[0regonjeeper]

I had my lift installed by a shop here because i have neither nor the space at my apartment. When it was all done and i picked it up the guy there asked what size tires i would be going with. Its a 4" lift so i told him 33s. He gave me a look and said "dont go any bigger or you'll snap those axles".

Is that accurate? If so, what is it that would break my stock axles. I know that really hard whelling or spinning tires and suddenly gaining traction can do it but is there something about spcifically bigger tires that will do it?

[deathtrap]

your rear dana 35 axle is prone to breakage with larger then stock tires and or heavy use/abuse. lots of info about this on hear.

[pete1991YJ]

Your buddy is basically correct. The Dana 35 rear is known to be weak, and it has been known to blow even with stock tires and setups. Mine is still hanging in there with 31's but I have a 4-cylinder and I absolutely baby it and go easy on it. Most guys swap in a Dana 44 or the Ford 8.8 out of a 1996 and up Explorer.

[USMCBuckWild]

All the above is correct. The Dana 35 is known to be weak and prone to failure. That being said I got my Jeep with 38s on D35 behind a chevy 350. It lasted like that for over 2 years (with minimal actual wheeling) I just finished the 8.8 swap into my YJ, it's pretty easy to do yourself, just find a buddy with a welder and you will be golden.

[Anticanman]

Broke two Dana 35's on the street with 31's. It's a crapshoot and I seem to have the worst of luck.

[UltimatE]

The front D30 will handle 33's no problem. It'll handle 35's too if you don't beat it like it owes you money.

[skip11and1]

i know ppl that ran 38's on a d35 and no breakage, just don't beat on it. if your stuck you stuck get winched out don/t hammer on it.

[UltimatE]

Originally Posted by skip11and1

i know ppl that ran 38's on a d35 and no breakage, just don't beat on it. if your stuck you stuck get winched out don/t hammer on it.

There was a thread hinting that early yj's that run D35's with large tires with little issues. There was a theory going about a change in metallurgy with the switch from AMC to Chrysler. Whether or not its true, I don't know. But I do know there is an '87 YJ lifted 6" on 37's with a welded D35 running in my club that hasn't broken it yet.

[seattle_yj]

You could always upgrade the rears axle shafts from stock to alloy axles for a quick strength upgrade. That's what I did, and has lasted for 3 years so far. Then keep the old axles for spares.

I think one reason that the d35s break, I've noticed that the wheel bearings seem to wear out quickly, and they actually chew into the end of the axle shaft, wearing it down, eventually snapping. I'm by no means an expert on d35s but that is just what I have noticed on my vehicles.

Most of the more serious folks seem to be doing that 8.8 swap, which seems like it is the hot ticket. I will be doing that shortly.

[jimmybob67]

If you do the 8.8 swap do you find one with the same gearing as the D30 ( I have 3.07) or do you have to re gear?

[Anticanman]

Usually you find the 8.8 with the gears you want then regear the 30

[bogleparsons]

Originally Posted by Anticanman

Usually you find the 8.8 with the gears you want then regear the 30

Considering you have 3.07's yea.... what he said.

[jimmybob67]

Was hoping to avoid the re gear since I don't know how and the expense.

[bogleparsons]

we are all trying to avoid the expenses lol... with that said 3.27, 3.55,3.73, 4.10

thats the ratios the 8.8 came in.

[jimmybob67]

What's the average cost of the axle. And a set of gears.