Hello. I've been scouting the local salvage yards for a new rear for my 94 XJ and have a few likely ones picked out but I have been running into a lot of the Dana 35's. What was the reasoning behind Jeep using these if they are so inferior to the heavier 8.25? If someone just uses their Jeep as a daily driver and does no off-roading or towing ex would this lighter rear in anyway increase fuel milage?

 

They were cheap to buy from Dana.
Not enough of a weight difference to make a dramatic change in MPG.

 

If your not doing some pretty hard wheeling with 33+ tires the Dana 35 is great. They aren't as weak as everyone makes them out to be. One major advantage is that parts/entire axles are cheap to replace

 

we're on 33" tires,. 5.5 inch RE lift with the stock D35... it gets me to work every day, and we off road every couple of months or so during the year. We are aware of the reputation, but it's easy to find parts for if we ever have problems, and so far it's done just fine. Several we wheel with also have D35 and haven't had any issues yet either. We have fun, but we try to take care of our stuff too.

 

cheap and easy to find

 

+1

daily driver and moderate wheeling Dana 35s are fine

 

I have an extra 29 spline 8.25 with factory 4.10 gears in my garage if your interested.

 

I might be interested as it would save me removing one in the salvage yard with just found jacks and hand tools. (Once I have it in hand I can use the forklift and stands etc at work to swap it out easier) What do you want for it and how can I get it? Thanks