Anyone running a Dana 35 with a True-Trac?

Stoopid Jeep

Stoopid Jeep

YJ Enthusiast
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Dec 25, 2021
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319
Location
North Idaho
It's time increase traction in the rear of the old Jeep.
It has been said one should "Never lock a D-35!", that's fine because I don't think I want a locked rear end.
The little Jeep is currently running 4.88's with a Spartan Helical LSD in the front and am extremely happy with it, I was thinking about installing an Eaton TrueTrac or PowerTrax Grip Pro in the rear.
This should increase traction and replace the weak spider gear assembly, distributing power more effectively to the wimpy 27-spline axles ...:rolleyes:
My theory is that the helical lsd should be easier on the axles than a locker, and reduce the chance of snapping an axle. ...seems logical????

To be clear, I don't rock crawl and don't spend much time with one wheel in the air, I don't think I need a locker. It would be great it if there were a Super 35 kit with a truetrac (I would buy it right now) ...but there ain't. so that leaves:
Open diff →(as a last resort)
Rear end swap →(Maybe later, not right now)
Lockers; 27 spline or super 35 →(no)
Clutch style lsd's; 27 spline or super 35→ (no)
Selectable lockers; 27 spline or super 35 →(no)
Helical / Torsen style LSD; 27 spline only →(this is what I'm leaning towards)

The D-35's strength isn't a huge concern (famous last words) and I don't want to invest in a rear end swap at this time, as I currently have other projects to tend to.
Mostly I'll be driving up skidder trails, muddy / snowy logging roads and things like that. Light to moderate off roading.
Right now the only other viable option is leave it as-is and use the winch more often.

Is anyone running a helical lsd in the rear or have first hand knowledge of the performance that can be expected?
Reasons to NOT install one?
Let me know what you think.
250.100.100-GSLS__75964.1610470062.jpg

pic stolen off the internet for edukational purposes.
 
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I would say go for it, assuming 31-33" tires and not just beating the piss out of it. The biggest fail point I've seen in the D35 is the spider gear set. Seems like when they break they either take the shaft or the R&P set with them when the broken chunks get lodged places, unless you're lucky and they don't end up taking out anything else.

Most of the problems on open diff 35's come from 35" tires. 33's can live a long time. A TrueTrac doesn't add any real stress to the shafts so no concern there. When people ruin the 35 with smaller than 35's, most of the time it's from running a locker. I very rarely hear of open diff 35's dying on anything below a D35. Of course there are exceptions, but odds are in your favor.

For what it's worth, I was going to TT my super 35 and have it 27 spline, until a D44 fell in my lap. I was actually going to do the Super 35, and I bought that kit but then decided I didn't want a locker in my plans. So the plan was truetracs, but then the D44 came up so I truetrac'd that instead. I also put a TT in the Super D44 in my truck. Good product.

If you are worried about the stock shafts, you can get some 1541H 27 spline shafts from Revolution which are advertised to increase the strength by about 10%. $100 per shaft. Might be some good peace of mind, and you can keep the old stockers as trail spares.
 
The performance you can expect from one is basically better traction as long as both wheels are on the ground. Practically eliminates the one wheel peel problem by biasing the power to the wheel with traction rather than sending it to the wheel with no traction that just spins endlessly in an open diff situation.

What I like about the TT is it upgrades you to the strength of most locker components (strong forged gears that won't break like spiders) without actually forcing you to have a locker. In Texas I just don't need a locker for my use so it makes sense to save half the product cost and get a product that benefits me 100% of the time rather than a locker I'll never use the locking portion of and ending up in open diff mode 99.999% of the time. So for me it's the strength upgrade that I like, and they are unnoticeable on the street and will help you in slick conditions such as rain, mud, dirt, grass, etc.
 
Running Easton TT Limited slip in the front and rear with 4.10 and 33" tires. They are great, no clunk no inside tire grabbing on turns and havent had any issues with them.
 
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N6RNN said:
Running Easton TT Limited slip in the front and rear with 4.10 and 33" tires. They are great, no clunk no inside tire grabbing on turns and havent had any issues with them.
Click to expand...
For the record, I ended up installing a super 35, eaton E-locker setup.
...so far, so good 👍
 
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