Kicker01

Im running 31 inch tires and I want to put a locker in but I have a Dana 35. I know they are a rather weak axle do you think it would be safe to lock it with 31 inch tires or should I just go to a junk yard and find a 8.25 or a Dana 44 to save a headache down the rode.

Gee oh Dee

Depends on how you drive and what you do with the truck.

Some guys have great results with them, others will swear that they will explode and kill everyone around you while you are just driving down the road.

My wifes 98 TJ has the D35 and I beat on it occasionally. Its got 130k and is just fine.

freegdr

very hard to find a 44,8.25 then lock it better in the long run

Kicker01

I understand you need to get off the throttle around turns so the axle unlocks I can deal with that. I don't really beat on my Cherokee all that much so don't think it will break on me. I just don't want the axle to break because of the locker.

Gee oh Dee

Typically that's why they go. Because they are locked and there is no give.

freegdr

also after 1990 they have c clips so break axle out it comes

dirtmod0

I am running a Aussie and 31s and have had good luck so far! knock on wood!!! i am not hard on the throttle and am more of a finesse driver pick my lines and go easy thru the stuff. I am not positve on this but disc brakes will hold the axle in in the event you brake a axle..

Gee oh Dee

You gotta convert to discs though.

And I wouldn't suggest relying on them long.

4.3L XJ

I put one in as a temporary locker until I upgrade axles. The first thing I would suggest is leave the 31s on and don't go any taller on the tires. Second is that you need to as stated above wheel with some finesse. Most of the vids there are showing axles breaking have someone gunning the gas on something they cannot climb and a tire sticks. That is the kind of situation that will take one out. I wheeled mine on some big rocks and took it real easy and it did well and no breakage.

Kicker01

I don't really drive like an idiot on the trail unless I absolutely have to get out a sticky situation. So basically what you all are saying is I can do it but I just have to be careful.

4.3L XJ

Yes.

Kicker01

Ok well I just talked to a guy at work today and he says he has an 8.25 in his garage from his totaled xj and says he will give it to me for 50 bucks. Since I have a Dana 35 with abs will I get any lights on the gauge cluster to come on with the different axle under it without abs?

N20jeep

you can pull the ABS relay and that should keep the light off. but the ABS wont work anymore, and never will with the 8.25. not really a big deal though since the XJ ABS is worthless.


for 50, i would jump on it if it is the 29spline.

Kicker01

Alright I just picked it up tonight and yes it's the 29 spline so looks like I'm going to be busy tomorrow.

Cherokee9t8

I have one of those 8.25's sitting in the back of my Jeep right now! Waiting to collect the parts for a disc brake swap before I install.