Cherokee SA

Hi Guys

I have a d30 front (27 spline with chromo's) and d35 rear (30 spline alloy's) in my 96 xj,
I am locked front and rear running 33" with 4.56 ratios, both axles have been reinforced but still worries about my rear axle. In South Africa axle swaps is not so easy as there is not many if any options lying around, so my question is that if i purchase a set of ARB HD diff covers would that be a worthwile excersice or not?

I do 4x4 challenges and some technical wheeling but try not bounce or bump anything..

Your help would be greatly appreciated!

xj wheeler

Yes, in the since that you won't bust it open as easy as the stock cover. But any strength added to the housing would be minimal at best. And with their price, i would look at some other companies. Ruffstuff, Riddler, and a few more companies make some fine pieces as well that are nearly have as much. But i don't know if you can get those down there.

yarom

There are countless products that offer similar protection at a reasonable price. Absolutely no reason to buy the overly expensive ARB covers... I got Terraflex covers at half the price...

zr2toxj

Any of the HD covers will help minimize housing flex. I really wanted to get the ARB's because of the dipstick/drain plug in them, but I couldn't justify that much money, so I bought Solid covers. It made a difference in the front. With the stock cover, the seal housing for my ARB would hiss a little if I got twisted up in the rocks. I installed the Solid covers and Lubelocker gaskets and noticed a difference right away.

I do like the ARB covers, I just wish they were less money.

OttawaXJ

HD covers will help minimize issues with the housing.. that being said. There are far better and cheaper options than an ARB. Grab another D35 Diff cover, go to a welding shop and tell them to duplicate it but with 1/4 and 3/8th inch and you'll have a considerably stronger diff cover than an ARB for around the same price that way. OR buy a Riddler, Ruff stuff, etc and they'll all be around the same strength for much less.

ZINGGG

I still kick myself to this day for buying an ARB cover. Way overpriced. I do like though how they have strong magnets on the fill and drain plugs. I don't know who else does that, if anyone.

So yeah, go with a different brand

JerrytheJeep

Solid axle industries has em for 65 bucks I believe, 1/2" nodular iron. Either that or they were on sale and I should have grabbed em then....

EDIT: just verified cost, lifetime warranty too.

Cherokee SA

Thanx guys for the help..

Is it only Arb that offers the drain plug and dipstick?And is there anything else you would recomend on how to strengthen up an d35 diff?

xj wheeler

Several have fill plugs, its pretty much mandatory. But as far as i know ARB is the only one to have a dipstick, but its also easy just to stick your finger in there to check.

You can add a truss. Many companies offer then but here's TNTs link to show you - http://www.tntcustoms.com/rear_axle_...J/Dana_35.aspx



Upgraded shafts would be worth while as well.

Guys, can he sleeve this axle?

JerrytheJeep

Not worth it! If you want to strengthen your axle I highly recommend finding at least an 8.25. Then build that up. You'll spend about as much but you'll have a stronger axle

xj wheeler

Problem is that he's over in south Africa and says axles to swap in are hard to get.