This axle is not well know as a strong and dependable unit but it has served me well and the only reason that I plan on getting rid of it is because I do a V8 swap someday. I am running 4.56:1 gears with a Detroit locker. This setup worked fairly well for me. Since I have a 2.5L, my axles came with 4.10:1 gears and the swap to 4.56:1 was somewhat of a disappointment. From what I have been told this axle is limited to no lower than a 4.56:1 gear set. I think they are working on 4.88's but I'm not positive on this one. I firmly believe that the only reason I haven't busted a dozen shafts is due to the engine not having the power to do so. I could be wrong though.

Out with the old and in with the new!

Out with the 35c and in with the Dana 44, What a feeling it was to be on Bud's garage floor bolting 44's underneath of my Jeep. Thanks to my wife of course, who told me no and then bought them behind my back. I don't know how she put up with me before I found out. Anyway, as with the front this axle has a Detroit locker with 5.38:1 ring and pinion. I have had more problems with the rear axle than I have with the front. The first thing that I noticed was that the passenger side shaft was bent. I could see it in my mirror that will never stay where it's supposed to. This thing was wobbling so much that the tire looked like it was about to fly of of the jeep at mach three and take out a house. Matt Brookins pointed me to desertfab.com where I picked up a used shaft complete with new bearings (pressed on), seal and shipping for just over $100. The install was pretty simple. I will post some pictures when I do the other side. When I pulled the shaft I discovered that the splines were twisted, don't you just love surprises? I didn't bother to pull the other since I already knew what I would see. My fears were confirmed when I pulled the other shaft during my locker fiasco. It needs to be replaced but it seems to be holding up ok for now.

The Detroit is probably by far the strongest of all of the lockers. It is a fairly expensive unit that replaces the entire ring and pinion carrier. Unless you know exactly how to set up an R&P I suggest that you have it done at a reputable shop. The Detroit does wonders (as does any locker) for your vehicles off-road capabilities. Places that you could not traverse before are now within your reach. Which also means that you can get yourself into trouble allot easier, but that's the fun part right. This setup does not come without it's downfalls though, it tends to change the handling characteristics on the road. Every now and then you get a gut wrenching bang from the rear end that I am still not used to. This is caused by the locker opening up on a slight turn and not closing fully until power is applied to the wheels (BANG). Sharp turns will produce the infamous tire chirp but for the most part it will open up and allow the tires to differentiate and you won't hear it. You will have to change your driving habits to be able to tame this beast.