Rear Axle Choices

[ArmyGuy45]

Ok, so the debate that has been going on in my head on keeping the Jeep pretty much boils down to the rear axle. I would like to know what my options are for a rear axle based on the conditions listed below (they are ranked in priority):

1. Stronger than a Dana 35c
2. Non C Clip style axle
3. Have ABS (or the ability to fool the computer)
4. Disc brakes (or a conversion)
5. Level of modification to install
6. Cost

I put cost last since I want to see what are the options and their perks more. I know you can make a "Super Dana 35" that is non C Clip but its around 1k to build. What are my options?

[abebehrmann]

If/when my rear axle decides to give up the ghost, I will be swapping to a Ford 8.8 out of a late 90s explorer. They're very plentiful in the junkyards (CHEAP), stronger than a Dana 44, and the late 90s ones have disc brakes. BUT they ARE C-Clip and require a bit of modification to get the ABS to work. I plan on removing my ABS when I eventually do the swap but I did find this when researching the ABS part (see post #74) http://mallcrawlin.com/forum/showthread.php?2880-8-8-Install-in-a-ZJ/page3

[ArmyGuy45]

If/when my rear axle decides to give up the ghost, I will be swapping to a Ford 8.8 out of a late 90s explorer. They're very plentiful in the junkyards (CHEAP), stronger than a Dana 44, and the late 90s ones have disc brakes. BUT they ARE C-Clip and require a bit of modification to get the ABS to work. I plan on removing my ABS when I eventually do the swap but I did find this when researching the ABS part (see post #74) http://mallcrawlin.com/forum/showthread.php?2880-8-8-Install-in-a-ZJ/page3

They say the 35c can handle 31's max because of the C Clip, what is the 8.8?

[drakan1908]

The c clips are not really the problem. The 35 has a 7.5 ring gear, small axles and weak axle tubes.

[ArmyGuy45]

The c clips are not really the problem. The 35 has a 7.5 ring gear, small axles and weak axle tubes.

What would you say is the max on tire size?

[4.3LXJ]

There are no bolt ins for the ABS feature. You will have to do some adapting there no matter what you do. You can do a D44 with the ZJ discs, the 8.8 with some welding required, or the 8.25 with liberty discs.

[ArmyGuy45]

There are no bolt ins for the ABS feature. You will have to do some adapting there no matter what you do. You can do a D44 with the ZJ discs, the 8.8 with some welding required, or the 8.25 with liberty discs.

The welding on the 8.8 is relocation of the brackets?

How would you rate the strength of each axle?

[abebehrmann]

The axle shaft strength tested by Warn Ind:
F8.8= 6,500 (lb. ft.)
D44= 4,600-5,000 (lb. ft.)
D35C= 4,000-4,300 (lb. ft.)

Source: http://www.jeepsunlimited.com/forums/showthread.php?371713-8-8-FACTS-OPINIONS-amp-HOW-TO-S-%28F-A-Q-%29

[OrangeXJ]

What would you say is the max on tire size?

I run 37's on my tj with C clips but the axle is built. Have never had a problem with it. I have said this in the past unless you are looking to wheel like the custom crawler's a well built 35 will do just fine. And I have beat the snot out of mine.

[ArmyGuy45]

I run 37's on my tj with C clips but the axle is built. Have never had a problem with it. I have said this in the past unless you are looking to wheel like the custom crawler's a well built 35 will do just fine. And I have beat the snot out of mine.


What is entailed in a well built 35?

[4.3LXJ]

I have a locked 35 and wheel on the rocks with 31s and never had a problem

[ArmyGuy45]

I have a locked 35 and wheel on the rocks with 31s and never had a problem

I was thinking the max I would want to go is 32s. My original plan was to go 32s on a 4.5 lift but now I might pull a tent trailer with the XJ when we go camping. So a 35c pulling a trailer on 32s?

[denverd1]

I was thinking the max I would want to go is 32s. My original plan was to go 32s on a 4.5 lift but now I might pull a tent trailer with the XJ when we go camping. So a 35c pulling a trailer on 32s?
:patriot:
Is your 35 locked? The issues begin when you lock it and throw 100% of rear torque to one axle shaft. I'd expect the trailer to be on mild trails if any, so I dont' think it would be a problem. Keep your tire size reasonable (<35) and you should be fine.

[ArmyGuy45]

:patriot:
Is your 35 locked? The issues begin when you lock it and throw 100% of rear torque to one axle shaft. I'd expect the trailer to be on mild trails if any, so I dont' think it would be a problem. Keep your tire size reasonable (<35) and you should be fine.

Open, for now, though I want to get one.

[OrangeXJ]

What is entailed in a well built 35?

4340 chromolly axle's and Spicer ring and pinion. And it has a OX locker.