How bad is the DANA 35
Herp Derp Jerp
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 18,251
Likes: 17
From: Parham, ON
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L OBD-II
Depends on how tough you are on it. I believe something like an LSD or open diff with up to 33" tires is alright, probably 31" if you do something like a lunchbox locker. It's once you get hammering on the things that they fail. But fine for DD duty and light wheelin'
Member
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 118
Likes: 0
From: Victoria BC
Year: 1994
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 HO
if you plan to wheel at all, i would start looking for a Chrysler 8.25 or a Ford 9.5 but just wait until you find a great deal on one. The 35 is kindra crappy, it will work, just run it till you find something for the right price, no crazy rush or anyting, just dont sink any money in it!!!! dont bother to upgrade it, either of the previous rears stock are far better than a built up 35 cause they strong are super cheap.
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 512
Likes: 1
From: Bellevue, WA
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
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MJ>XJ
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 17,836
Likes: 7
From: Griffin, G.A.
Year: 1990
Model: Comanche
Engine: 4.0 I6
Originally Posted by CPCP-94XJ
if you plan to wheel at all, i would start looking for a Chrysler 8.25 or a Ford 9.5 but just wait until you find a great deal on one. The 35 is kindra crappy, it will work, just run it till you find something for the right price, no crazy rush or anyting, just dont sink any money in it!!!! dont bother to upgrade it, either of the previous rears stock are far better than a built up 35 cause they strong are super cheap.
Originally Posted by freegdr
older non c clip ones appear to be stronger than newer non c clip one
All this being said... People wheel them and never a problem... Personally I have changed one on a stock wrangler owned by old people that was being towed behind a rv.. Busted a shaft... wheel and tire came off... He stopped... Picked up his wheel and tire... And drug the jeep to the shop till half the axle tube was ground away... Lol...
I would NOT invest money in aftermarket stuff for one... But I would drive it till it broke then upgrade it... Or if someone gave me a free upgrade id then swap it out... Dont fix it till its broke or free...
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 774
Likes: 7
From: Lowell, MI
Year: 2001
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
In stock trim, you're fine. Run anything over a 31" locked and kaboom, run anything over a 33" open and kaboom. Basically, if all you do is drive to and from work on stock tires, don't bother swapping it out till you hear it making noise then change it immediately.
CF Veteran
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 21,168
Likes: 5
From: Milwaukee, WI
Year: 1987
Engine: Check
CF Veteran
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,530
Likes: 1
From: Culpeper VA
Year: 91/96
Model: Cherokee
Thing to do is just read up and make the opinion for yourself. Ppl will say no probs and others will say BOOM and wheels fall off and Nuns die.
I have had 2 xj's with d35 and never a prob. My other one had a 8.25 and no probs. Some get lucky and some don't.
I have had 2 xj's with d35 and never a prob. My other one had a 8.25 and no probs. Some get lucky and some don't.
CF Veteran
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 12,367
Likes: 23
From: Oroville, CA
Year: 1995
Model: Grand Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 with all of the noise and clatter
If you drive like you have a canned ham for a foot you will most likely break a D35 when you're off the road. It will not just randomly explode while going through the Wendy's drive-thru. I would not spend the money on upgrading it only to make it almost as good as the 8.25.