I have a D35.
My intention is to replace it but where I live can't find C8.25 or 8.8. The only option is to import one and it's a PITA the whole process (cost of shipping,custom,taxes,etc).

I wheel in sand/mud, no rocks. Actually have 30" MT and largest tire I will put (because it's what I can find here) are 32x11 or 33x10.

I've read that D35 is weak (or the weakest axle in any 4x4). So far I have been wheeling for a year with no problems. But again, I don't do rock crawling.

Is there any way to do it stronger (better shafts, etc) to support that size tires and a selectable locker or does not worth the money and take the long way (replace it).

Superior Axle has a kit where the shafts are the same size as stock d44 shafts (1.23 at the narrow part ) and 30spline, and come with a Detroit locker or arb depending on kit.


Your ring and pinion will become the weak link. But should be plenty strong enough for 33's

Im sure you have a tough time finding axles where you live and no disrespect to n20 but I wouldn't put any money into that d35. I would weld the spiders and look for a replacement on Craigslist, and through networking(friends of friends uncles etc.). What gears do you have? Ill strip my old Dana 35 and give you the ring and pinion,carrier, and shafts if you decide to go cheap and weld it.

There is a thread created on this subject like every 3 days.

maybe a truss would help, the tubes flex breaking axle shafts

my friend wheeled on a dana 35 with a super 35 kit and truss. he wheeled it on 33s for years with no issues, it wasn't until he stepped up to 35s when the ring and pinion finally went out.

if 33s are your max tire size i'd say you could probably make the d35 live (with a super 35 kit and truss), but who knows

I wouldn't lock a 35. I snapped axle shafts on my Tj and Yj with 33's locked on d35's.

I'm gonna weld mine as soon asI can afford gears

I've run a D35 in mine for about 5 years. Please don't blast me, I was young and nieve. However, I equipped it with a Super 35 kit with a Detroit Locker and full truss. The 2.5 5 speed with 32" BFG M/T's with a light foot don't provide much stress. I am in process of locating a 8.25 to build to replace it if/when the D35 gives upmthe ghost.

A superior 35 kit is plenty for 33's

I know that 'never' is a hard word but, it's almost impossible that I put in the future 35". Are insanely expensive and maybe an overkill for the trails where I wheel.

I have 3.07 (MT 6cyls) but I will regear to 4.10 or 4.56.

I'have to do numbers, but if I have to put alloy shafts and truss the axle probably I will spend the same money that with a C8.25.

If e-locker would be available for C8.25 I would swap without thinking it too much.

Thanks for the answers.

Oh I know its plenty I'm just saying its not as cost effective when you could search for an 8.25 and than lock it. IMHO buying a super 35 is like polishing a turd.

Oh and really it all depends on how hard you are on the skinny and what type of trails you run.

Che, pibe!