AMC Eagle Den Forum

The Shop => Axle / Differential => Topic started by: dansvan on July 16, 2009, 04:12:42 PM

Title: Swapping 2.35 gears out of the front... questions
Post by: dansvan on July 16, 2009, 04:12:42 PM
Hello all. I've swapped in a Chrysler 8.25 out of a Jeep Cherokee. Swap went smooth. It is geared 3.54. I ordered a set of 3.54 low pinion d30 gears for the front from Randys. I went to install them and the ring gear doesn't touch the pinion. Then I swapped the ring gear on to a 3.54 carrier from Jeep. Same thing, identical carrier it seems. They seem to think I need a 3.73 and up d30 carrier. Anyone done this? Actually change out their 2.35's?  Also a theory is the 2.35 geared Eagles had different complete front housings?
Title: Re: Swapping 2.35 gears out of the front... questions
Post by: IowaEagle on July 16, 2009, 04:21:18 PM
Hmmmmmmmmm, I remember we just found out the 2.35 carrier was specific only to that set up and the parts manual confirms that.  And the manual says the 2.72, 3.07 and 3.54 shared the same one. 

http://www.amceaglesden.com/~iowaeagl/guide/index.php?title=Section_26%2C_Front_Drive_Shafts_and_Axle
Title: Re: Swapping 2.35 gears out of the front... questions
Post by: dansvan on July 16, 2009, 04:28:03 PM
I agree. However, did they use the normal 3.54 and up carrier for the 2.35 set and the normal 3.73 and up carrier for the 2.75, 3.07, and 3.54 sets? That would also mean that 3.54 would be the deepest gears we could put in the Eagle. Anyone gear the front deeper at 3.73 or 4.10 etc?
Title: Re: Swapping 2.35 gears out of the front... questions
Post by: eagleone on July 16, 2009, 05:38:03 PM
I wanted to change my 2.35 to a 3.08 as well. Does that mean I need more stuff besides the ring and pinion gears?
Title: Re: Swapping 2.35 gears out of the front... questions
Post by: TLC87Eagle on July 16, 2009, 08:13:56 PM
Yes, the 2.35 gear carriers are different than the higher 2.73, 3.08, and 3.54 carriers. I have 2.35s in mine and when my rear carrier broke from a previous repair, I wasn't able to find a 2.35 carrier anywhere. If it weren't for the Eagles Nest and Pack Rat's help in donating a 2.35 carrier, I would have had to get two new carriers and two ring and pinion sets. It should be a lot easier to find the 2.73, 3.08, and 3.54 carriers around, I found several places on the web where they are sold new. But it looks like your going to need a carrier and spider gears and probably bearings as well, which is probably a little more cash than you want to spend. But at least you'll have a beefier rear end and plenty of torque.  :)
Title: Re: Swapping 2.35 gears out of the front... questions
Post by: dansvan on July 16, 2009, 10:00:26 PM
Just to keep this on track, we are talking about the front. I have a 3.73 and up d30 carrier on the way, soon as it gets here I'll update this with some pics.
Title: Re: Swapping 2.35 gears out of the front... questions
Post by: eaglefreek on July 16, 2009, 10:09:54 PM
Definitely want to here how this goes. I'm currently putting a 8.25 rear with 3.07's and will be having gears installed up front.
Title: Re: Swapping 2.35 gears out of the front... questions
Post by: eaglefreek on July 24, 2009, 08:44:21 PM
Dan, Did you figure this out yet?
Title: Re: Swapping 2.35 gears out of the front... questions
Post by: dansvan on August 01, 2009, 02:28:36 PM
Well after trying a 3.73 carrier from a Jeep it wont work either. So far I've tried the stock 2.35 carrier, a 3.54 and down carrier from a jeep even though it was identical to the 2.35 eagle one, and a 3.73 carrier from a Jeep. It moved it closer but not enough. I'm picking up a 3.07 carrier from another Eagle and will try that.
Title: Re: Swapping 2.35 gears out of the front... questions
Post by: eaglefreek on August 01, 2009, 07:20:52 PM
Interesting. I'm sure you know what you are doing and this may seem like a stupid question but they did give you the proper gears? It isn't a short pinion for a TJ of ZJ?
Title: Re: Swapping 2.35 gears out of the front... ANSWERS!
Post by: dansvan on August 04, 2009, 04:25:08 PM
 Well here goes. There are indeed 3 carriers for a D30. The AMC Eagle uses the normal Jeep 3.54 and down carrier for the Eagle 2.35 gears. The Jeep 3.73 and up carrier fits nothing for an Eagle. The Eagle uses it's own carrier for 2.72, 3.07, and 3.54 gears. So if you allready have 2.72, 3.07 gears and want to go to 3.54 you are fine. If you have 2.35 and want to go to the higher sets you need a carrier from an Eagle with those sets. This also means 3.54 is as deep as you can go on the front of an IFS Eagle without a custom ring gear spacer. Pics tonight. Swapped in a carrier from a 2.72 and the aftermarket 3.54 gears fit perfectly.
Title: Re: Swapping 2.35 gears out of the front... questions
Post by: eaglefreek on August 04, 2009, 06:37:32 PM
Thanks for the heads up. Luckily I've got a 2.73 front diff sitting on the side of my house so I can put 3.07's in my 86.
Title: Re: Swapping 2.35 gears out of the front... questions
Post by: IowaEagle on August 04, 2009, 06:38:33 PM
Eggs added for your research and updated info.
Title: Re: Swapping 2.35 gears out of the front... questions
Post by: dansvan on August 05, 2009, 01:37:37 AM
Couple of pics.

