The Foundation: Understanding the Dana 35 Axle
The call of the open trail, the thrill of conquering challenging terrain – these are the reasons many enthusiasts dedicate themselves to the world of off-roading. But navigating rugged landscapes demands more than just a capable vehicle; it requires components built to withstand the abuse. Among the most critical of these is the axle, the unsung hero that transmits power to the wheels and bears the brunt of the punishment. For those seeking to elevate their off-road capabilities, the **Dana Super 35 Kit with E-Locker** emerges as a powerful combination. This upgrade is a significant leap forward, delivering enhanced traction, durability, and overall performance for dedicated off-roaders.
Before delving into the upgrades, it’s crucial to understand the axle the **Dana Super 35 Kit with E-Locker** is designed to enhance: the Dana 35. Found predominantly in vehicles like the Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Cherokee throughout the late 20th century, the Dana 35 became a ubiquitous axle in the world of off-roading, thanks to its relative simplicity and readily available parts.
This particular axle was a fairly reliable choice for general road use and moderate off-roading. It performed its duties with reasonable efficiency, capable of withstanding the day-to-day stress of a variety of driving conditions. However, when taken off the beaten path, its limitations became apparent.
The Dana 35’s inherent weaknesses stem from its design. One of the most notable of these is the size of its axle shafts. These shafts, which connect the differential to the wheels, are constructed to a size that can prove insufficient in the presence of oversized tires and increased torque. Overstressing the axles can lead to shaft failure, leading to potential damage to the axle’s housing and creating a dangerous situation. The axle housing, the physical container that houses the gears and other components, can be prone to flexing under high stress, particularly if the vehicle is equipped with a lift kit and larger tires. This flexing can lead to premature wear and damage.
The standard open differential, which is typically found within the Dana 35, is another element to consider. While useful for everyday driving, open differentials distribute power to the wheel with the least resistance. This means that if one wheel loses traction, most of the power will be diverted to that wheel, leaving the other wheel with minimal power and rendering the vehicle immobile. In off-road scenarios, this can mean getting stuck on obstacles where a single wheel loses contact with the ground.
For individuals with aspirations of serious off-roading, the weaknesses inherent in the Dana 35 make it a limiting factor. Its susceptibility to failure can result in a stalled adventure. That’s where an upgrade comes into play.
Elevating Performance: Exploring the Dana Super 35 Kit
The **Dana Super 35 Kit** represents a significant upgrade to the original Dana 35 axle. Designed to address its inherent weaknesses, this kit replaces several of the standard components with more robust counterparts. This translates into a vastly improved axle capable of withstanding the demands of aggressive off-road use.
The cornerstone of a **Dana Super 35 Kit** is usually the inclusion of stronger axle shafts. These shafts, often made from higher-grade steel, are designed to resist bending and breakage, which are the most frequent causes of failure for the standard axle. The increased diameter and superior material properties significantly boost the axle’s ability to handle higher levels of torque and the added stress imposed by larger tires and challenging terrain.
Another important aspect of the upgrade is frequently an upgraded differential carrier. The carrier is the part that houses the ring and pinion gears that rotate the axle shafts, and its strength and durability can be increased by upgrades to a kit.
The benefits of upgrading to a **Dana Super 35 Kit** are numerous. Chief among them is a drastic increase in durability. With stronger components, the axle is far less susceptible to damage, reducing the likelihood of breakdowns on the trail. This increased durability contributes to greater peace of mind, allowing the off-roader to focus on enjoying the experience.
The kit also opens up the potential to run larger tires. Larger tires provide increased ground clearance and enhance traction, which are both crucial for conquering obstacles. However, the standard Dana 35’s axle shafts often cannot reliably handle the stress of these larger tires. The Super 35 Kit addresses this by equipping the axle with stronger components designed to support the increased torque and stress.
In terms of pure performance, the kit results in a more capable vehicle. It can more effectively navigate rough terrain, climb steep inclines, and overcome obstacles that would otherwise be impassable. This increased capability unlocks a whole new level of off-road adventures.
Different manufacturers produce the kit with slight variations. Some may focus solely on upgrading the axle shafts, while others may offer kits that include upgraded differential carriers or reinforced axle tubes for even greater strength. Careful consideration of the kit’s contents and the specific requirements of your off-roading style is important to choose the ideal combination of parts.
Traction Amplified: An Overview of E-Lockers
The **Dana Super 35 Kit** alone is a significant enhancement, however, when combined with an E-Locker, the transformation becomes even more pronounced. To understand the impact of the combination, one must first understand the value of the E-Locker itself.
An E-Locker, or Electronic Locker, is a locking differential controlled electronically. This is in contrast to limited-slip differentials, which provide varying degrees of power transfer. An E-Locker functions differently, locking the axles, and ensuring that both wheels receive equal power, regardless of traction conditions.
The core function of an E-Locker is simple, yet impactful. By locking the axle shafts together, the E-Locker forces both wheels to rotate at the same speed. In situations where a wheel begins to lose traction, the E-Locker ensures that the power is still delivered to the wheel that has traction.
The advantages of utilizing an E-Locker are significant, especially in off-road settings. First and foremost, it provides maximum traction. By forcing both wheels to work together, an E-Locker delivers 100% power to both wheels at all times when locked, providing a powerful force that can overcome steep inclines, navigate through mud, and claw over rocks.
The on-demand locking feature is another key advantage. Unlike some automatic lockers, an E-Locker can be engaged and disengaged at the touch of a switch. This is extremely useful. During everyday driving on paved roads, it can remain in an unlocked state, providing the typical steering and handling dynamics. When the off-road journey begins, and traction becomes crucial, the driver can activate the E-Locker.
