DANA 35 dying

Jan 03, 2005 4 Replies

Well.. Driving around yesterday my Jeep's rear diff started to make the familar grinding noise of bearings going bad.. My mother in law had the same thing happen to her Cherokee so I was familar with the noise.. I knew it was going to happen sooner or later.. Was hoping later.. But gave me the excuse to convince the wife to replace it with a Ford 8.8 then to fix the D35.. I was amazed when she said go ahead but I have to wait for the all mighty Tax return.. So.. While my Jeep is parked in the garage and getting ready for the swap, I was wondering if anyone can give me any advice.. The Jeep is on stock springs for now.. If I get more then I am expecting, I might get a lift kit (2in or so)... I have read so many right ups and have read people saying everything from.. It bolted right in to people having to shorten the drive shaft... I know the backspacing on the stock rims are too much for the Ford 8.8 which is fine.. I am going to order new rims when I get my new tires (BF Goodrich AT KO).. What backspacing should I get for the Ford 8.8? Should I get a SYE and CV driveshaft?



Thanks for the help in advance,



Ben



95 YJ 2.5L with a dying D35



When doing my daughter's 35, my brother-in-law, master Ford machanic, and long time 4 wheeler said don't bother with 8.8, go 9", said 8.8 wont last, so I asked at a local garage I go to, what would he put in, 9", don't bother with the 8.8. She's had it in for 8 months, great rear end, detroit put in 3 weeks ago, she loves it.

4.5" of bs is great for the xj for what u are doing. SYE is always good to get. sooner or later you will need it. KH

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