Wagoneer,
also. (mine has front and rear d44s and, no, you can't have them.)

I'm not familiar enough with the 8.8 to advise regarding it's merits.

--
Jim
--
98 TJ SE
90 SJ GW
http://www.delawareja.com/gallery/JDJeep98



"curt" <nospam@verizon.net> wrote in message
news:OGyjb.12697$fv4.10710@nwrdny02.gnilink.net...
> No need to upgrade if you are in Ohio. There are no hills overthere and
you
> are only wheeling once a month. The D35 is more than enough.
>
> Curt in PA
>
>
> "Brent Bogrees" <bogrees.1@osu.edu> wrote in message
> news:6a04cef7.0310160556.590de7d4@posting.google.c om...
> > I just put 33's on my YJ, and I am a little concerned about the
> > strength of my Dana 35. I will be off-roading in southeast Ohio about
> > once a month, so I will need something strong enough to handle
> > aggressive mudding in the hills. This topic has been covered before,
> > but I still lack some of the information I need to make the best
> > decision.
> >
> > The three major upgrades/swaps I have found are:
> >
> > 1) Replace the Dana 35 with a Dana 44. The best Dana 44's for this
> > seem to be from XJ's and MJ's ('87-'89). It has the same bolt pattern
> > and width as the YJ. The spring perches seem to be the only thing
> > that would require modification. Is this the best replacement for the
> > Dana 35 then?
> >
> > 2) Upgrade the Dana 35 with the Superior Super 35 Kit. This kit comes
> > with stronger axles and a Detroit Locker. The axles are supposed to
> > be 35% stronger. Is the Detroit Locker a necessity for off-road?
> > Does the locker increase tire wear on pavement? I am very interested
> > with anyone's experiences with this kit.
> >
> > 3) Replace the Dana 35 with a Ford 8.8 or other such axle. I am very
> > concerned about axle width and bolt pattern, and how people overcome
> > these differences. The options get limited very fast when you try and
> > match the YJ's width and bolt pattern.
> >
> > Here is a link I found to some useful information on the axle swap
> > subject..
> > http://www.jedi.com/obiwan/jeep/d44swap.html
> >
> > Any info or experiences with upgrading or swapping your Dana 35 are
> > welcome.
> > Thanks for the info,
> >
> > -Brent Bogrees
> > '89 Jeep Wrangler YJ 2.5L TBI - 33x10.5 BFG MT's
> > '94 Jeep Cherokee Sport 4.0L - 31x10.5 BFG AT's
> > http://www.chrr.ohio-state.edu/~bogrees/html/Jeep.html
>
>

Re: Dana 35 Upgrades/Swapping
 

Hi Brent,
Don't waste you money doing the super 35 kit. The Ford 8.8 is still
a C clip, weak link. YJ upgrade link to Dana 44 from:
http://www.off-road.com/jeep/tech/convaxle/d44.html
God Bless America, ßill O|||||||O
mailto:-------------------- http://www.----------.com/

Brent Bogrees wrote:
>
> I just put 33's on my YJ, and I am a little concerned about the
> strength of my Dana 35. I will be off-roading in southeast Ohio about
> once a month, so I will need something strong enough to handle
> aggressive mudding in the hills. This topic has been covered before,
> but I still lack some of the information I need to make the best
> decision.
>
> The three major upgrades/swaps I have found are:
>
> 1) Replace the Dana 35 with a Dana 44. The best Dana 44's for this
> seem to be from XJ's and MJ's (‘87-‘89). It has the same bolt pattern
> and width as the YJ. The spring perches seem to be the only thing
> that would require modification. Is this the best replacement for the
> Dana 35 then?
>
> 2) Upgrade the Dana 35 with the Superior Super 35 Kit. This kit comes
> with stronger axles and a Detroit Locker. The axles are supposed to
> be 35% stronger. Is the Detroit Locker a necessity for off-road?
> Does the locker increase tire wear on pavement? I am very interested
> with anyone's experiences with this kit.
>
> 3) Replace the Dana 35 with a Ford 8.8 or other such axle. I am very
> concerned about axle width and bolt pattern, and how people overcome
> these differences. The options get limited very fast when you try and
> match the YJ's width and bolt pattern.
>
> Here is a link I found to some useful information on the axle swap
> subject..
> http://www.jedi.com/obiwan/jeep/d44swap.html
>
> Any info or experiences with upgrading or swapping your Dana 35 are
> welcome.
> Thanks for the info,
>
> -Brent Bogrees
> '89 Jeep Wrangler YJ 2.5L TBI – 33x10.5 BFG MT's
> '94 Jeep Cherokee Sport 4.0L – 31x10.5 BFG AT's
> http://www.chrr.ohio-state.edu/~bogrees/html/Jeep.html

