Rear axle on most XJs. C-clip axles, 27-spline. Notoriously weak. Regearing is fine; consider 8.8 swap at 33" tires if planning aggressive wheeling.
The Dana 35C is the standard XJ rear axle (1987-2001 except 8.25-equipped trucks). 27-spline C-clip retained axles. The ring gear is 7.625" — small compared to the 8.25 or 8.8.
The D35 has a famously bad reputation in the off-road world. It's adequate for stock tire sizes and street use, but C-clip axles break and roll out when wheeled hard on 33s+, and the diff carrier housing flexes. The strength ceiling on a D35 is roughly 33" tires with light use.
Gearing the D35: same vendors as D30 — Yukon, Motive, USA Standard. $180-260 for gears, $200-280 for master kit. Ratios available 3.07-4.88 (5.13 is harder to find and may need a thick-pinion adapter).
Lockers/upgrades that pair with regear:
If you're regearing for 33" tires and planning to wheel hard, consider swapping the rear to a Ford 8.8 or Dana 44 instead of pouring money into the D35. The math:
The 8.8 swap is only marginally more expensive and dramatically stronger.
| Part | Vendor | Est. price |
|---|---|---|
| Yukon D35 4.56 ring/pinion | Yukon | ~$220 |
| Yukon D35 master install kit | Yukon | ~$240 |
Written and maintained by an AZ wheeler and driveway wrencher. Always cross-reference your factory service manual — modifications affect vehicle safety and warranty. Work at your own risk.