Cost effective axle upgrades

[wv_kid]

Been reading a ton of threads. I have a 97 TJ, Dana 35 and Dana 30. Seems the Dana 30 is pretty stout and the Dana 35 needs some help. Also seems that the Super 35 kits are great for the Dana 35, but there are no 30 spline LSD's available for the Dana 35 - you have to go with a rear locker.

So from what I gather, if you are dead-set on a rear LSD (and I am), a rear Dana 44 swap is your only option. I see used D44s going for around $1000-1500.

For someone doing mild wheeling, never going bigger than 33's, wanting an LSD as an absolute requirement for winter driving, it seems like a rear 44 swap and keeping the front Dana 30 is the way to go.

Is there anything wrong with the logic above? What, if anything, am I missing?

Jeep is 4.0, 32RH. Currently has 3.07 gears. I am aware of the carrier break issues and will plan accordingly.

 

[JoseA]

If you're staying with 33s and LSD just keep your dana 35 and upgrade to 1541H shafts. https://revolutiongear.com/revoluti...-35-90-06-xj-tj-yj-and-93-98-zj-lh-rear-axle/ and https://revolutiongear.com/revoluti...-35-90-06-xj-tj-yj-and-93-98-zj-rh-rear-axle/

 

[BlueC]

if you are dead-set on a rear LSD (and I am)

Why?

I see used D44s going for around $1000-1500.

I was in a similar position a few years ago when I killed my factory 35 carrier. Every TJ Dana 44 I located was $1500-2000, and the wrong ratio. I could never justify spending that much for what would essentially be a housing, and a used one at that. It sounds like you will run into that same situation unless you can locate a matching Dana 44/30 set.

 

[wv_kid]

If you're staying with 33s and LSD just keep your dana 35 and upgrade to 1541H shafts. https://revolutiongear.com/revoluti...-35-90-06-xj-tj-yj-and-93-98-zj-lh-rear-axle/ and https://revolutiongear.com/revoluti...-35-90-06-xj-tj-yj-and-93-98-zj-rh-rear-axle/

I was not aware of this option and it sounds perfect. Thank you! Just truetrac, rear axle shafts, and regear what I have!

 

[wv_kid]

Why?

I want to daily it in the winter.

 

[macleanflood]

I've got a TruTrac on my F250 and it locks up when I turn corners and goose it too much.

I much prefer my selectable e-locker on my TJ in the snow and just about everywhere.

I did a super 30 and 35 kit on mine. I also trussed and sleeved the 30...which doesn't solve the inherent weak ears on 30/44s.

If it's what you want go for it.

-Mac

 

[Apparition]

I've got a TruTrac on my F250 and it locks up when I turn corners and goose it too much.

I much prefer my selectable e-locker on my TJ in the snow and just about everywhere.

I did a super 30 and 35 kit on mine. I also trussed and sleeved the 30...which doesn't solve the inherent weak ears on 30/44s.

If it's what you want go for it.

-Mac

Rear selectable elocker in my F350. Great in winter as an open diff.

 

[machoheadgames]

For the brief time I had a TrueTrac in my truck, I found it to be undesirable in the slick ice/snow conditions. I put a 27 spline TrueTrac in my YJ Dana 35 for a bit and I couldn't even feel it doing anything at all. Not sure what was up with that. That has been reverted to stock and the TT sold. The Dana 35 TT was a poor fit. Needed a bunch of shims on one side and barely any on the other to achieve proper backlash. Also the c-clips were a major pain to install because they barely fit into the window they go in, and the button spacer that keeps the axle shafts apart is not thick enough, allowing the axles to walk back and forth by 0.070". You will want to get a new spacer made from chromoly and quenched to throw in there. Really and truly, I don't think the TT is worth it at all, at least not in the Dana 35 application.

I'm going with a Super 35 e-locker when I go back in my Dana 35. I personally wouldn't be so dead set on the LSD....you're far better off using 4WD than any sort of rear diff traction device for winter purposes. Maximum capability for winter would be full time 4WD and winter tires, not LSD.

 

[wv_kid]

Fair points above. Running a selectable locker unlocked and staying in 4x4 on snowy roads is a pretty good solution. And lets me go Super 35.

 

[wv_kid]

For the brief time I had a TrueTrac in my truck, I found it to be undesirable in the slick ice/snow conditions. I put a 27 spline TrueTrac in my YJ Dana 35 for a bit and I couldn't even feel it doing anything at all. Not sure what was up with that. That has been reverted to stock and the TT sold. The Dana 35 TT was a poor fit. Needed a bunch of shims on one side and barely any on the other to achieve proper backlash. Also the c-clips were a major pain to install because they barely fit into the window they go in, and the button spacer that keeps the axle shafts apart is not thick enough, allowing the axles to walk back and forth by 0.070". You will want to get a new spacer made from chromoly and quenched to throw in there. Really and truly, I don't think the TT is worth it at all, at least not in the Dana 35 application.

I'm going with a Super 35 e-locker when I go back in my Dana 35. I personally wouldn't be so dead set on the LSD....you're far better off using 4WD than any sort of rear diff traction device for winter purposes. Maximum capability for winter would be full time 4WD and winter tires, not LSD.

You know now that you mention it ... I had a truetrac in a std bed, regular cab silverado years ago. It was mostly great but I do remember the rear end walking downhill on me when I was in the snow on an off-camber surface, a little disconcerting. I solved that issue with tire chains.

I think I'm convinced on the 30 spline rear locker setup.

 

[machoheadgames]

You know now that you mention it ... I had a truetrac in a std bed, regular cab silverado years ago. It was mostly great but I do remember the rear end walking downhill on me when I was in the snow on an off-camber surface, a little disconcerting. I solved that issue with tire chains.

I think I'm convinced on the 30 spline rear locker setup.

I definitely think that's the superior way to go. I want to do mine but am dreading the purchase of the locker. I miss the days when I thought $890 was extremely high.

Throwback to the old Quadratec website and a clip from 2013 when the locker was priced as stated above....