Can I swap out the Dana 35 in the rear of my '96 Cherokee with a Dana 35 from a '98 TJ? Are they the same? I've searched but can't seem to find the answer. Please be kind if this is a stupid question. I new at this.

 

i THINK that the one out of the tj is more narrow but if you are doin it cause it has a locker in it just pull out the locker and as long as the spline count is the same it should fit

 

There both the same width.

Problem is a TJ is coils sprung in the rear and the XJ is leafs.

You'd have to cut all teh TJ crap off and put spring perches on.

 

The TJ has coil springs and the XJ has leaf springs. So you would need to cut off the TJ perches & weld on XJ perches. Since I don't know anything else about TJs, that's the best I can tell ya.

 

why would you want to swap your 35 for another 35?

 

I'm with this guy. I'd scrap the 35 and find an 8.25.

 

they are a dime a dozen maybe.....

 

A lot of work for no gain in strength, not a good idea, IMHO!! If you are cool with that much work, find an 8.8, and go to town. When you are done, you will have a stout axle!! The D35 is not worth any work!!

 

Thanks for the help. You answered my question and then some. I didn't know TJ's had coils in the rear. Yes, the one from the TJ had a locker which is why I wanted it. So, should I look for an 8.25 and get rid of my D35? What about the ABS?

 

Well now, you'll lose your ABS. I found that one out when I did research before my own D35/8.25 swap. Ticked me off, but ya learn to live with it. You'll be pumpin' dem brakes!

 

I'm not too concerned with losing the ABS. There's something to be said about a device that prevents the wheels from stopping no matter how hard you push on the brake. lol
My concern is with the computer and the ABS light? Won't it throw codes preventing me from getting an inspection sticker?

 

ABS is only good in mall crawlers and soccer mom minivans.

 

I dunno if your XJ is OBD 1 or 2, but there is no code in my '92. However my "Check Antilock" light is on. In Jersey this will not prevent you from passing inspection (so I've been told). Can't speak from experience, nor for other states. Anyway you could just pull the ABS fuse to disable the light.

 

Swapping in a Dana 35 is like going out of your way to step in dog crap.

 

now thats the correct answer