Do people ask questions like this all the time? Yes. But every situation is a little different.

I have a D35 in the rear, but my ultimate goal is to run 33 inch tires. I'm really in love with the look and stance of 33x10.50x15 and that pretty much leaves me with just two tire options but that's another issue.

I'm going to regear when I get 33s, at least 4.10 or the next step up. Right now I've got 3.07s on 31s and it sucks. I have no plans of doing any further axle mods past the regearing and a front locker. 33x10.50 isn't a common size since most of the time they're 12.5 wide, not sure what kind of difference that makes on axle strain. I'm just wondering if I should invest in strengthening my D35 when I regear so it can better handle the 33s, just leave it alone, or if I should swap in a 29-spline C8.25 or maybe a D44 if I'm blessed enough to find one. I do not have the resources or knowledge to do anything like an 8.8 swap.

I'm looking for input from people who have either run 33s on a D35 or have otherwise broken their D35. If you've just "heard stories" or wanna call it the turdy five, please don't post.

 

find an 8.25. install 4.56 gears

D35 isn't going to explode on 33's. especially without a locker. but here's the logic. at least a gear 8.25 will hold SOME resale value...

 

I'm gonna have to disagree with you there, partly. Anyone can do that swap!

Then i'll have to agree with Atmos on the 8.25. You can take your time with the clean up, brake job and gearing so you can still drive the xj, then when she's all done...bolt in and go!

 

Actually just saw an 8.25 with 4.10 gears for $400 on CL. Is there a reason I never see the 4.20something gear ratio mentioned? Seems like it always jumps from 4.10 or 4.11 to 4.56. The gear ratio charts have one in between though. 4.56 is not out of the question I suppose.

And hank, sometimes I'm pretty retarded when it comes to DIYs. Also, I don't have a welder and I know the 8.8 needs perches and other stuff welded on. If I could do it I'd be all over it.

 

there are 4.10s, then 4.56s. there is nothing in between.

 

I've ran 33s and 35s on my Dana 35 with locrite for the past 3 years and haven't broken anything with 3.55s and I've hit most of the trails at Rausch creek I do have an 8.8 in the yard for it when it does break or I get money for a locker but in the mean time ill leave my great ground clearance

 

Started poking around on CL, found 4.56 gears for the D30 and D35 for only $150. It has ring and pinion gears for each. If I got this, I would need new carriers for both. Would that be it?

 

I have a turdy five in my 91 wheeled it with 31s no problem. It does have 3.73s though and its not like I was rock crawling.

You said you have 3.07s so its a 5 speed right? Then iirc 33s on a 5spd goes good with 4.10s. Even 3.73s would be a big step up.

Anyways, at the very least I would swap in an 8.25 like said its not worth investing $$$ into a 35.

 

I'm running 33" BFG A/T's on my 2001 that has a D35 in it, & have just started on my 8.25 swap (you can check out my build). My theroy is, the D35 will be okay except for that one time. For me i know (from past history) that the 1 time my axle snaps i'll be in the middle of nowhere. Grab a 8.25 29 spline, they go for $50 to $200 around me, spend the money for regearing on the 8.25. The rear axles are really easy to swap out.

Option #2 if you wanted to stick with a D35, check out the for sale section. I think I saw a D35 with an Ox locker & regeared couple months ago for like $600.00 or there abouts. OX locker alone is worth every penny & you'd just need some new U bolts

For me I'm going with 4.56 gears to run my 33" tires..

Good Luck

 

The only thing that scares me is the price of regearing. From a vendor on here, I was quoted over 600 dollars for new gears and carriers for my axles. Finding these 4.56 gears for just 150 is REALLY appealing because of that. I would just need new carriers still...

 

4.56s for $150 ? Front and rear? Where are you finding this?

 

Yes front and rear. Found them used on CL. Guy said he'd take 120

It's two hours away but I'll take my motorcycle to save on gas.

 

Oh lol. OK I was gonna say $150 for a new set it crazy good!

I'm actually going to pick up a set of 4.88s today for $150 one for d30 brand new and other used for an 8.8

Sweeeeet

 

Nice. Any idea what a set of carriers would cost me? If the break is 3.73, don't autos have that? Could I get them from a JY XJ?

 

Autos with tow package. Every time I see one the pumpkins are empty though.