Can I switch the gear ratio from 3:55 to 4:10 without a different carrier for the front drive?
Could I junkyard a different complete higher ratio axle without compromising my dana 35 rear end??

 

You'll really screw up your entire drivetrain if you have different gear ratios front and back. And I'm pretty sure the ratio break for the Dana 30 front is 4:10 so you would need a new carrier. When I say pretty sure, I could be very wrong haha. So hopefully somebody will jump in here.

 

You do need a different carrier for the 4.10s.
You cannot put different gears in the front without changing out the rear gears.
Find yourself an older XJ that had a 4 cyl. and manual trans and there is a very good chance you will find your 4.10 geared axles.

 

I have a ring 39 pinion 11 that is shot! the case is stamped 3:55 610321-10, 53005043 AND what would that tell me??
Can I keep that carrier with it's good gears and upgrade/change to what ratios?? What would be the limit for my carrier?
I appreciate any info as I have not done this kind of work since I was a kid.

 

You have 3.55's