So I have a 2000 Cherokee with a dana 35 that the pinion bearing is worn out. I figure since I have to do this might as well look at lifts and axle upgrades at the same time while I'm in there. I'm not doing any crawling and basically just want a daily driver. Maybe something that I can do a few camping trips in and get up to the ski resort in the winter. The 35 is good enough for that kind of thing isnt it?

Is it worth it to upgrade to the 44? or the 8.8? How much modification do you have to do to get them to fit? If I found a Cherokee with a dana 44 would that just be a straight bolt in? I'm also looking at getting a 2 or 2.5 inch lift with 30' tires. Is that a small enough lift that the 35 would handle it for what I'm looking for? I'm also thinking if I upgrade it'll be a junk yard find that hopefully everything lasts on or just rebuild the 35 and have it all brand new.

So, yeah is it worth it? Do I need it? Any tips would help. Thanks

 

30" tires should fit even at stock height, so with 2-2.5" there should be plenty of room.

The Dana 44 from another XJ is direct bolt in, just be sure to grab the driveshaft with it, as the length could be slightly different. The 8.8 will require modification by adding spring perches for the leaf springs and correct shock attachment points.

The D35 should be enough for what you are wanting to do. Upgrades are nice but see what the price is versus repairing the one you have. You can also upgrade to better shafts and carrier if you want on the D35, but with 30" tires you shouldn't be putting enough stress on it to kill it.

 

.....in conclusion, no its not worth it.

 

good luck finding a 44, they are rare and probably not same ratio as ur front axle. just fix the 35 & roll w/ it.

 

Just get a 97 up 8.25. Its almost as strong as a 44 & bolt in. I know a guy who beats the crap out of his with stock shafts. Don't forget the drive shaft.

 

Agreed! Surprised it took four posts for someone to post this.

 

Taking it to the mechanic tomorrow so probably will depend on cost. Good to know the options though. Thanks for the tips.

 

A good jy 8.25 will be about $200. The master rebuild kit for the 35 will be about $120, more if the shop gets it for you. Labor to rebuild the 35 will be at least $300.
So, you'll have $400+ in a terrible axle or $200 for a much better axle.
Take the $200, get you some tools & install it yourself. It will take you 1/2 a day to remove/replace it.

 

^^^Totally this^^^

 

Thought about that but I'm in New York City and don't have a garage or yard, so anything I do would be on the street. I've done some things that way but tearing off the rear end might be a little much. Don't even want to think what the tow fee for that would be if they took it.

 

Totally get it.
Just don't get boned by the mechanic.

 

Were 3.73 gears common in the 97 and up 8.25? Thought about getting rid of my D35, but don't want to have to fool with the front also.

 

I believe that all 4.0s with autos came with 3.55s & 5 speeds came with 3.07s. Most all 4 bangers came with 4.10s but 4.56 was a option on the older XJs.

 

I believe 3.73 is a Grand Cherokee gear ratio.

 

Cbs it is for the v8 grands
Jeep XJs came in several standard gearing ratios:

• 3.07:1, manual transmission, I6 engine.
• 3.54:1, automatic transmission, I6 engine with Dana 44 rear differential
• 3.54:1, manual transmission, I4 engine with Dana 35 rear differential
• 3.55:1, automatic transmission, I6, inline 6 engines; manual transmission, I4 engine
• 3.73:1, automatic transmission, I6, tow package, UpCountry package, 2.5 VM diesel manual
• 4.10:1, 2.5L I4 engine, V6 manual transmission
• 4.56:1, automatic transmission, I4, offroad or tow package