While we are learning how crappy D35s are, I noticed that one of the most common explinations why,is that it has c-clips. Ok, what about the 87-90 D35 that are captured bearing, ie no c-clips? One thing I can vouch for is the side and pinion spider gears are still crap. I had my cover off recently (filled er up w/ water <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />) and noticed some rather large chunks out of them. This rearend has 3.07 gears in it(I run 33's) and the races and gears have slight pits in them so I sourced a pair of axles w/ 4.11 gears but it will have c-clip axles. I am doing this to tie me over while I decide wether to go 8.8 Ford (This will be far the cheapest route) or find an SJ w/o Quadratrash to steal the D44s. I tried to elaborate on the original topic to keep from jacking the thread.
So should I build the captured bearing D35 w/new gears or just put in the c-clip axle assembly and spend the money on the befier axles. BTW not locked and don't plan to lock any D35.

BTW to answer the original question, 3.07 and 33's can be driven but SUX, you have to slip the clutch off the line more or bog the motor. It is wheelable in low range on the t-case. If you want to go 33's w/ 3.07, I say yes...Why, because it will be just enough of a pain to drive to make you upgrade the ratios(gears) soon as you can. DO NOT lock a D35 w/33's w/o some sort of upgrade minimum. 31spline axles, Super 35 ect.