The E-Locker enhances the off-road capability of the vehicle in a wide range of terrains. In muddy conditions, it allows the vehicle to power through slick, challenging sections. On rocky trails, it offers the traction needed to crawl over obstacles.
The Synergy of Strength and Traction: Why Combine the Dana Super 35 Kit and E-Locker?
The real magic happens when the **Dana Super 35 Kit** and an E-Locker are combined. It’s the ultimate expression of off-road modification, where the strengths of each complement the other, and the result is a vehicle of extraordinary capability.
The **Dana Super 35 Kit** provides the much-needed strength to handle the increased torque and stress imposed by a locked differential. An E-Locker delivers immense power to the wheels, which translates to a great deal of force transmitted through the axles. This increased force, particularly when combined with larger tires and the added demands of tough terrain, puts a great deal of pressure on the components of the axle. The upgraded axle shafts, differential carrier, and other reinforced components of the kit are crucial to handling this added stress, and preventing failures.
The E-Locker, in turn, maximizes the benefits of the Super 35 kit by providing maximum traction. The stronger axles can effectively transfer the power to the wheels, even in the most challenging circumstances.
The resulting advantages are considerable. The combination of the Super 35 and the E-Locker provides a dramatic improvement in off-road performance. The vehicle becomes capable of tackling terrain that would have been simply impassable with a standard axle and open differential.
It provides a significant increase in the ability to overcome obstacles. The combination of the added strength of the kit with the E-Locker’s locking capabilities allows the vehicle to drive over rocks, steep inclines, and muddy trails with greater ease.
The integration also enhances confidence on the trail. The knowledge that the vehicle has a more robust axle and the added traction makes it easier to concentrate on the trail and enjoy the adventure. The driver can more easily navigate obstacles and challenges, knowing the vehicle has a greater chance of success.
Ultimately, the integration of the **Dana Super 35 Kit with E-Locker** maximizes the capability of the vehicle. It transforms it from a vehicle capable of navigating some trails into a vehicle that can handle extreme off-road conditions.
Installation Essentials
Installing a **Dana Super 35 Kit with E-Locker** is a task that needs a degree of mechanical aptitude. It’s not necessarily a job for a beginner, but it’s achievable for anyone with intermediate to advanced mechanical skills and the right tools.
Proper planning is crucial to a successful installation. You will need a set of hand tools, which must include sockets, wrenches, and screwdrivers. A torque wrench is essential for tightening bolts to the manufacturer’s specifications. A jack and jack stands are necessary for safely lifting and supporting the vehicle. Additional tools such as a bearing puller, dial indicator, and other specialized tools, may also be required.
A general overview of the process involves removing the old axle. This involves disconnecting the driveshaft, removing the brake lines, and unbolting the axle from the vehicle.
After the axle is out, the disassembly of the old axle begins. It’s crucial to carefully dismantle the differential and the existing axle shafts and housing.
The Super 35 Kit components are then installed. This involves installing the upgraded axle shafts, differential carrier, and any other components that are part of the kit.
Installation of the E-Locker follows. This will involve installing the E-Locker unit into the differential housing and connecting the necessary wiring, if required.
The reassembly process is then completed, and it’s important to pay close attention to proper gear setup. This will be a critical element in ensuring the long-term performance and reliability of the axle.
Proper alignment and gear setup are critically important. These are often more precise procedures, and failure to do them correctly can lead to premature wear and axle failure.
For those uncertain of their abilities or lacking the necessary tools, professional installation is often the best option. A professional mechanic can ensure that the installation is done correctly.
It is important to be aware of potential pitfalls. Proper care and attention during each step of the installation will make for a better result.
Ongoing Care and Maintenance
Once the **Dana Super 35 Kit with E-Locker** is installed, it’s important to follow a regular maintenance schedule to ensure optimal performance and longevity.
Changing the gear oil is a key component. Gear oil lubricates the moving parts within the differential, reducing friction and wear. Gear oil should be changed at recommended intervals to keep the differential healthy.
Regular inspection of the axle components is another important aspect of maintenance. Check the axles, differential housing, and E-Locker unit for any signs of damage, wear, or leaks.
Another crucial aspect is the frequent inspection of the axle. Leaks are a sign of something amiss. The differential housing should be free of any visible oil leaks, which can indicate a problem with the seals or the assembly.
Following these maintenance recommendations will ensure the long-term reliability and performance of the **Dana Super 35 Kit with E-Locker.**
Cost and the Path to Purchase
The cost of a **Dana Super 35 Kit with E-Locker** can vary. The total cost, including parts, labor, and any additional components that may be needed, such as new gears, can be considerable. The cost is an investment, however, the enhanced performance and added durability of the system are sure to be appreciated in the long run.
Where to buy? There are many online retailers that offer high-quality **Dana Super 35 Kits with E-Lockers**, as well as the components needed for the installation.
Final Thoughts: The Path Ahead
The **Dana Super 35 Kit with E-Locker** is a major upgrade for off-road enthusiasts seeking to increase their vehicle’s capabilities. By addressing the weaknesses of the standard Dana 35 axle and delivering enhanced traction, durability, and performance, this combination opens up a whole new world of off-road adventures.
By choosing this upgrade, enthusiasts are investing in enhanced capability and confidence. It allows the vehicle to tackle demanding terrain.
If your goal is to elevate your vehicle’s off-road performance, the **Dana Super 35 Kit with E-Locker** is a compelling and worthwhile upgrade. Research, plan, and prepare to experience the thrill of conquering the trails with greater ease.
