rear axle question for dana 35

[thumperj20]

i have been a member of this site for only about 4mo. let me start by saying thank you to everyone who posts tips and tricks it helps alot. my question is i have a 88 comanche renix 4.0 2wd with the peugot crappy tranny long bed. i just got the truck on the road after alot of work that it needed. going down the road the rear driverside tire and rim move in and out like a 1/4 in. almost like the rim is bent, i have already have changed the rim and tire and it still does the wiggle down the road. there are no noises coming from the rear end that i can hear while driving and the rear end is not hopping while going down the road ? i have jacked up the truck and tried to wiggle the tire and rim by hand and it seems to give just a slight bit, while pulling it back and forth. my question is does this sound like a bad wheel bearing or a bent axle. i have a brand new wheel bearing already. i bought it because it was only 22.00. any help would be nice thanks in advance

[Bounty Hunter]

Put the rear axle on jackstands and remove the rear tires. Put the truck in drive and see of the wheel flange wobbles. If so, it's not that difficult to replace the axleshaft.

[thumperj20]

just called advanced auto and they are pricing the rear axle shaft at 278.00 for that price i could buy a used rear end. i will check it with the truck on jack stands this weekend thanks for the help

[Eagle]

Put the rear axle up on jack stands, start the engine, and let it idle in first gear. See if the wheel wobbles. It could be just a bent rim. If the wheel wobbles, take off the wheel and repeat with only the brake drum in place -- see if the brake drum wobbles. If the drum wobbles, remove the drum and check just the flange.

 

You look for a new axle only if the flange wobbles.

[jimoshel]

Be sure and put a nut back on. I have had drums come flying off when doing that.

[Geonovast]

Where are you located? I'm sure someone nearby has D35 axleshafts sitting around... no need to go to a parts store for something like that.

[thumperj20]

i live just outside dayton ohio. thanks for all the help guys i will try everything with the truck on stands. if it is the axle shaft i will let you guys know.

[kastein]

I'd junkyard em, no way would I pay that kind of cash for an axleshaft. I can get d35 shafts all day for 15 bucks or so here.

 

You could put a whole new axle in, including welding new brackets on, for 150 or so, and it would be an upgrade because the 35 is unfortunately about the worst axle they ever put in the XJ/MJ series.

 

Yours is an 89/older, so I believe your d35 is a non c clip one, remember that when junkyarding shafts or planning to replace it.

[Geonovast]

Also make sure you get the correct side. D35 shafts are different lengths.

[kastein]

huh, how did I never realize that?

 

Which one is longer, out of curiosity?

 

I have a spare set of shafts I am giving to a friend on a wheeling trip tomorrow and I never marked em left vs right.

[JeepcoMJ]

Does the shaft move in and out, or does the wheel wobble?

[Geonovast]

I think the driver's side is longer, but not 100%. There should be an R or L stamped on the studs if they're original.

[Eagle]

I think the driver's side is longer, but not 100%. There should be an R or L stamped on the studs if they're original.

An 'L' stamped on a stud indicates a left-hand thread ... which was never used on the XJ or MJ.

[Geonovast]

I knew that... :doh:

[Eagle]

If shopping for new shafts for a Dana 35 axle, don't forget that from '84 (XJ only) through '89 they did not use a c-clip retainer, they were retained by a flange at the outer end. From 1990 through 2001 they used a c-clip retainer. They are not interchangeable.

[Geonovast]

Aren't 84-85 shafts 2 piece shafts as well and should be avoided?

[JeepcoMJ]

Aren't 84-85 shafts 2 piece shafts as well and should be avoided?

 

no, that's regular amc20's (NOT comanche amc20's...those are 1 piece)

[Geonovast]

Aren't 84-85 shafts 2 piece shafts as well and should be avoided?

 

no, that's regular amc20's (NOT comanche amc20's...those are 1 piece)

 

Pretty sure I remember posts about 84-85 D35 shafts being 2 piece.

[kro10000]

:agree:

[Eagle]

Aren't 84-85 shafts 2 piece shafts as well and should be avoided?

 

no, that's regular amc20's (NOT comanche amc20's...those are 1 piece)

 

Pretty sure I remember posts about 84-85 D35 shafts being 2 piece.

You may remember such a post but, if there was one, I believe it was in error. Simple test -- if it's a 2-piece (with the hub splined onto the shaft like the old CJ axles), there will be a nut holding the flange on. No nut = 1-piece axle.