non C-clip Dana 35 rear axle. Taper and straight bearings interchangeable?

[Jerry]

Hi guys.

 

Please can someone help me out with 'the knowledge'. The design on my d35 rear axle with its taper bearings seems a bit lame IMHO. Having a design that makes the axle 'want' to push outward under load doesn't make much sense.

 

I'd like to find out if it's possible to replace the taper bearings on the d35 with straight bearings to prevent this lateral pressure under load (hope that makes sense?!). The retainer plate on one side has bowed already from this outward pressure so I made a spacer up to compensate.

 

By comparison, the C-clip design isn't much better, IMHO. How many photos have seen where people have had an escapee axle because the clip has failed! If the non c-clip design had straight bearings that would be better than either standard designs because there would be no lateral pressure and everything is held in place by the retainer plate so no escaping axles on the trail.

 

 

I am looking into maybe finding a d44(?) from a Cherokee when funds allow, but right now for a few bucks and my time I could just put straight bearings in ..... If that's possible?

 

Anyone know?

 

Thanks on advance.

 

FYI: '89 Pioneer 4.0L with dana 35 rear axle.

[FrankTheDog]

A Dana 44 has the same type bearing as the non c clip 35.

It's a better more durable design.

With the straight bearings your axle is the inner race.

Parts aren't interchangeable between the two.

[mnkyboy]

No you can't swap bearings, if you look at your axle tubes they are flaired for the bearings. The c clip 35s are not so they are completely different where the bearings go.

[Jerry]

Perfect, thanks for the info guys.