Differential Advice

[IdahoWoody]

Folks,
Appreciate all the help to-date for a newbie as I have been working to update my new-to-me TJ. Im off on my next quest - differentials. Here's the facts:
- 1997 Wrangler Sahara, 4.0L, manual
- 33" tires w/2.5" lift
- stock Dana 30 front/Dana 35 rear with 3.07 gearing
- main purpose is pretty benign, back road exploration and minor to moderate 4-wheeling - nothing in the category of rock crawling
- the TJ is in good shape and I plan on keeping it for many years

My new quest is pumping up the gear ratios and perhaps a locker/limited slip addition.

My question is - should I put the money into upgrading the existing Dana 30/35 with new gears and locker or should I look to find other differentials (Dana 44s, aftermarket, etc.) prior to pursuing the upgrades? Also, thoughts on gearing/lockers for my relatively benign operation?

Thanks again for all your help and looking forward to responses. If there is a prior post that I missed that addresses this question, my apologies for missing it...
Woody...

 

[Fouledplugs]

Should I put the money into upgrading the existing Dana 30/35 with new gears and locker

Yes, building the Dana 30/35 for the type of terrain and wheeling you are doing is going to be no-issue. A super 35 rear with a locker paired with a Dana 30 front full of chromoly axles, beefed up joints, and a locker will do just fine.

I would recommend a selectable locker.

 

[Fouledplugs]

My question is - should I put the money into upgrading the existing Dana 30/35 with new gears and locker or should I look to find other differentials (Dana 44s, aftermarket, etc.) prior to pursuing the upgrades? Also, thoughts on gearing/lockers for my relatively benign operation?

You could also add up the cost of all the parts for the Dana 30/35 and then compare it to a pair of built Dana 44's from East Coast Gear Supply and see what the cost comparison is.