(http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/748665/fullsize/hpim0353.jpg)
Left to right. Eagle 2.35 carrier. Jeep 3.73 carrier. Eagle 2.72-3.54 carrier
(http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/748667/fullsize/hpim0355.jpg)
Title: Re: Swapping 2.35 gears out of the front... questions
Post by: profeagle on August 05, 2009, 01:08:52 PM
Boy oh boy, I am reading all this and only wish I could sell my Eagle parts such as the ones you are talking about. I have at least one of all Eagle gear sets in complete front and rear ends and they will soon have to go to the scrap if I get tired of tripping over them. My location is about 90 miles north of Toronto Canada. So too bad so far away, but I come to Iowa at where I am now at least once a year at this same time, but I know that is too long to wait this time, maybe next time, anyone ?

But I say if you really want something, go get it, that's what I do, recently traveled over 600 miles for a free Eagle with 5 speed ! It was only good for parts though.
Title: Re: Swapping 2.35 gears out of the front... questions
Post by: eaglefreek on August 05, 2009, 05:24:38 PM
Is there a Dana part number on the Eagle carrier? Maybe it is shared with another vehicle?
Title: Re: Swapping 2.35 gears out of the front... questions
Post by: eagleone on August 05, 2009, 09:46:52 PM
Profeagle !! Long time no hear from. I'm interested in the 3.08 gears if you are willing to part with them.
By the way, a guy from Port Severn says he has a parts Eagle he wants me to see.
Title: Re: Swapping 2.35 gears out of the front... questions
Post by: profeagle on August 06, 2009, 12:01:51 AM
YES, HAVE 3.08 GEARS FOR SALE AND MORE STUFF.

Do you want to get together to see Eagle in Port Severn ?
Title: Re: Swapping 2.35 gears out of the front... questions
Post by: eagleone on August 06, 2009, 07:21:49 AM
I am available on Saturday, I'll have to call him and see when he is around.
Title: Re: Swapping 2.35 gears out of the front... questions
Post by: profeagle on August 06, 2009, 10:42:06 AM
Sorry, I can't make it Sat. as I am in Iowa and won't be home then. I am available anytime after Sunday, day or eve.
Title: Re: Swapping 2.35 gears out of the front... questions
Post by: eagleone on August 06, 2009, 04:48:04 PM
No problem. I may go up and get some pictures.
Title: Re: Swapping 2.35 gears out of the front... questions
Post by: Smitch on August 06, 2009, 04:52:08 PM
I love it up around Port Severn, Coldwater and Honey Harbour. Beautiful country and mighty rocky!!
Title: Re: Swapping 2.35 gears out of the front... questions
Post by: eaglefreek on August 07, 2009, 09:26:24 PM
My brain works in weird ways some times. I was sitting on the throne when It came to me that Mick put a locker in the front of his IFS. So I thought if he fit a locker than it should be a somewhat standard carrier. Well when I searched for his post he said the Eagle has E clips not C clips so a D30 locker won't work. He used a D35 Locker and had the axles custom machined to work with it. So the E clip thing may be why the Eagle carriers are unique.
Title: Re: Swapping 2.35 gears out of the front... questions
Post by: txjeeptx on August 27, 2009, 07:44:18 PM
This thread has been extremely  useful to me over the last few days. I have Thrash Differential of SATX working on my Eagle's front axle right now, and I now know that the 3.55 gears we have ordered will not work on the Jeep carrier we were planning on using. Its because there are actually more than two carriers for the D30 ! Now I know I need an Eagle 2.73/3.07 carrier. Hmmm, I wonder if trapperjack has one?

Eggs to you, dansvan, for the comparison pics. I'm gonna print this thread for my gear installer.

