Dana 44 - do I really need it?

[Kpaulo]

Hello everybody, first post here, great site. I have an '05 TJ Sport which I take onto some light to moderate trails here on Oahu. As often as I see the Dana 44 mentioned here, I'm wondering if it would be worth the money to go ahead and upgrade to that (mine came with the 33). I'm not what you call a "serious" off-roader, haven't made any mods yet to better handle the tougher trails we have here, though it's something that I really look forward to doing a bit down the line. In regards to the Dana 33, should I have any cause for concern? I appreciate your feedback, thanks.

Kpaulo

 

[currupt4130]

Its actually a Dana 35, no biggie though. Anyway, the 35 will live under most Jeeps until you get into the 33" tire range and bigger and then you start to risk breakage, even with a light foot one can still pop a shaft in the 35 on 33" tires. Don't worry about it now, wait to see where you want to go, and if it turns out you want to go bigger than 33" tires then give it some thought. For now have fun wheeling what you got and try not to beat on it too hard, it'll last for quite a while

 

[Saurian]

A lot of people rip on the D-35, I really think you'll be OK; you will blow up ANY axle if you're too hard on the skinny pedal, defiance of physics and all...

I'd see how it handles, if you start blowing out gears and such, you'll be wanting to replace it, but if you're going for contemporary wheeling, you should be fine leaving well enough alone

 

[Bounty__Hunter]

Run the D35, you may be fine. I'd consider buying a set of spare shafts and learning how to replace them.

If you want a jeep you don't have to worry about as much on the trail, get a D44.

Otherwise run it 'til it breaks, it works for thousands.

 

[Junkpile]

I agree. Doesn't sound like a D44 is a "must have" item at this time. Truthfully, to spite EVERYTHING you will read in magazines, it might never be one for you. Spend the money elsewhere until you hear it go pop.

 

[88Wrangles]

yep, I agree. Keep what you've got until it breaks or unless you plan on going with much bigger tires.

 

[raptor_pilot]

Its really only a question of do u want it? Do you need to make ur Jeep an offroad monster? Course not. But do you want to? Oh yeah.
Stick with the 35
Mike

 

[yjdave]

Its really only a question of do u want it? Do you need to make ur Jeep an offroad monster? Course not. But do you want to? Oh yeah.
Stick with the 35
Mike

Life is not about "needs" IT'S ABOUT "WANT'S"

 

[TwistedCU]

What size tires do you have, and do you plan on keeping them that size or to you intend to get bigger ones?

The answer that question will determine the appropriate answer to your question.

 

[BigDaddys88YJ]

I have an 88 YJ and I'm still running the D35 with 33" tires and have been for 10 years now. I don't do alot of hardcore 4 wheeling, at least I don't think so. I have had a 8.8 sitting in my garage for two years now and have told myself when the 35 breaks I'll stick it in, well still waiting!

 

[Utah_jeepster]

To all contemporary say hear its not a question if it will break, but when.
The Dana 35 is a weak axle and it will not take a lot of heavy off-road abuse.
For light to moderate use on small tires (33's or less) it will hold up till you get some tire spin then a lock up.

Even if you upgrade to a super 35 kit you will have problems with the 35 since its prone to tube warping next to the differential housing.

I have seen dana 35's last a long time and others...less than 3 months out of the dealership there gone.
Best plan is keep an eye out for a used 44 waiting for you to come along to buy it but till you actually have a problem with your 35, just use the skinny pedal lightly and you will be surprised where your jeep can take you.