As title suggests I am wondering what is the best stock rear end on a jeep? Looks like I have the Dana 35, how does that rate? 190k and going strong(knock on wood). Also I have read at least 20-25 posts on saggy leaf springs. I don't want to add a leaf or do the shackle lift and then a couple months down the road I am back to where i started. Where can I find the cheapest leaf springs that will last at least half as long as the stock ones did.
Thank you,
Lee

 

Alot of Cherokee's have the Chrysler 8.25 rear end which is a little better than your Dana 35.

 

does a dana 35 sound right for a 96 cherokee? I looked at the picture diagram someone had of all the rear ends and that was the closest one to what I have from what I can tell.

 

 

Also, I think those are in order from least to best, starting with the Dana 35

 

Your 96 could have either. The 29 spline Chrysler rear end is better. The later models have the 29 spline. The earlier Chrysler 8.25 has 27 splines.

 

If you are not sure which one you have you can call a Jeep dealer give them the last 9 of your vin and they can tell you what you have.

 

thats a better pic then the last one I have it might be a Chrysler then... I will have to look again. any ideas on leaf springs or should i start a separate thread. Was hoping to kill 2 birds with 1 stone.

 

http://www.generalspringkc.com/index...arent=142&pg=1

http://www.4wd.com/Jeep-Lift-Kits-Je...pn=OAI18280.17

http://thejeephut.com/leaf-spring-re...l#.Tym9KPm6C0c

here's a few places. just google it. i have no experience with any of them but im thinking of ordering a 3" set from jeephut i believe the above links are for stock ride height. hope this helps

 

The Dana 44 is considered to be better than the Chrysler 8.25. The other two pictured aren't even stock... though good swaps, the Dana 60 is better than the Ford 8.8.

Here is a picture of how to identify a Chrysler 8.25:


The axle tube on the Dana 35 is only 2.5" diameter where the Chrysler is 3".

 

Chrysler 8.25" 29 spline is a very solid axle, but a Dana44 from an 87-89 XJ is even better. It's stronger and has much better after market support.

You really can't ask about the Best and Cheapest in the same sentance, they are mutually exclusive.

Deaver and Alcan are the creme of the crop if you can afford the price tag, $450-$550 for a set.

Check out the RE springs on my site, I think the price is a bit easier to swallow and the quality is outstanding.

 

I have a chrysler 8.25 in my 97. How do I tell if its a 27 or 29 spline and why is the 29 better? Finer gears that are harder to strip or break?

 

97 and newer are equipped with the 29 spline shafts.

 

Quadratec has good springs at reasonable prices. Their springs are made by Crown.

 

i guess what i mean is the best quality leaf springs for the cheapest price like different brands or w/e. I know I have seen some on ebay for about 85$ a leaf spring. can't believe some simple pieces of metal get that expensive. I know I should replace the bushings as well, is there anything else I should do at the same time? I think the shackles I recall?
Thanks everyone for your input it is greatly appreciated. I'll check the rear end in the morning but I'm leaning towards the chrysler rear end as the one that is in mine.
Thanks,
Lee