Here's a link for y'all to play with - it has a calculator that gives you a way to compare entire drivetrain combinations. I tested it recently with my MJ, and it seems relatively close enough to reality, but not exact. I used the site, along with real world testing using my MJ with my Eagle's 245/55r16 (25.65 inch diameter "rubber band") tires on it to determine that 3.07 gears (MJ has 3.07s in it)  would be best for my Eagle if I was married to that tire set, but I'm thinking of going bigger in the future(like real soon, 18" wheels, maybe), so I decided to go with the 3.55's instead. Here's the link:
http://www.grimmjeeper.com/gears.html (http://www.grimmjeeper.com/gears.html)
Title: Re: Swapping 2.35 gears out of the front... questions
Post by: txjeeptx on September 04, 2009, 05:17:25 PM
I have run into an issue. I have Jack's '80 parts sedan's 3.07 carrier(with the 3.55 aftermkt ring gear on it) next to my car's factory 2.35 carrier. The two are identical.  ???  On the left is the Eagle 3.07 carrier with the ring gear of my aftermarket 3.55s attached, and on the right is the Eagle 2.35 carrier from my car's factory front axle.
(http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa217/txjeeptx/IMG00290.jpg)

For reference, the next pic has a Jeep 3.07 carrier in it on the far left. The middle is the same Eagle 3.07 carrier with the 3.55 ring gear, and on the is the right Eagle 2.35 carrier.
(http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa217/txjeeptx/IMG00289.jpg)
(http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa217/txjeeptx/IMG00288.jpg)

Sorry, my crackberry doesn't like to take pics in fluorescent lighting. I'll bring my better camera with me when we get the Jeep 3.73 carrier in, which I informed them should not  work, but its worth a try. My search for a carrier that will work with the aftermarket gears continues . . .
Title: Re: Swapping 2.35 gears out of the front... questions
Post by: eaglefreek on September 04, 2009, 06:37:49 PM
I wonder if disco and non disco axles have different carriers?
Title: Re: Swapping 2.35 gears out of the front... questions
Post by: mick on September 05, 2009, 11:45:26 AM
This is a good thread.

I am suprised by all this.  Man, talk about a nightmare to figure out!  There are SO MANY versions of the D30,  hard to keep it all straight.  Once this is all sorted out, maybe Doug can put this as a sticky in the axle section.

I also remember AKAMC had put a 3.73 gearset in his diff, wonder how he did it?
Title: Re: Swapping 2.35 gears out of the front... questions
Post by: dansvan on September 08, 2009, 01:19:17 PM
This is a good thread.

I am suprised by all this.  Man, talk about a nightmare to figure out!  There are SO MANY versions of the D30,  hard to keep it all straight.  Once this is all sorted out, maybe Doug can put this as a sticky in the axle section.

I also remember AKAMC had put a 3.73 gearset in his diff, wonder how he did it?

my 2.72 carrier was out of a disco axle if that helps.
Title: Re: Swapping 2.35 gears out of the front... questions
Post by: txjeeptx on September 08, 2009, 01:34:13 PM
That may be the key - the '80 axle I got the 3.07 carrier from was non-disconect, and my '82 car's 2.35 carrier is from its disco axle. I'm waiting for phone calls from a couple of parts yards across the US to get a 3.54 carrier (& gears, maybe the entire housing with shafts).

Found one using a car-part.com search - turns out they have two 3.54 geared front axles from four cylinder cars. I bought one of em whole, $150 shipped to me here in TX from Massachusetts. Amherst-Oakham Auto Recycling.
Title: Re: Swapping 2.35 gears out of the front... questions
Post by: Rabblerouser on September 10, 2009, 10:28:42 AM
Found one using a car-part.com search - turns out they have two 3.54 geared front axles from four cylinder cars. I bought one of em whole, $150 shipped to me here in TX from Massachusetts. Amherst-Oakham Auto Recycling.


Et ent gonna wurk without a case of old man beer and a tequila chaser.  (http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll161/porschaholic/smileys/punk.gif)
Title: Re: Swapping 2.35 gears out of the front... questions
Post by: FredCDobbs on September 25, 2009, 09:47:31 PM
I have been through this ordeal with the front Dana 30 geared for 2.35.  When you say you bought a front axle geared for 3.54 I hope you mean housing and all.  The difference lies in the housing used for the 2.35 and the rest of the ratios.  I don't know if it was dana or amc that modified the housings.  The carriers for the 2.35 gears are the same as the other low range carriers.  In order to change my front gears to 3.45 I had to by a housing from an 82 wagon already geared for that ratio.  I have yet to dive into the Dana 35 rear axle to change it to 3.54 and put in a Detroit Truetrac which I just bought.  Please Lord, let there be no surprises there!
Title: Re: Swapping 2.35 gears out of the front... questions
Post by: txjeeptx on September 26, 2009, 11:32:45 AM
I don't know about all that - I did get an entire housing, shafts n all. The shafts were damaged in shipping. The ends where the CV 1/2 shafts mount were severely bent.

