Wheeling with a rear D35?
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Joined: Jul 2011
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From: Chuluota
Year: 2001
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
I knew my XJ had ABS when I bought it, I did not know this meant I had a D35 until the u bolts I bought for my leafs were too big (tube wise). Any ways, should I be concerned wheeling with it. I currently have a 3" and 30s, and don't do any serious crawling, more just mud and flexing, but like to hit up Jeep event trails. Can I disable to ABS and put in an 8.25? WOuld that even be worth it if possible?
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Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 822
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From: orrville ohio
Year: 1994
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
i weel a 1994 xj country with 4.5 inch lift and 33x9.50x16 tires it has a d35 in rear and d30 up front the d35 has a traclock and the d30 has a spartan locker i do mostly trail riding and rock crawling and have had 0 problems with either one oh yea im running 3.55 gears too that are stock with 221k miles on the rig i never play in mud holes but i ride and crawl hard i figure i will run this set up til it breaks then upgrade to a 8.8 with disk in the rear and 4.10 gears for a lil more low end grunt
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Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 2,433
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From: Northern MN
Year: 1990
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: Renix 4.0
32s are about where you want to think about 8.25s or D44s. I have also had zero problems with mine on 31s and 3.55s with 250k miles. Really you can build it up with a truss and Super 35 kit but for that price you might as well upgrade.
Just be careful flexing as the small tubes are prone to bending.
Just be careful flexing as the small tubes are prone to bending.
CF Veteran
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 2,433
Likes: 6
From: Northern MN
Year: 1990
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: Renix 4.0
Now that i think of it, $1200 doesn't seem so bad when you're getting 30 spline alloy shafts, a rebuild kit, and an ARB locker if that's what you're wanting to do.
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Thread Starter
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Joined: Jul 2011
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From: Chuluota
Year: 2001
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
All very good info guys thanks, I don't think I will go over 31s on this rig, so I guess I will just keep it until it breaks. WHich hopefully it doens't haha
CF Veteran
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 1,045
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From: Oceanside So Cal
Year: 88
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0 renix
My turdy five is going strong at 212***miles and 31's. After all the horror stories of 35'sbreaking...i plan on wheeling the hell out of mine till it breaks. Then swapping with a official opnion on what a turd it is.
If every story of one dying were true..and not worth rebuilding..i dont think there would be any left.
But then again..with enough HP/gear reduction..you can break anything.
If every story of one dying were true..and not worth rebuilding..i dont think there would be any left.

But then again..with enough HP/gear reduction..you can break anything.
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Joined: Jun 2010
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From: austin texas
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
You will prob be good, just keep an eye on you rearend. I went wheeling last weekend and on the way home a axle slid out on a corner at 60. The tire and axle almost hit a oncoming car. This happend on a non c clip Dana 35. Just keep an eye on it there death traps!


