Rear axle gear question

[eaglefreek]

Jeep D35 from an XJ bolts in and you just need to swap the shock mounts to make it work.

Correct, Carnuck, but my question is concerning the 2.35 ring and pinion gear in my AMC 15 and will it work in the D35 axle? I don't want to swap out my front axle.

There are 2 Dana 35 carriers, 2.35-3.31 and 3.54-4.88. So as long as you have the right carrier, I don't see why it won't work.

[recomer]

Jeep D35 from an XJ bolts in and you just need to swap the shock mounts to make it work.

Correct, Carnuck, but my question is concerning the 2.35 ring and pinion gear in my AMC 15 and will it work in the D35 axle? I don't want to swap out my front axle.

There are 2 Dana 35 carriers, 2.35-3.31 and 3.54-4.88. So as long as you have the right carrier, I don't see why it won't work.

My thought to and yes, as long as I got the correct carrier, I should be good to go. I've researched all the part numbers of the internals of a AMC 15 and D35 (same bearings for both carrier and pinion, pinion seal is different though) but I just don't want to end up with a D35 that I cant use. I'm on a budget and would like to get answers before I tackle this.

[carnuck]

The D35 pinion seal is just a bit tougher than the M15 to handle offroad use due to the excess dirt that on-road cars don't see. They learned from having to change so many on the Eagles under warranty and Dana did the upgrade when they redid the axle for Jeep use.
   If I had a few more dollars to spend on my projects, I would take a Model 20 from a Grand Wagoneer or narrow track Cherokee/Wagoneer and have new shafts made with the correct bolt pattern and offset to use XJ 10" drums or possibly find 11". The stock ratios kind of suck though. 3.31 or 2.72 was most common after '80.

[recomer]

The D35 pinion seal is just a bit tougher than the M15 to handle offroad use due to the excess dirt that on-road cars don't see. They learned from having to change so many on the Eagles under warranty and Dana did the upgrade when they redid the axle for Jeep use.
   If I had a few more dollars to spend on my projects, I would take a Model 20 from a Grand Wagoneer or narrow track Cherokee/Wagoneer and have new shafts made with the correct bolt pattern and offset to use XJ 10" drums or possibly find 11". The stock ratios kind of suck though. 3.31 or 2.72 was most common after '80.

Unfortunately, those Wagoneers have 60" width axles and are a little too wide. Might have to move the spring perches to maybe? Until I can get a definite answer going to keep stock axle in place.

[carnuck]

They are within an inch and a half, which could be cut back with shorter axles (at the drum). In fact, they are commonly run in offroad XJs due to being so close in width.

[Nightpath]

If I'm not mistaken, the front axle on the Eagle is a bit wider, like 1.5-2", than the rear. Setting that axle in would even them out a tad IMO.

Now that I read that the XJ rear D35 just has to have the spring perches swapped, a plan comes to mind for me

[eaglefreek]

If I'm not mistaken, the front axle on the Eagle is a bit wider, like 1.5-2", than the rear. Setting that axle in would even them out a tad IMO.

Now that I read that the XJ rear D35 just has to have the spring perches swapped, a plan comes to mind for me

You don't have to touch the spring perches on Cherokee rears. It's the shock mounts you may want to swap. 

[carnuck]

8.25 has thicker tubes but the same spring pad spacing too. I still need to do the shock mounts on  mine but I'm waiting till I'm not dizzy so I can swap my rad. Comanche, Wrangler and Grand Wagoneer axles (6 bolt wheels) need spring pads done.

[Nightpath]

So with my stock axle with the "J" stamped on it, I could swap that out for a D35 and take the guts from mine and slap into it? (with the spring perch change)

[carnuck]

Yup. Double check the numbers on the carrier. Actually, the spring perch on XJ diffs is the same. You need to swap the shock mounts. I used a sawzall to take old ones off a bent diff for mine but haven't welded them on yet.