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rear differential shot

3K views 22 replies 15 participants last post by  jasonduke5 
#1 ·
My 1997 wrangler has a Dana 35 with a 3.07 gear ratio. The rear differential is just about shot. its making a terrible winding sound. I called my local jeep dealer and they said they cant help me. dose anyone know of anyplace in MA i can go to get it rebuilt or a junkyard that i could get a used one from or even a store or website i can buy one from? Anything will help. thanks alot.
 
#6 ·
cheap and Jeep don't play well together... I suggest a 8.8 conversion, these can be had for cheaper. i paid about 3600 for the SYE and rear drive shaft, new brakes, rotors, e brake cables, calipers, regearing the front to match the rear (4.10) and a BDS 3 inch lift, complete with extended brake lines and all necessary crap to complete my "rebuild" and don't forget labor for the above mentioned...
The G2 axle alone with shipping was going to be darn near 3500.00 from 4wheeldrive in Raleigh.

Check out www.eastcoastgearsupply.com for the 8.8 stuff.
 
#12 ·
Aussie style locker?

i found a used one but they say it has an Aussie style locker? and i have no idea if that would work with my wrangler any ideas? again im trying to replace my 1997 wrangler rear differential or axle and its a stock Dana 35 with 3.07 ratio
 
#15 ·
i found a used one but they say it has an Aussie style locker? and i have no idea if that would work with my wrangler any ideas? again im trying to replace my 1997 wrangler rear differential or axle and its a stock Dana 35 with 3.07 ratio

A used what? Whole axle? Why not just fix what is broken? I hope you don't replace your Jeep every time you need an oil change. :p
 
#18 · (Edited)
If it's a Dana 35, don't go with it... a Dana 35 axle is not strong enough to be reliable with a locker. And that Aussie locker, as good as it is when installed in the front axle, is not well behaved when it is in the rear axle.

Your Dana 35 can be rebuilt with all new bearings in any competent 4x4 shop that regears axles for probably $350-400. If it's the ring & pinion gears that are whining, those plus all the bearings can be replaced for $600-700 at the most.

Caution to note that I recommended a 4x4 shop. Few mechanics in a standard garage have much experience with this particular job which means 1) they may not be able to do the job properly and 2) they will probably charge more than a 4x4 shop. Most 4x4 shops do a lot of axle work (regearing, installing lockers, etc.) so this type of job would be nothing unusual for them.
 
#19 ·
#21 ·
philk said:
on 12/6/12 i am having a 8.8 assy. put in , my 35 was making noise , the bearing are worn out, price 480.00, now i get disk brakes in the rear a stronger rear than a 44, installed out the door 1,625.00 east coast gear supply raleigh n.c.
What are they doing to the 8.8? I'm local to the area and priced an 8.8 from them multiple times before deciding to build my own. Couldn't get them to do it under $2000
 
#23 ·
they are all over Craigslist in central pa. i would keep and eye on there. i agree with most the people above that if no when my d35 goes i am going to put the money into a d44. that being said tho if money is tight i will put another d35 under it if i have to. What shot on it. the rin and pinion? maybe a bearing. you could probably replace them cheaper or the same price as getiing a junk yard or used axle. if you go that route then you know everything inside of it will be new.
 
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