The axle shop (Thrash Differential, SATX) had already pressed a couple of bearings and fresh seals into my 2.35 factory housing, so we took the gears and carrier from the 3.54 housing and stuffed em into the 2.35 housing, and it worked fine. It doesnt make sense that there would be two different housings, but three or even four different carriers for the D30 is plausible, since its been around for about half a century.

Hmmm, there's the Jeep D30 with two carriers that don't work in the Eagle D30, then there's the Eagle carrier for 2.35 to 3.07 gears(which won't work in a Jeep D30 or fit the aftermarket 3.55 Jeep D30 gears), then there's the 4 cylinder Eagle D30 with factory 3.54 gears(which is probably unique, didn't get a pic, can pop off the cover for a pic), so that's a total of four  different carriers for the D30.

In the end, I have the gears I needed in a well built housing. The key was locating the factory 3.54 gearing, which was from a 4 cylinder car. Now for a coating of POR-15 black and a mock-fit to the engine, which I will definitely take pics of. Has anyone ever taken a pic of the front axle mounted to the engine out of the car?

And Woody, you've been Outlawed.
Title: Re: Swapping 2.35 gears out of the front... questions
Post by: demonicdragon on September 26, 2009, 12:32:05 PM
this whole front axle housing is making my head go in circles. lol. so confusing..i hope i have the right carrier to put in 3.55s
Title: Re: Swapping 2.35 gears out of the front... questions
Post by: FredCDobbs on September 27, 2009, 02:57:55 AM
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d125/phredcdobbs/Eagle235001.jpg?t=1254034266)
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d125/phredcdobbs/Eagle235002.jpg?t=1254034426)
Title: Re: Swapping 2.35 gears out of the front... questions
Post by: FredCDobbs on September 27, 2009, 08:26:02 AM
Per reply #35. Yikes another typo.  The phrase "jeep Dana 35 case will not help" should read "jeep Dana 30 case will not help".   Mea culpa, mea culpa, mea maxima culpa.
Title: Re: Swapping 2.35 gears out of the front... questions
Post by: eaglefreek on September 27, 2009, 12:22:47 PM
Thanks Fred! Tha's quite a lot of info and also answers a few questions including people getting half shaft fitment problems. Is what you are referring to as the case the same as the carrier, what the ring gear bolts to?
Title: Re: Swapping 2.35 gears out of the front... questions
Post by: FredCDobbs on September 27, 2009, 12:34:22 PM
Yes, I am using "case" and "carrier" interchangebly.
Title: Re: Swapping 2.35 gears out of the front... questions
Post by: demonicdragon on October 11, 2009, 01:01:39 AM
jeese...this does not look good to give my 85 eagle the 3.54 i wanted to put in her... :-[
Title: Re: Swapping 2.35 gears out of the front... questions
Post by: havasuhd on October 14, 2009, 11:59:58 PM
YUCK!!!  I was just pointed to this thread by Eaglefreek and what a mess!!  I have just installed a Ford 8.8 rearend in my Car with 3.73 gears and want to put those gears in the front as well......

So....... I saw something in the beginning of this thread posted by Dansvan that I am hoping is a loophole, Can I just make a custom ring gear spacer to put 3.73's in my current carrier?
Title: Re: Swapping 2.35 gears out of the front... questions
Post by: mick on November 17, 2009, 02:42:09 PM
YUCK!!!  I was just pointed to this thread by Eaglefreek and what a mess!!  I have just installed a Ford 8.8 rearend in my Car with 3.73 gears and want to put those gears in the front as well......

So....... I saw something in the beginning of this thread posted by Dansvan that I am hoping is a loophole, Can I just make a custom ring gear spacer to put 3.73's in my current carrier?

A spacer is just what I was thinking.  You could start by stacking washers of the same type between the ring gear and carrier, obtain a propper setup pattern, remove the washers, have a spacer machined to that size and you should be good.  Be sure to put some shims under both carrier bearings to give some adjustability when the spacer is machined.  Sounds to me like there may be a bit of demand for spacer.
Title: Re: Swapping 2.35 gears out of the front... questions
Post by: demonicdragon on November 17, 2009, 07:55:32 PM
that sounds like an idea
Title: Re: Swapping 2.35 gears out of the front... questions
Post by: txjeeptx on December 06, 2009, 01:50:17 PM
I was going to go the spacer-route Mick has described, but was able to find a 4 cylinder Eagle front axle with 3.54 gears at a salvage yard. Eventually the 4cyl front axles will become pretty hard to come by. Mine wasn't that bad $-wise, even with shipping it from Massachusetts to Texas. I could have had the salvege yard ship me just the carrier with the 3.54 ring'n'pinion, since that's all I used.

