Dana 35 Help
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 42
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From: Indiana
Year: 2001
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
alright so im on a tight budget but i can get just enough money to get a nice lift and tires but my cherokee has the d35-c clip sadly. I want to run 32's on a 4.5 inch lift but im scared that ill screw over my d35. I've seen some diff. axle shafts and things but is there anything i can do to stiffin up my d35 because i dont have enough money for a new axle. I'd only do mild trails to. no rocks or hardcore trailing.
Just run it. As long as you have a brain you will be fine on 32's. Yes that means if you have blown up a 35 on 32's you eather can wheel only as good as I spell. (meaning you suck) or your just dumb.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 42
Likes: 0
From: Indiana
Year: 2001
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
im just new...ill just have to be light on the peddle i guess which you cant really do peel outs and **** with all terrains...i think. Would axle shafts hurt it tho cause i really dont ever want to **** with my axle
You can do brake stands until you run out of tire. Your safe. If you run 35's then you will need an up grade. The only thing to watch for is if your tire starts to hop then get out of the throttle and now. Do that and you are good.
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 908
Likes: 1
From: SIERRA VISTA AZ
Year: 1992
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L 6 CYL
I had 32 in swampers on my first 94 ZJ with d35 and 5.2 v8 and it did fine and i even towed a lot with it. OH and yes i wheeled it. You shold be ok unless you like to hammer it.
There was two pages of debate pretty much all centered around d35 and spline cut direction... All said and done some said go for it and others said don't do any wheeling with it... My .02 would be that any wheeling in a stock xj (even lifted and with oversized tires) is subject to some pretty expensive repairs. If it's your DD then be extra careful. Avoid excessive mud and take it easy over the bumps. I thought I was going pretty easy on mine; weekend wheeling usually not over 10 miles off road. But as it turns out I was usin it pretty hard. Like I said, my .02.
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Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 908
Likes: 1
From: SIERRA VISTA AZ
Year: 1992
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L 6 CYL
Yes i followed that one too. My 92 xj still has the stock d30 and 4.88 with a true trac and 36 in tires and i dont play easy. yes breakage can and will happen but in the last 7 years i have broken only two u joints which one did take the ear of the outer stub. and i love the mud and jump in anytime i can. these things are tougher than ppl give them credit for.
Just my .02 worth. It is also a DD right now and i would trust it to drive to any trail and then back home.
Just my .02 worth. It is also a DD right now and i would trust it to drive to any trail and then back home.
Well it's true, 32s are a lot less stressful than 36s. You can add around 100 lbs rotational weight for every inch of tire height. But the 32s would not add nearly that much weight. Generally it's when you hit the 35 and up mark I think... Like I said, my .02
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 908
Likes: 1
From: SIERRA VISTA AZ
Year: 1992
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L 6 CYL
I look at it this way too. Yes they will break but so will any axle in the right or (wrong situation). It was put in the grand cherokee with the 5.2 v8 and most ppl used them as there tow vehicle for years. I was way harder on the 5.2 than the 4.0 and it held up fine. If you use good sense and upgrade if and when you can or if or when it breaks. all my breakage i can narrow it down to one thing (the driver) was too hard on the skinny pedal.
CF Veteran
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 4,968
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From: Salt Lake City, UT
Year: 2000
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
My opinion (take for what you want) is that I wouldn't drop a penny into a D35. if you want to regear/lock it just get a 8.25/D44, if a bearing goes out get a 8.25/D44. Used axles are cheap and makes it not worth putting money into the D35. But it should hold up to 32's open without a problem. I wouldn't worry or stress over it being there, just enjoy the lift and wheel it. Once the bug bites a bit deeper (33's+/Locker) just keep an eye out for a 8.25 for cheap.


