i have a 97 tj sport with d30/35 f/r axles with 3.07's in them. i want to run 33's but am having a hard time deciding what to do. i want to improve my axle strength and add lockers within a year or so.
do i drop money into regearing the current axles and add the super 35 kit? or do i try and swap the rear axle with a d44 from an xj that has a better gear ratio, add a detroit and regear the front axle.
this is my daily driver and for now i do easy to moderate off roading, but i want to plan this right so it's the least amount of headache and most cost effective.
thanks for all input <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/patriot.gif" alt="" />

WELL, ITS great that your planning ahead, so many times people don't do that and they pay more $ in the end.
Ok first things first, the Dana 35, and tires, I wouldn't even think of putting any money into it, I blew up the 35 with 31's on an open diff and I wasn't even wheeling!! Now if you put 33 on it, its just a matter of time, before its going to break!,
so here's a few options, 1 put the 33's on and leave the 35 and wheel the heck out of it till it breaks, then upgrade to a 44 or a 9 inch, put all your goodies in then (re-gear locker etc)
Don't bother beafing up the 35, its sort of a waste of cash (bigJim will chime in hear and give his 2 cents)
cheers
ML

You will be very unhappy with 33's and 3:07 gears.. I would wait till I had the money for a gear/axel change to put the tires on there.
I would use the front axel with new gears and it should be fine. While you are saving money you could spend some of it building a 44 rear with the gears you need. Then regear the front and install the rear and new tires all at the same time.. THAT would be my plan anyway.
Big JIm <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/pfft.gif" alt="" />

Why a xj 44? Not only are they very hard to find, but they are missing the link brackets you need?

Look for a tj 44, or disc brake 8.8 and get the re bracket kit.

im not trying to attack anyone one in any way that has blown a d35

BUT i have my d35 with 35in procomps and a detroit in it and it has been doing fine. some drivers just drive harder than others

but it would definatly be a good idea to change out the axles any ways if you have the money and no woman to chime in on the bills

8.8 with 4.10 and 33's/4.56 and 35's my 02.

8.8, from an exploder, that way you get disc brakes. and parts are everywere

thanks everyone for your input. i have decided to look for a 44 cheap with the gears i want. does anyone have a good spot to look? (online store, good junkyard in the NY area) thanks again

just got one for free last weekend.... with a lockrite. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/nana.gif" alt="" />

Yippy skippy, Cat.
Invales, good luck.


SD