Fred, thanks for the article.

This thread can get very confusing - Basically, if you have a 2.35 geared car, you can not use the original carrier to install lower gears into the front axle. The good news is that the lower gear carrier can be found in salvage yards in 4 cylinder Eagles, and it can be swapped into the original housing that had yer car's 2.35s in it. I dont know if aftermarket gears work with this carrier, since I didn't have to replace the gears for my axle(the ratio was right for me, and the gears were fine for re-use), so there may still be an issue with trying to swap in aftermarket 3.73 gears.

Another thing to consider is that the half shafts under the Eagle are not very well suited to low gearing coupled to large tires - there comes a point where its better to just bite the bullet and do a solid front axle like Mick's creations.

I fergot to take pics of the engine and front axle mock-up out of the car. Sorry, y'all.
Title: Re: Swapping 2.35 gears out of the front... questions
Post by: IowaEagle on December 06, 2009, 01:56:11 PM
So basically, we need to salvage front and rear? differentials from all of the rusted out 4 cylinder models we can still find.
Title: Re: Swapping 2.35 gears out of the front... questions
Post by: txjeeptx on December 06, 2009, 03:38:50 PM
Definitely  the 4 cylinder front axles need to be saved at every possible opportunity, since they came with the lower gear carrier. It is the key to lower axle ratios with the factory IFS.

I wonder, since the Dodge Dakota 4x4 pickup uses a Dana 30 front, if it shares low ratio carriers with our Eagles. 

Rear axles are not as important to save, unless you really want to stick with original equipment, since there are better design axles in abundance and they are relatively easy to swap in.
Title: Re: Swapping 2.35 gears out of the front... questions
Post by: mick on December 07, 2009, 11:01:33 AM
I agree from this day forward...............................
 
NO SCRAPPING OF 4CYL FRONT AXLES!!!!!!!!
Title: Re: Swapping 2.35 gears out of the front... questions
Post by: Venosho on January 03, 2010, 08:53:10 PM
ok I recently went through down gearing my dana 30 front axle to 3.73 gears on Monster and the other thing you need to remember is the D30  under there is a odd ball depicted as a "Long Pinion D30" and when I did my changes the guy I went to had multiple carriers at his shop and he has been doing diffs for about 30+ yrs...

the name of his buisness is Az differentials. if you guys want the info for him I.E. address and phone let me know and I will look it up for ya. ( I know I have his card here somewhere)
Title: Re: Swapping 2.35 gears out of the front... questions
Post by: havasuhd on January 17, 2010, 12:44:05 PM
Could you send me his info.  Is he in Phoenix?
Title: Re: Swapping 2.35 gears out of the front... questions
Post by: eaglefreek on January 17, 2010, 07:30:56 PM
Maybe this is one:
Arizona Differentials
602-462-5367
2180 N.M. Grand Ave
Phoenix, AZ 85009
Title: Re: Swapping 2.35 gears out of the front... questions
Post by: Venosho on January 20, 2010, 11:30:32 AM
yes eagle freak that is the correct place sorry I haven't been around much lately. I got thrown onto a big project that is taking up all my time currently the person you want to talk to at AZ diff is Nate Warren. he is a real god sent when it comes to diffs.
Title: Re: Swapping 2.35 gears out of the front... questions
Post by: moparfonix on April 06, 2010, 11:54:29 AM
Hey Venosho, how much did he charge to set you up for the 3.73's? I have a Dana 44 with disc out of a Grand Cherokee that i already cleaned and welded the mounts, just waiting for front gears to match. I'm either going to call him or make mounts to put in a Ranger 35 IFS, the splines are the same as our 30 shafts.
Title: Re: Swapping 2.35 gears out of the front... questions
Post by: eaglefreek on April 06, 2010, 01:33:34 PM
  or make mounts to put in a Ranger 35 IFS, the splines are the same as our 30 shafts.
I'd like to see that, it sounds very interesting.
Title: Re: Swapping 2.35 gears out of the front... questions
Post by: Venosho on April 06, 2010, 06:24:36 PM
Mopar~~~PM sent
Title: Re: Swapping 2.35 gears out of the front... questions
Post by: demonicdragon on April 12, 2010, 11:01:56 PM
any more thoughts on our front diff gearing issues?
Title: Re: Swapping 2.35 gears out of the front... questions
Post by: havasuhd on April 27, 2010, 03:32:09 PM
I havent been on in a while.  I called Arizona Differentials 602-462-5367 and brought them my frond axle and they installed my 3:73 gears with a new carrier and it works great. I think I paid $250.  I love the new gears and the all wheel disk brakes but I lifted the front to high so now I have to put longer A-arms ect. on it. It is not safe to be on the road right now....  >:(

