I do not know if there is a thread out there for this but I will check in a few minutes.

Thinking on which way I want to go for my xj. So lets get technical here: a super 35 kit brings my pinion shaft to 1.31". The standard dana 44 is 1.375". But if i use a JK or Nissan dana 44 they used a 1.625" diameter. So if i did swap it'd have to be a 1.625"

But I have not checked to see if I would have to modify the overall length of a jk or nissan axle for a perfect fit under my xj.

Does anyone have experience with a super 35 kit?

 

pinion shaft is far from being a weak point. so thats a pretty silly argument. a 44 with a locker and alloy shafts has the same strength shafts as a super 35. but everything else is stronger, for less money.

 

Thats the kind of information im looking for.

Ive heard that upgrading the axle components is ok in a 35 but what becomes the weak point thereafter is the shaft. Thus thats my determination factor. Anyone can throw a locker in an axle but i care about every component.

So please educate me

 

The 44 housing is much stronger, plus you have the option with some lockers to upgrade to 35 spline shafts. More gear ratios available for the 44 too.

 

Thank you 4.3 L Xj. I think the 44 would be best - common sense says its easier to find parts on a common application rather than an entire kit.

Whats your take on the 8.8 ?

 

The 8.8 is comparable to the 44. It would be cheaper than the 44 but does not have as much aftermarket support. Also, it is a C clip axle, the 44 is not and for that reason is a better choice in my opinion.

 

Nooooooo way i want to swap an axle and keep a c clip!

 

Yup, C clips rock

 

The Super 35 kit doesn't change the pinion shaft diameter, it changes the axle shaft diameter from 1.17 to 1.31 inch diameter. The pinion shaft stays at its original diameter which is the same as the D/44s. The explorer 8.8 axle is actually stronger than a stock D/44, and if you get a latter model it will have disc brakes and there are c-clip eliminators for the explorer 8.8.

 

I have had some parts breaking jeeps with D44 rears and known plenty of hard core racers that never twisted a pinion shaft. You will loose the teeth first. I have bent an axle on a CJ. That was on an engine with a very heavy flywheel and 15.5" wide tires. Some good axles fixed that and never had another problem.

 

4.3 Yeah, I've never had a problem with the pinion in a D?44 either. The OP stated that the Super 35 kit changed his pinion shaft diameter, it doesn't, it changes the axle shaft diameter. The D/35 and D/44 both have the same pinion diameter. The 35s biggest problem is the crappy little ring gear and axle tube size that lets housing flex and pulls the ring and pinion apart.

 

Damn good info!

 

I agree. Which is why I will be changing mine out before going to larger tires.

 

I cant tel you how many super 35 kits I have seen break. I alwyas love when they say " I am not worried about it I have a super 35 SOme throttle and a few bounces later


Best bang for the bucks is the ford 8.8. I can honestly say I Have never seen a c lip failure/axle failure on a 8.8.


The XJ d44 is a good deal too if you want infinite aftermarket support. Down side is to run disc brakes you have to spend a few dollars, and some ppl think they are "Rare" and up the price on them.

Look under Isuzu, and honda passports as well as XJ's and MJ's. DO yourself a favor weld tubes to the pumpkin, and add some kind of truss to it.

 

Sweet advice. Thank you!