Author Topic: Newb axle questions (Read 2806 times)

Broich · « **on:** July 20, 2006, 10:36:11 PM »

(As posted in 4Wheeler - wanted more opinions....)

Jeep Newb here that bought a 2000 Tj with a 4" susp. lift and 35's. I'm trying to decide what to do with the axle situation. It's only got the d35 and d30. No locker and no posi. I'm new to the jeep thing but i'm amazed that they come with open diffs outta the factory. Not even a posi or nothing.

So what do i do, what are my choices? Put lockers front and rear, but then won't i need to do full axle kits front and rear too? I've researched and read lots but would like a straight up opinion or two. I really like the idea of keeping everyting "JEEP" as i had a Frankenstein Ford f350 previous with so many different year parts on her it was really anoying after a while.

I've since purchase, mounted proper bumpers front and rear w/ a 9000# warn in the front. But i'm nerveous about the open diffs. Money is always a problem as we all know, so the suggestion of spend it all would be better if there was another option or two...

And i'm mostly doing easy to moderate trails as to not break anything bad as it is soon to be a neccesary daily drive as well.

Thanks guys,

Jeep Newb D

yjcanibul · « **Reply #1 on:** July 20, 2006, 11:24:31 PM »

I wouldnt put any $ into your d35, I ran 33" tires and a d35 w/ltd slip for many years with what sounds like similar wheeling you have in mind with no problems, a locker killed it ...

I wouldnt put a locker in front on a daily driver unless you can unlock hubs, pull a lever or push a button to open it up ...

Ditto on the rear if your going to drive it in winter ....

apex · « **Reply #2 on:** July 20, 2006, 11:24:33 PM »

1 vote for a ford 8.8 with at least a LSD.

BlackYJ · « **Reply #3 on:** July 21, 2006, 07:47:41 AM »

It all depends on how you drive with the D35. I drove 2 years with my D35, ARB and 33 SSRs with no problems. I also wheel with a guy that runs his D35 with ARB and 35 MTRs so it can be done. HOWEVER, if you like the skinny pedal, the D35 will not last. Don't waste your money on upgraded axle shafts or trusses. I just upgraded my D35 with a ford 8.8 w/discs from National for a pretty resonable price. You would be best trying to find a TJ D44 (try Jeep Stuff) or use a Ford 8.8

The D30 is fine, no problems, lock it up and enjoy. The D30 is the same spline count as the D35 but it is a lot stronger plus you have the larger 297x u-joints

Bnine · « **Reply #4 on:** July 21, 2006, 08:34:22 AM »

You can look for a used TJ 44, put ZJ or Rubicon brakes on it if you want disks.

You can get a rubi 44 off of ebay. Tough setting up the air system, but still doable.

You can buy an empty TJ 44 housing for about 500$ and fill it.

You can get an 8.8

Tons of options out there. Personally I'd recommend the 44 housing and filling with the parts you actually want. Then you've done it once.

But it all depends on your budget. 8.8 is the cheapest option of them all.

ramtuff · « **Reply #5 on:** July 21, 2006, 10:50:49 AM »

Quote from: "bnine"

You can get a rubi 44 off of ebay. Tough setting up the air system, but still doable.

the air system is easy. just get a locker pump from DC and wire it to a swicth with a relay. the pumps are self regulating and very quiet.

I've seen lots of guys run the Super 35 kit and they work great. Probly one of the cheaper options. It gets you a locker and 30 spline axle shafts. add your new ste of gears and you have a complete strong package.

Bnine · « **Reply #6 on:** July 21, 2006, 11:05:19 AM »

Quote from: "ramtuff"

Quote from: "bnine"
You can get a rubi 44 off of ebay. Tough setting up the air system, but still doable.

the air system is easy. just get a locker pump from DC and wire it to a swicth with a relay. the pumps are self regulating and very quiet.

I've seen lots of guys run the Super 35 kit and they work great. Probly one of the cheaper options. It gets you a locker and 30 spline axle shafts. add your new ste of gears and you have a complete strong package.

Yeah, I mean its more of pain cause you set all that up and still dont ahve an air system. And it uses solenoids, electrical, yadda yadda.

I just did super 35 and 30. Used a viar, regulator, and mechanical air switches. Simple, and doubles as a OBA system.

I didnt vote the super 35 since he's already on 35's and that might be a bit of stretch for the lil RnP. But you're right, it is a valid option. Specially in this area.

yjcanibul · « **Reply #7 on:** July 21, 2006, 01:05:42 PM »

sounds like 8.8 or tj d44 are neck in neck - all sound like good options

price them out then decide , try jeep parts for used tj 44 calgary 681 5337

I am surprised the 8.8 is cheaper than a used tj d44 to get rolling, figured with bracket rework etc 8.8 would be more, the tj should just bolt right in - just match the fr gears and $locker of your choice which would also apply to the 8.8 ...

I used a d44 out of a 87 cherokee ( metric ton ) I got from jeep parts
, dealt with brakes/brackets myself - with 2" drums it stops me better than it did stock ... had a shop weld/install it ... reasonable and totally happy ...

BlackYJ · « **Reply #8 on:** July 21, 2006, 01:19:40 PM »

Quote from: "yjcanibul"

sounds like 8.8 or tj d44 are neck in neck - all sound like good options

price them out then decide , try jeep parts for used tj 44 calgary 681 5337

I am surprised the 8.8 is cheaper than a used tj d44 to get rolling, figured with bracket rework etc 8.8 would be more, the tj should just bolt right in - just match the fr gears and $locker of your choice which would also apply to the 8.8 ...

I used a d44 out of a 87 cherokee ( metric ton ) I got from jeep parts
, dealt with brakes/brackets myself - with 2" drums it stops me better than it did stock ... had a shop weld/install it ... reasonable and totally happy ...

Actually it is Jeep Stuff. The nice thing about the 8.8 is you can get it stock with disc brakes which can be a pricy upgrade. Also it is stronger than the D44 but there are lots of write-ups weighing the pros and cons for both. The TJ D44 can be a pricy these days, but it is definitely the easier of the 2 swaps

yjcanibul · « **Reply #9 on:** July 21, 2006, 05:11:59 PM »

yes jeep stuff ... I was just there to get a tailgate so think I would remember ... :oops:

http://www.jeepstuff.8m.com/index.html

Broich · « **Reply #10 on:** July 23, 2006, 10:44:37 PM »

Thanks for all the info guys. Just gotta figured it out and make a decision.

D

NS-jeeper · « **Reply #11 on:** July 24, 2006, 10:58:32 AM »

What about the d44 rear out of an XJ? There relitivly cheap.

BlackYJ · « **Reply #12 on:** July 24, 2006, 11:25:33 AM »

Quote from: "NS-jeeper"

What about the d44 rear out of an XJ? There relitivly cheap.

Cheap maybe, but the cost to add all the brackets, very expensive. If you are doing that you might as well go with an 8.8 with discs.

Author Topic: Newb axle questions (Read 2806 times)

Broich

yjcanibul

yjcanibul

yjcanibul

Broich