So that is my next project for her and she sits in the garage.... AGAIN!
Title: Re: Swapping 2.35 gears out of the front... questions
Post by: demonicdragon on April 27, 2010, 11:21:34 PM
oh jeese. ..arizona is a bit far for NYS. lol. anybody have any connections around here?  ;D
Title: Re: Swapping 2.35 gears out of the front... questions
Post by: moparfonix on July 02, 2010, 05:38:12 PM
i called az diff. and had him ship the carrier and gear up to minnesota. After 2 months of i'll ship it tommorrow and 260 bucks i got the thing and not a chance it'll fit in the carrier. the ring gear he sent me is to big to even fit in if i machined the housing. i dont know what he did for you guys, but he may have just sent me something he had laying around to get me to stop calling. There is no evidence of machining he chargered 120 for on the carrier. i am going to drive 50 miles from my house there is a junk yard with a dana 35 independent front with 3.73's in a 97 ranger. splines are the same so i am going to use the housing and carrier off the ranger 35 and the axles, alxe tubes and cv shaft off the eagle 30. i will post how it goes.
Title: Re: Swapping 2.35 gears out of the front... questions
Post by: demonicdragon on September 02, 2010, 11:51:34 PM
whats the news on the front gear problems? any more solutions?
Title: Re: Swapping 2.35 gears out of the front... questions
Post by: PR1AWRet on April 03, 2012, 11:22:14 AM
If you have a 2.35 front D30, you can only run the 2.35 gears.  This differential case is a one off.  There are NO lockers/limited slips for this axle.

If you have any other ratio Eagle D30 front disco/nondisco axle, you have to use Jeep CJ gears because of the long pinion shaft.  The low/high differential cases from a Jeep CJ will fit and you could go down to 4.88's but I doubt the half shafts would hold up.  If the locker/limited slip fits the Jeep CJ, it will fit this.

This is a lot easier to remember than what doesn't fit.
Title: Re: Swapping 2.35 gears out of the front... questions
Post by: The Dark Side of Will on April 06, 2012, 10:36:07 AM
The Eagle 3.54 gears and carrier are unique to the Eagle application, right?

But will 3.54 gears and carrier from other D30's fit?
Title: Re: Swapping 2.35 gears out of the front... questions
Post by: PR1AWRet on April 06, 2012, 02:43:11 PM
The 3.54 gears and carrier are the same as the Jeep CJ's.  

Will others fit? Yes. Volvos, Aerostars, Just about any pre 86 Jeep Dana 30's.  There are a couple more.

If it's a tooth count of 46-13, for 3.54 gears, it will most likely fit.  The 39-11 tooth count, for 3.55 gears, won't work.

3.54 are usually listed as 46-13 and 3.55 are usually listed as the 39-11, but I've see both listed as either 3.54 or 3.55.

Dana 30 low ratio case 3.55 and Down. Dana 30 high ratio case 3.73 and Up.


Title: Re: Swapping 2.35 gears out of the front... questions
Post by: anrkii on June 05, 2012, 05:46:12 AM
Are you saying that a CJ carrier will work? I dropped my 235 unit at the shop along with a 354 xj carrier and gears without doing my homework first. whoops.
Can anyone else confirm/deny usage of a cj carrier?
Title: Re: Swapping 2.35 gears out of the front... questions
Post by: PR1AWRet on June 05, 2012, 01:13:15 PM
The CJ carrier/gears won't work with the 2.35 carrier AND/OR 2.35 axle out of the Eagle.  Any other gear ratio/axle (2.73, 3.07, 3.54) will work from an Eagle (Anything lower, like 3.73-4.88 will require the carrier for those ratios but will fit in the Eagle axle.)  If you have a 2.73 carrier AND axle per se, you can use the CJ gears in it as with any CJ carriers/differentials. Detroit Locker, Ox Locker, ARB Locker, Detroit Trutrac (posi) etc.
Title: Re: Swapping 2.35 gears out of the front... questions
Post by: anrkii on June 06, 2012, 01:15:37 PM
so its true that the entire 235 axle housing is the problem then?
Crap.
Title: Re: Swapping 2.35 gears out of the front... questions
Post by: The Dark Side of Will on April 23, 2014, 09:40:48 AM
i called az diff. and had him ship the carrier and gear up to minnesota. After 2 months of i'll ship it tommorrow and 260 bucks i got the thing and not a chance it'll fit in the carrier. the ring gear he sent me is to big to even fit in if i machined the housing. i dont know what he did for you guys, but he may have just sent me something he had laying around to get me to stop calling. There is no evidence of machining he chargered 120 for on the carrier. i am going to drive 50 miles from my house there is a junk yard with a dana 35 independent front with 3.73's in a 97 ranger. splines are the same so i am going to use the housing and carrier off the ranger 35 and the axles, alxe tubes and cv shaft off the eagle 30. i will post how it goes.

