How boned am I?

[1BadManVan]

Just to clarify:
You like to wheel hard.
You decided against the Willys package.
You're running a D35 in the rear on 33s.
Your gear ratio is below a 3.73.

Dude, you seriously need to upgrade axles!

Where did he say he wheels hard? He said he took it off road, perfectly reasonable to do. And when I asked about tire size on this forum for a Dana 35. Not a single person said it would be an issue to run 33’s. Considering it comes stock with a 32, it’s not exactly a big jump.

Sponsored

 

[HungryHound]

Where did he say he wheels hard? He said he took it off road, perfectly reasonable to do. And when I asked about tire size on this forum for a Dana 35. Not a single person said it would be an issue to run 33’s. Considering it comes stock with a 32, it’s not exactly a big jump.

I would have told you not to run 33s on a D35 with gears below 3.73. Didn't see that thread come through. That said, I've abused an AMC 20 on 33x13.5 tires with a 2.73 ratio and never broke it (I have a set of D44 4.56 axles waiting to install). He doesn't have to say he wheeled hard, the evidence is against him ?.

 

[1BadManVan]

I would have told you not to run 33s on a D35 with gears below 3.73. Didn't see that thread come through. That said, I've abused an AMC 20 on 33x13.5 tires with a 2.73 ratio and never broke it (I have a set of D44 4.56 axles waiting to install). He doesn't have to say he wheeled hard, the evidence is against him ?.

With the JL, the only gearing we get is the 3.45 on the Dana 35 is it not? Like I said, it’s 32” tires from the factory, you’re telling me these Dana 35’s are maxed out from the factory for tire size if you want to off road at all?

 

[HungryHound]

With the JL, the only gearing we get is the 3.45 on the Dana 35 is it not? Like I said, it’s 32” tires from the factory, you’re telling me these Dana 35’s are maxed out from the factory for tire size if you want to off road at all?

If you want to wheel 33s or 35s then you want the D44 with 4.10 or 4.56. Anything less is fine for running fire roads or overlanding. Heavy mud or rock crawling requires better gears and axles or a really light foot.

 

[GreySportySpice]

In case anyone was curious here's the update.

The good: After looking closer I somehow have a D44 and the only damage is the thrust washer.

The bad: Almost no one has a D44 with an open diff so the washers are unobtainable.

I used calipers to measure the washer and replace it with a like part from McMaster. I didnt really want to spend the money on it right now but regear and lockers are still likely down the road.

Edit: oh and upon inspection and research the most likely culprit was sand getting in there when the vent hosed popped off.

Sponsored