dana 35 ok for overlanding?

[Booner]

I'm running a D35 in my 98 Grand 4.0, 138K on the clock. I belong to a local Jeep club (www.hrja.org) and my ZJ is the veteran of many trail rides and camping trips. It has a 3 inch BDS lift with Hankook MT 31s. I drive carefully on and off the road, and have never had an issue with the D35.

 

[IH8RDS]

Another vote for the 8.25. I ran one for a while. No problems at all and will bolt right in. 31" with powertrax no-slip locker is a good combo. I also did the disk brake conversion from junkyard parts. I use an 8.8 now only because it was a good deal already set up with the proper gears and ARB locker.

 

[Desert Dan]

If you can upgrade to a Dana 44 go for it.

I ran a D 35 for 145K miles with 31" tires and and ARB lockers in my YJ with no issues. I did upgrage my axle shafts when I added the lockers.
The c-clip is kind of scary.

Go easy on the clutch and stay with 31" tires and you should be fine with moderate use.

 

[Jeffb79]

Spending money on sprucing up the 35 is just a waste of money.
If you're running locked and smaller than 33" tires, you shouldn't have much problem, especially if the locker is selectable and you're easy on the skinny pedal. Carry extra shafts, they can be had for cheap.

 

[IslandRidge]

I vote for upgrading the D35.. least amount of work and no major mods to setup axle.. if you want something that is more durable then get a better/bigger vehicle platform.. (like a truck)

 

[winkosmosis]

I really wonder what it is people do to break their axle. Are they getting both tires stuck in ruts, since it's an open diff, then flooring it??

 

[IH8RDS]

I really wonder what it is people do to break their axle. Are they getting both tires stuck in ruts, since it's an open diff, then flooring it??

The 35 usually breaks after you install a locker. It cant handle the load/twisting of two wheels with full traction. Imagine the frustration of upgrading a 35 then it break. I would argue to say a 8.25 is stronger out of the box then a upgraded 35.

 

[Jeffb79]

The 35 usually breaks after you install a locker. It cant handle the load/twisting of two wheels with full traction. Imagine the frustration of upgrading a 35 then it break. I would argue to say a 8.25 is stronger out of the box then a upgraded 35.

It might be slightly stronger, but I wouldn't consider it strong enough to waste money upgrading to.
It's kind of like having a D44 and doing an 8.8 axle swap. It doesn't really make sense to go through the trouble of the swap for a minimal gain.

IMHO the D35 is ok with tires 33" or less and an open carrier. As long as you're not the guy that smashes the gas pedal down to make it over every obstacle.. you should be fine. You can get replacement shafts for $25 a piece on craigslist. Keep a few in your rig.

If you want to run 33" or larger tires with a locker, upgrade to a new axle. The 8.8 is a great swap. You can find them for cheap, same lug pattern as your 35 and are available with disk brakes.

 

[winkosmosis]

Everything I've read indicates that the 8.25 is almost as strong as the Dana 44, at least the 29 spline one. So a better analogy might be upgrading the 8.25 to a D44-- waste of time and money.

 

[BIGdaddy]

What size tires are you running??

Coyote canyon can be done in 2wd so if thats the type of trails you are running, the D35 will hold up no problem.

Everyone bashes the D35 but truthfully its a decent axle if you are not crawling the hammers on 40's. Before I got my LJ, I was running a TJ on 32's. I did just about every trail in big bear, Jtree, Anza etc with no problems. Ran those trails for years and never broke a thing.

If you are really worried then get chromoly shafts or a super 35 kit. Don't believe all the hype on the internet. Is it an ideal axle to have? probably not but its also not as bad as most people would have you believe either.

I'm running 235 75r15's right now.

 

[VE2WHZ]

i run with 31mtr wrangler

with d35c

but
i'm arrival at this exp. abitibi cayon
http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=28851

is realy in north on ontario and no garage ...

i will go for swap wiht d44 or 8.8 for make sure min of problem with this

 

[getlost4x4]

Lockers for 8.25"??

I want a selectable locker. The only one i can find is a ARB 29 spline.

are there any others???

 

[Root Moose]

Wasn't there an electric locker by Auburn or Eaton for the 8.25? Sorry, don't remember which.

 

[calamaridog]

Other nice thing about the 8.25 is that you can use Jeep parts to add rear disk brakes (search for how-tos).

The 8.25 on 03+ KJ's has rear disc from the factory, making it even easier.

 

[BIGdaddy]

found a 8.25 for $150.00...hmmm. maybe so.