That sounds interesting... pics of D35 IFS? How difficult is it to swap that into an Eagle?
Title: Re: Swapping 2.35 gears out of the front... questions
Post by: captspillane on June 16, 2014, 07:53:15 PM
Keep in mind not all 2.35 axles used the problem casting. If you don't have 2.35 gears you are certainly safe but not all 2.35 gear axles are actually bad. Some are still good.The good casting that is compatible with 3.55 gears was used with 2.35 gear sets. The good casting was used with non-disconnect axles for 2.35 gears at the same time the bad casting was being used with disconnect axles.

Certainly in early years without disconnect, maybe in later years without disconnect, and possibly in later years with disconnnect. It's all pretty blurry.

Title: Re: Swapping 2.35 gears out of the front... questions
Post by: captspillane on June 16, 2014, 07:55:32 PM
so its true that the entire 235 axle housing is the problem then?
Crap.

Yes the casting was different in that the bearing races were offset to one side. They actually used a standard carrier found in other Jeep applications but they used it in a non standard position because of the oddball offset bearing location.
Title: Re: Swapping 2.35 gears out of the front... questions
Post by: carnuck on June 17, 2014, 03:08:51 PM
So if the solution is to swap the whole diff, check the classified section here! (hint hint)
Title: Re: Swapping 2.35 gears out of the front... questions
Post by: kajsdf on September 11, 2014, 09:24:26 PM
i hope somebody is still paying attention to this thread...

i am swapping an 8.25 axle with 3.55 gears (39/11 = 3.545454545454........) into an 85 non disconnect axle originally geared 2.73. i gather that the carrier will work up to 3.54 - are 3.55 and 3.54 close enough to run safely? i saw also in the thread that 3.55 will NOT fit an eagle d30 but a 3.54 will?

hoping for some clarification from someone who has also swapped in an 8.25 or ran those ratios...thanks
Title: Re: Swapping 2.35 gears out of the front... questions
Post by: carnuck on September 12, 2014, 01:11:08 AM
You need the gears from a low pinion D30. The XJ one is high pinion.
Title: Re: Swapping 2.35 gears out of the front... questions
Post by: BenM on September 12, 2014, 10:23:18 AM
The biggest difference AMC offered in front-rear ratios was the 2.72/2.73 axles at 18:49 and 15:41 for a .41% difference in speed. Both stock 3.54 axles are 13:46. If the 8.25 is 39:11 it should put you a .20%. I figure that if it's less than the biggest stock difference it's good. Only the 3.31 and the 3.54 ratios had an exact match front to back.

Title: Re: Swapping 2.35 gears out of the front... questions
Post by: TEagle85 on September 14, 2016, 02:03:22 PM
So I have the 2.35 in my Eagle and have been really wanting something else. I have a few quick questions Im trying to answered ASAP.

On craigslist I found a guy with a bunch of AMC parts, in those parts is a axle set from what I think is a 81 SX4. It has the disconnect on the front.

-Assuming they are anything other the the 2.35 can I swap in my 85 sedan without disconnect?

-Is there a way to lock it out?

-Should I get front and rear at the same time?

-Do I only need the front and just replace the carrier and gear in the rear? how easy is that to find?

Hes in Ohio and swinging through Chicago on Mon so trying to figure this out quick.
the little details Ill worry about later just want to know if I should jump on it.

Ive been burnt before jumping quick on a t-case to find it was the wrong spline. $85 down the drain.

Thanks guys
Title: Re: Swapping 2.35 gears out of the front... questions
Post by: Draekon on September 14, 2016, 07:00:55 PM
If it really is from an '81 SX4 it should either have 2.73 or 3.54.

You might need to hangers from the '81 axle. There are some differences in lengths between the years/types.

You can lockout the disconnect axles using a hose clamp. There is a writeup in the eaglepedia.

Getting the rear that matches would be easiest. I don't know about swapping the carriers and gears in the rear. I assume that it would work without any issues. Most people seem to just upgrade to a better rear axle when going to a different gearing.

Title: Re: Swapping 2.35 gears out of the front... questions
Post by: The Dark Side of Will on July 27, 2020, 12:08:48 PM
So I read this a LONG time ago... then forgot it all and ordered an Eaton 19817-010 E-Locker (3.54-) for my 3.54 front diff.

Fast forward through a lot of effort getting the left stub axle retained in the diff...

