I have a 1997 tj wrangler and i believe it has the dana 35c rear end. Anyhow the rear end grenaded and i am looking for the cheapest way to replace it? Any ideas as to what a good axle swap would be with the least amount of work and $? ford 8.8? dana 44? Do I have to change out front end too?
I have searched the forum and my understanding is the stock front and rear end are junk! I run 35" tires and heard that is the reason for the premature death.
I have access to many complete axles and looking to spend under $1000
Please help?
Thanx
Chris Placerville CA

You really have a nearly endless number of options. It just depends on how much you have to spend and what you are capable of doing in a swap. D35's and 35's are never a good combination.

yes, 8.8 OR D44
just make sure the front is same gear ratio

You have a D30 up front. It's a decent axle. 35 inch tires have it to the max. Chromo axle shafts will improve things some.

The cheapest (not best) replacement for a D35 is another D35 as D35s are junk and people give them away. D44's are nice, but a built 8.8 is much better. Do search on the 8.8 swap as not all 8.8s are equal.

X2

I have a 1997 tj wrangler and i believe it has the dana 35c rear end. Anyhow the rear end grenaded and i am looking for the cheapest way to replace it? Any ideas as to what a good axle swap would be with the least amount of work and $? ford 8.8? dana 44? Do I have to change out front end too?
I have searched the forum and my understanding is the stock front and rear end are junk! I run 35" tires and heard that is the reason for the premature death.
I have access to many complete axles and looking to spend under $1000
Please help?
Thanx
Chris Placerville CA

I have a 97 TJ with 35s a month ago my Dana 35c broke for the 2nd time, the first time it broke I replaced the broken spider gears with a lock rite locker ($280.00) when the spider gears went it took the ring gear with it replaced it ($100.00 installed) that got me on the trail again, The second trip out less than 50 miles since the last break, it broke again the passenger side shaft this time. Lucky I trailer mine I got home. I pulled the Dana 35c and put in a Ford 8.8 out a 96 Explorer, It has factory 4.11 gears to match front, Disc brakes on the rear, it is almost as wide as the d35 5/8 narrower (unnoticeable) ,if you get one out of a 4wheeldrive it will have a factory Limited slip, same lug pattern also. The size compared to the d35 side by side is just silly. I was stupid I should have replaced the d35 when it broke the first time, Now I am out several hundred. So learn from my mistake put the ford 8.8 and don't look back. It was a good swap for me since I have a 2.5 liter which has 4.11 gears. Saved me replacing a ring gear. I had about $500.00 in my 8.8, after it was all said and done. I wished I would have done it sooner.


Check out this link if you decide to do a 8.8

http://www.stu-offroad.com/axle/8.8axle/8.8axle-1.htm