Which axle is weaker?

[Joopin]

I'm looking to upgrade my axles for the upcoming 35s... I have been finding these D44s that are nice (a couple are really close to buying) but I have also been noticing that some jeepers just upgrade the rear from a D35 to a D44 or higher, while keeping the front axle a D30. I also heard (from another forum, oops) that the rear Dana 35 is generally the weaker axle... which would explain why people only upgrade the rear.
So I'm thinking I could just do the rear and save money... right?

 

[far_right]

yes, do the 35 first

 

[PASmokeater]

If you have the 30, in the yj it has a reverse cut ring gear, making it stronger than the 35.
http://www.off-road.com/jeep/tech/axle/d30.html
I would replace the 35 first.



Rob 8)

 

[Joopin]

I thought so.. thanks guys, Hey PASmokeater, or anyone else...
Can I put a TJ D44 in my YJ? I found one on ebay and it has the perches for the coil springs on it, took me a minute to figure out what they were...
thanks for the help!

 

[Snitty]

the reason you are not required to swap the front is this....

when you are driving in 2wd, ALL of the torque is placed on either or both of the rear axle shafts... that is pretty concentrated, especially if it is placed on only one shaft... and while in 2wd, the front axle is seeing NO torque from the drivetrain...

when in 4wd, the torque is split up among both axles... neither the rear NOR the front will EVER feel as much torque as the rear only does in 2wd... that is why it is much more crutial to upgrade the rear first.... it is the one that ALWAYS recieves torque, and will at times, see twice as much as the front

 

[Joopin]

It all makes perfect sense now... thanks snitty, you removed all doubt.

 

[Snitty]

thats what we're here for

 

[Bounty__Hunter]

T18

You can use a TJ D44 rear, but the axle tubes are the same thickness as the D35 tubes, so you're gaining no strength there.

Your best bet is to find a full-size Wagoneer (SJ) in the early '80s that has a front and rear D44, the front diff being on the driver's side. The wheel lug pattern will be 6-lug, but they are good choices for beefing up.

A good choice for upgrading just the rear, Ford 8.8 from a '95 to '01 Explorer, Navajo, Mountaineer, etc. These have the same lug pattern as the Wrangler, stronger than a D44, disc brakes, and only about 1.5" narrower overall than the D35. Many write-ups on the web about this swap.

 

[Snitty]

its such a good axle.. i just wish it was wider

 

[jhiggins]

Change the 35 first that is where the majority of you toqure goes....

 

[Joopin]

Hey Bounty, so they Wagoneer rear D44 is ideal because it's all ready to throw under a YJ, nothing to change? I assume the WMS is 60" like the D35 too? If so I found five of them at a junkyard by me: ranges from '86-'88, ratios range from 2.72-3.54, prices from $350-$400.

I also found some explorer axles (91-98), one with 3.55 ratio for $250 (it says x-530 hub comp next to it, dunno what that is) I will have to call the place to get more info on these axles since this is all on the website only.
Oh and I found some 92 Navajo axles as well.

So out of these the wagonneer is still the best? Of course it would have more miles on it... thanks for the idea

 

[far_right]

i belive 95 is the best yr for the 8.8 axles b/c they have discs

 

[Bounty__Hunter]

'95 and newer 8.8's will have discs.

Not sure on the Waggy D44 width, I know it's close, should be the same or shade wider, which is good.

You'll need to probably relocate the spring perches, shock mounts, and get a crossover u-joint to mate your stock driveshaft to the D44 yoke.