I find that the ring gear flange of course is wrong. After re-reading this thread, all I can think of is "Well, Duh."

I'm going to order a 19818-020 (3.73+) and try that, but it sounds like I'll still need a ring gear spacer to make it work with the Eagle gears.

Anybody want to buy a 19817-010 E-Locker for their 2.35 gears?
Title: Re: Swapping 2.35 gears out of the front... questions
Post by: The Dark Side of Will on August 31, 2020, 03:12:20 PM
Played with the 19818 locker over the weekend.
I pulled the ring gear off the AMC-Unique carrier. The ID chamfer on the ring gear pilot bore is ~0.100 deep, which make things a little more difficult.

I took the three units into the QC lab to measure the flange offset using a height gauge.
3.54-: 1.820 (Spec from RockAuto is 1.810)
3.73+: 1.938 (+0.118 from 3.54-; spec is 1.943)
AMC:  2.149 (+0.211 from 3.73+; don't have a spec)

On both Eatons, the ring gear locating journal looks 0.320 long.

Soooooo... 0.320" (journal length) - 0.211" (difference in flange offset) = 0.109 (overlap of ring gear on locating journal)

0.109 overlap initially sounds good, EXCEPT that the ID chamfer on the ring gear is 0.100 deep. So maybe there's 0.010 overlap, maybe there isn't because +/-0.010 is about the best confidence I have in some of those measurements, as I was eyeballing edges next to the calipers.

HOWEVER, the AMC carrier was installed with 0.030 & 0.007 (0.037 total) shims on the gear side and 0.028, 2x 0.010 & 0.005 (0.053 total) on the far side. If I drop the far side shims down by 0.040 to 0.013 or so and increase the gear side shims by the same amount, that will move the ring gear flange 0.040 closer to the ring gear, which increases the overlap from 0.010 +/-0.010 to 0.050+/-0.010... which is workable.

That means that I can make a 0.170-0.180 ring gear spacer, which can be ground from a 3/16" laser cutting.

Because I'm adding a ring gear spacer and the stock ring gear bolts are 7/8" long, I can put the assembly back together with 1" ring gear bolts, which are hella easier to find than 7/8" bolts.

(https://i.imgur.com/sR0vsT1.jpg?1)

(https://i.imgur.com/4mMjeNf.jpg?1)
Title: Re: Swapping 2.35 gears out of the front... questions
Post by: Softbuster on October 25, 2021, 08:59:43 PM
So I'm trying to wrap my mind around all this info, correct me if im wrong.

I have a whole front axle from an 85 Eagle with the 2.35 gear set, that i wanted to drop better gears into.
If i order a CJ long pinion 46-13 tooth count gears, all i would need is a spacer and bolts
 to boot the ring gear closer to the pinon?
Is there a spacer off the shelf from a main supplier that would work?

I'm not running crazy Horsepower or crazy tires so it wont see extremes, not interested in a locker either.
Title: Re: Swapping 2.35 gears out of the front... questions
Post by: Mr_Roboto on May 29, 2022, 06:06:07 PM
Just to be sure before I start pillaging JYs:
-I can grab gears from a low pinion (00-01) Cherokee
-I can grab gears from a Grand Cherokee 98 and earlier

Any other common vehicles in the yard I could grab them from? My Eagle is an 82 with the disconnect so I don't have the "oddball" housing even though it's 2.34 based on what I'm reading here.

Otherwise I need a Cherokee Axle from the yard for the back and I'll expect to do some MIG work on that.
Title: Re: Swapping 2.35 gears out of the front... questions
Post by: EagleSX4_5Speed on May 29, 2022, 11:14:40 PM
Just make sure you get the correct carrier. Here are some pics of an '83 disconnect 2.35 axle and and '82 disconnect 2.73. In the pictures it is clear that gears are offset more for the 2.73 gears I successfully put in 3.54 gears in that axle with no issues. I had heard about the difference in the carriers and was lucky enough to find a 2.73 axle in a junkyard.
Title: Re: Swapping 2.35 gears out of the front... questions
Post by: Mr_Roboto on June 06, 2022, 03:16:34 PM
I am guessing the height of the ribs on those carriers is about 5/16 inches tall for the 2.35 axle? Trying to figure out how to locate one of these carriers and affirm it's right on ebay.
Title: Re: Swapping 2.35 gears out of the front... questions
Post by: Mr_Roboto on June 07, 2022, 06:09:13 AM
So, I found this web site. It lists 2 carrier deck heights, a 1.8 and a 1.938 deck height.

I am wondering if they did something weird with the carrier offset.

https://www.differentials.com/technical-help-2/carrier-breaks/ (https://www.differentials.com/technical-help-2/carrier-breaks/)