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General Forums => The Mess Hall => Topic started by: Jesse-James on November 03, 2006, 07:10:38 AM

Title: Dana 35C vs Ford 8.8 comparison photos.
Post by: Jesse-James on November 03, 2006, 07:10:38 AM
Thought I would share a few pics from a site located >here< (http://www.98jeepzj.com/). upon doing the popular 8.8 upgrade, he took pics of the main interests of both the Dana35c and the ford 8.8. Just thought it was cool to see them side by side, especially when you hear the argument that it's still a C-clip axle and therefore weak.

Ring gear
(http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i33/jlafaive/Axle/88vsD35ringgear.jpg)

Carrier
(http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i33/jlafaive/Axle/88vsD35carrier.jpg)

Shafts
(http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i33/jlafaive/Axle/8835compare.jpg)

Spider gear
(http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i33/jlafaive/Axle/D35vs88spidergear.jpg)
Title: Dana 35C vs Ford 8.8 comparison photos.
Post by: Mozman68 on November 03, 2006, 07:47:06 AM
wow...I'd say there's quite a difference.

Lookin' more and more like I might get a decent bonus for my performance this year...hope it's enough for a double axle swap.

Have been thinking about the Currie products.  Anyone have any experience with their stuff?

woops...here's the link:  http://www.currieenterprises.com/cestore/default_4x4.aspx
Title: Dana 35C vs Ford 8.8 comparison photos.
Post by: Jesse-James on November 03, 2006, 08:14:19 AM
Not personally, but the only bad thing I've heard is the cost.
Title: Dana 35C vs Ford 8.8 comparison photos.
Post by: Mozman68 on November 03, 2006, 08:50:25 AM
But it looks like it is cheaper to buy theirs versus a brand new D44....isn't it??  

Gearing may be separate, but would still be $1,000 less for an axle assembly.

I'm probably forgetting something...their site is confusing.
Title: Dana 35C vs Ford 8.8 comparison photos.
Post by: Jesse-James on November 03, 2006, 09:37:34 AM
Wouldn't Rubi 44's almost be a direct swap on yours?
Title: Dana 35C vs Ford 8.8 comparison photos.
Post by: Jeffy on November 03, 2006, 11:29:17 AM
You're comparing a Dana 35's 7.5" Ring to the Ford 8.8" Ring.  The shafts are 1.13" for the Dana 35 and 1.31" for the Ford.  Also, look at how the D35's shaft tapers down at the splines.  This is where they all break.  The C-clips aren't the real problem, it's the pencil shafts.  If the shafts were thicker, they wouldn't break and the axle would walk out.  C-clips don't add any weakness to the shafts.  I've never heard of anyone breaking the C-clip or the groove off the shaft before.  But once the shaft breaks, it's a PITA to have to shaft walk out.  This takes out the brakes and its a whole bunch of bad.

If I had a TJ and was not looking for tires over 35", I'd really consider the Rubicon D44 swap.  The only consideration that should be made is gear choice.  If you keep the lockers that the Rubicon comes with you will be limited in your gear choice.  The lowest gears for the TJ D44 are 5.13's.  This is because the carriers they use are designed for higher gears.  Instead of making a gear split they made custom 'thick' gears.  If you change the lockers then you should be able to use any D44 gears though.

Shop around for axles, there are many companies out there other then Dynatrac and Currie.

http://www.sunrayengineering.com/
http://www.drivetrainspecialists.com/
http://www.drivetraindirect.com/
http://tricountygear.com/

I know there are many more then those...
Title: Dana 35C vs Ford 8.8 comparison photos.
Post by: Mozman68 on November 03, 2006, 11:31:28 AM
I really just want something that is halfway decent since I don't wheel too hard....want it to come ready to drop on with 5.13 gearing and lockers.

I'll check out the links...thanks guys.
Title: Dana 35C vs Ford 8.8 comparison photos.
Post by: Enjoi on November 05, 2006, 02:52:20 PM
its a direct bolt on isnt it if you use the rubi axles? whats the front in them 44s also?
Title: Dana 35C vs Ford 8.8 comparison photos.
Post by: Jesse-James on November 05, 2006, 06:03:39 PM
Yes, the front is a 44 also. I believe the only thing you have to worry about is the electric for the lockers, but I could be wrong.
Title: Dana 35C vs Ford 8.8 comparison photos.
Post by: admin on November 05, 2006, 06:57:41 PM
Quote from: "Enjoi"
its a direct bolt on isnt it if you use the rubi axles? whats the front in them 44s also?


http://www.4bangerjp.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=472
Title: Dana 35C vs Ford 8.8 comparison photos.
Post by: rcopes on November 07, 2006, 03:43:01 PM
4wd hardware has a new line of 44's out. You can get them with any gear \any locker. They also have aftermarket axle shafts.These are not Rubicon 44's so you don't have the problems with the weak axle tubes or the thick gears. Around 4g for both. Don't know what your budget is but it is the best deal I've seen. Nothing wrong with the Currie Setup except the price tag, they are great pieces of equipment.
Title: Dana 35C vs Ford 8.8 comparison photos.
Post by: Tall Boy on November 14, 2006, 12:30:44 AM
Good post.
Title: Dana 35C vs Ford 8.8 comparison photos.
Post by: chardrc on November 14, 2006, 06:13:15 PM
wow thats puts things into perspective.. hmm i have one of those 8.8s in my backyard :naughty: . to bad its reserved for a different jeep project.