Re: Dana 35 Upgrades/Swapping
 

Hi Brent,
Don't waste you money doing the super 35 kit. The Ford 8.8 is still
a C clip, weak link. YJ upgrade link to Dana 44 from:
http://www.off-road.com/jeep/tech/convaxle/d44.html
God Bless America, ßill O|||||||O
mailto:-------------------- http://www.----------.com/

Brent Bogrees wrote:
>
> I just put 33's on my YJ, and I am a little concerned about the
> strength of my Dana 35. I will be off-roading in southeast Ohio about
> once a month, so I will need something strong enough to handle
> aggressive mudding in the hills. This topic has been covered before,
> but I still lack some of the information I need to make the best
> decision.
>
> The three major upgrades/swaps I have found are:
>
> 1) Replace the Dana 35 with a Dana 44. The best Dana 44's for this
> seem to be from XJ's and MJ's (‘87-‘89). It has the same bolt pattern
> and width as the YJ. The spring perches seem to be the only thing
> that would require modification. Is this the best replacement for the
> Dana 35 then?
>
> 2) Upgrade the Dana 35 with the Superior Super 35 Kit. This kit comes
> with stronger axles and a Detroit Locker. The axles are supposed to
> be 35% stronger. Is the Detroit Locker a necessity for off-road?
> Does the locker increase tire wear on pavement? I am very interested
> with anyone's experiences with this kit.
>
> 3) Replace the Dana 35 with a Ford 8.8 or other such axle. I am very
> concerned about axle width and bolt pattern, and how people overcome
> these differences. The options get limited very fast when you try and
> match the YJ's width and bolt pattern.
>
> Here is a link I found to some useful information on the axle swap
> subject..
> http://www.jedi.com/obiwan/jeep/d44swap.html
>
> Any info or experiences with upgrading or swapping your Dana 35 are
> welcome.
> Thanks for the info,
>
> -Brent Bogrees
> '89 Jeep Wrangler YJ 2.5L TBI – 33x10.5 BFG MT's
> '94 Jeep Cherokee Sport 4.0L – 31x10.5 BFG AT's
> http://www.chrr.ohio-state.edu/~bogrees/html/Jeep.html

Re: Dana 35 Upgrades/Swapping
 

Hi Brent,
Don't waste you money doing the super 35 kit. The Ford 8.8 is still
a C clip, weak link. YJ upgrade link to Dana 44 from:
http://www.off-road.com/jeep/tech/convaxle/d44.html
God Bless America, ßill O|||||||O
mailto:-------------------- http://www.----------.com/

Brent Bogrees wrote:
>
> I just put 33's on my YJ, and I am a little concerned about the
> strength of my Dana 35. I will be off-roading in southeast Ohio about
> once a month, so I will need something strong enough to handle
> aggressive mudding in the hills. This topic has been covered before,
> but I still lack some of the information I need to make the best
> decision.
>
> The three major upgrades/swaps I have found are:
>
> 1) Replace the Dana 35 with a Dana 44. The best Dana 44's for this
> seem to be from XJ's and MJ's (‘87-‘89). It has the same bolt pattern
> and width as the YJ. The spring perches seem to be the only thing
> that would require modification. Is this the best replacement for the
> Dana 35 then?
>
> 2) Upgrade the Dana 35 with the Superior Super 35 Kit. This kit comes
> with stronger axles and a Detroit Locker. The axles are supposed to
> be 35% stronger. Is the Detroit Locker a necessity for off-road?
> Does the locker increase tire wear on pavement? I am very interested
> with anyone's experiences with this kit.
>
> 3) Replace the Dana 35 with a Ford 8.8 or other such axle. I am very
> concerned about axle width and bolt pattern, and how people overcome
> these differences. The options get limited very fast when you try and
> match the YJ's width and bolt pattern.
>
> Here is a link I found to some useful information on the axle swap
> subject..
> http://www.jedi.com/obiwan/jeep/d44swap.html
>
> Any info or experiences with upgrading or swapping your Dana 35 are
> welcome.
> Thanks for the info,
>
> -Brent Bogrees
> '89 Jeep Wrangler YJ 2.5L TBI – 33x10.5 BFG MT's
> '94 Jeep Cherokee Sport 4.0L – 31x10.5 BFG AT's
> http://www.chrr.ohio-state.edu/~bogrees/html/Jeep.html