Towing question.

I am getting an 01 Limited with the towing package. It has the Dana 35 with ABS, and everyone says how weak this rear end is. So I guess what I am wondering is if this is such a weak rear end why would they put that in a jeep with a towing package that is supposed to be able to tow 5000lbs?

the dana 35 has a bad rap and is weak but if recpected it will hold up i have one in my grand behinde a v8 93k no problems i have also had one in a xj with problems it bent the housing on a wheeling trip. so if you stay on the road or the mellower side of wheeling you will be fine. but if you are hard core upgrade

the 35 is not a bad rear its just notmade for the heavy abuse some guys seem to put them through. Its funny but everyone I know who has broken a 35 is a rock nut anyone who just enjoys trails and some mud here and there has no problems. I personally have a 44 because i beat the snot out of my rig and being its got a manual trans and 31's i figured it was not a bad idea but my 27 spline 8.25 never flinched at what I threw at t and people on here say they are weak too.

My 91 has 160k.
I've towed the krapp out of it. Mostly a 19' boat around the sierras, tahoe area. Use common sense, change your fluids.
The XJ is capable way past it's ratings. Except for the brakes.
The drivetrain can handle it, but not stop it.

It took me 4 years to pop an axle on my 35 that's with tons of heavy towing and a lot of light duty offing. Then it was my son going nuk on the Cherokee pulling someone out of a ditch. Stick with the 35


But ABS on a 35 are you sure it's a 35?

======================
A good bud is hard to find.
Even harder to lose.
WORK SAFE

klennop said:

I am getting an 01 Limited with the towing package. It has the Dana 35 with ABS, and everyone says how weak this rear end is. So I guess what I am wondering is if this is such a weak rear end why would they put that in a jeep with a towing package that is supposed to be able to tow 5000lbs?

Click to expand...

You'll be fine. I regularly tow a 4000-4500lb. load with my 2000 Limited with the same configuration you've got and the axle's not an issue. As long as you've got a tranny cooler and braked trailer, you'll won't have any problems.

badron said:

But ABS on a 35 are you sure it's a 35?

Click to expand...

All XJs with ABS had the D35. Hell, mine has ABS and limited-slip...