So I have asked this question before, but I don't think I was specific enough to get the answers I was looking for...
First off, I have a 1994 Jeep Wrangler S YJ
6cyl engine.
about 3" total lift
33" tires.
Stock axles, differential, gears, etc.
Dana 35c
Not sure about gear ratio (if you know how I could find out please let me know because I have looked everywhere and there is no tag or anything)
I use the jeep as a daily driver and occasional weekend offroading.
Here's the problem...
I took it into the shop to get my brakes repaired (long story), and the mechanics noticed a leak in the differential. They took it apart and noticed an extreme amount of metal in the fluid and throughout the diff. The magnet was completely covered in shavings and the fluid was thick and silvery colored. This is not normal. They told me that I have less than 1000 miles before it fails and at that point I would have to put out over $1500 to replace the entire rear end. Or...before it fails, I could have them rebuild it for anywhere from $500-$700. I talked to some people and others recomended just going to a local junkyard and looking for an entirely new rear end assembly. So here's my question:
Is it worth it to rebuild the old Dana 35 assembly? I have heard bad things about it anyway and im not sure if it is okay to be running 33" tires with the stock setup I have.
If I go the junkyard approach, should I try to find an upgrade such as a Dana 44 or Ford 8.8, or should I look for another Dana 35?
I have ABS and would not like to loose that system, so would these rear ends not be a good choice?
What is involved in making a rear end swap like this? Any Modifications?
While I am working with all of this, should I have the assebly regeared? How much would that cost?
I am a beginner and have basic garage tools. I don't doubt my ability to do it, I just dont have access to welders or anything like that.
I know I just threw a bunch of questions out there but I haven't been able to find answers to any of them and I need to get this fixed soon. Anything you can tell me would be a great help.
Thanks a lot.
First off, I have a 1994 Jeep Wrangler S YJ
6cyl engine.
about 3" total lift
33" tires.
Stock axles, differential, gears, etc.
Dana 35c
Not sure about gear ratio (if you know how I could find out please let me know because I have looked everywhere and there is no tag or anything)
I use the jeep as a daily driver and occasional weekend offroading.
Here's the problem...
I took it into the shop to get my brakes repaired (long story), and the mechanics noticed a leak in the differential. They took it apart and noticed an extreme amount of metal in the fluid and throughout the diff. The magnet was completely covered in shavings and the fluid was thick and silvery colored. This is not normal. They told me that I have less than 1000 miles before it fails and at that point I would have to put out over $1500 to replace the entire rear end. Or...before it fails, I could have them rebuild it for anywhere from $500-$700. I talked to some people and others recomended just going to a local junkyard and looking for an entirely new rear end assembly. So here's my question:
Is it worth it to rebuild the old Dana 35 assembly? I have heard bad things about it anyway and im not sure if it is okay to be running 33" tires with the stock setup I have.
If I go the junkyard approach, should I try to find an upgrade such as a Dana 44 or Ford 8.8, or should I look for another Dana 35?
I have ABS and would not like to loose that system, so would these rear ends not be a good choice?
What is involved in making a rear end swap like this? Any Modifications?
While I am working with all of this, should I have the assebly regeared? How much would that cost?
I am a beginner and have basic garage tools. I don't doubt my ability to do it, I just dont have access to welders or anything like that.
I know I just threw a bunch of questions out there but I haven't been able to find answers to any of them and I need to get this fixed soon. Anything you can tell me would be a great help.
Thanks a lot.