What is the stock rear end in a 97 wrangler sport with the 4.0L . I keep getting different answer i would like to know for sure cause I'm getting ready to buy a locker and I don't want to buy the wrong one. Thanks for any help anyone can give.

The Dana 35 is the usual stock rear axle; the original buyer could order an optional Dana 44 rear axle. The two axles are obviously different in appearance.

Fred wasn't the 44 one of the upgrades that was in the Sport package?
Big JIm <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/pfft.gif" alt="" />

this should help

BJ, from memory I think it was the Sahara (I have the Sahara w/ the D 44). But, with certain wheel and tire packages ordered a buyer could get the D 44 axle. It would be rare to find a stock Sport w/ the D 44.

Thanks for the help. I have a dana 35 and am probly going with the aussie locker.

Careful with the skinny pedal with a locker in that Dana 35. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

With the 35 in the rear my inclination would be to put the locker in the FRONT. The d30 will hold up better, and an Aussie locker will be transparent until your in 4wd (off road) and the wheel slips. If you're mostly in sand/mud where you need brute power out of the back, go ahead and put it there. If you use it on rock, it will break the 35. If you're mostly in good traction clay, etc., put it in front. My .02.

DBL, the D35 will hold up for many years, even with a locker. Yeah, I know, the prevaling thought is to not waste any money upgrading the D 35. But, consider the smallish tires he's running on his TJ. My thought is, as long as he stays committed to small tires, he's rarely going to have problems. I ran trails for several years that some of you guys only read about in four wheeling mags with the D 35 and a Detroit; and 33s and 35s. Yes, the tube housing eventually separated from the differential, and several times I had to change out axleshafts. I also recommend the locker be placed in the rear, my thought is that the rear axle does most of the work pushing the Jeep over the trail, almost all of the time. A locker will keep the rear tires pushing as long as one tire has traction. Just my thoughts, and I know there are some four wheelers that will disagree. You can just as easily snap an axleshaft if the locker is placed in the front axle. The problem with the D35 is the weak tube housing, and the C-clip.

Your arguments are good. My thought was to avoid changing out the axle shafts. If it's not used on rock I know it can hold up okay in the rear (didn't see the tire size), it's that tire spinning then sudden GREAT traction on rock that can really 'splode things in my limited experience with rocky areas. I've also seen good success with a front Aussie on trails and clay wash out type stuff. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />