Dana 35 TTB regear and possible Posi upgrade question?

[JMF661]

Hello All,

Recently acquired a FXII 4.10 ratio 31 spline rear end with Torsen L/S for my 94 4.0L 4x4 Ranger. Just waiting for some new brake components to arrive so I can complete the swap.
Anyhow I am looking to regear the front diff to a 4.10 as well, I am also interested in possibly installing a “posi” assembly in the front as well. However I’m not real familiar with the Dana 35 TTB. As I understand it the Dana 35 was/is used in other applications that are not the Twin traction beam arrangement.
Do these other Dana 35s use the same ring and pinion gears?
Would components for a, say Jeep Dana 35, work in a Dana 35 TTB application, posi units, ring and pinion?
Or does anyone have any recommendations and experience for manufacturers for these components?

I would certainly appreciate anyone’s experience and expertise in this matter.
Thanks!

 

[Shran]

Some Jeep D35 parts will work, others will not, rear Jeep D35's are low pinion axles and our TTB front axles are high pinion. So certain carriers, lockers, etc will work in either but the gears themselves will not. IFS Rangers (98+) also have D35 front axles but they are different than the TTB ones.

You can find factory D35 axles with 4.10s... they are not easy to find, most common in early 90's Rangers. You can buy aftermarket gears. Be careful with used parts, especially from Jeep applications, you'll really need to research part numbers and see what works and what does not.

 

[09fx4guy]

Shran is right. DO YOUR RESEARCH!

It can be complicated to do the posi swap for the Dana 35TTB. I think that there are a few locker options out there, but I would rather see you get something like a Detroit Truetrac (similar to a Torsen).

I have the IFS D35 in the front with a Torsen that I installed, and boy you will love driving in the snow with it.

 

[Curious Hound]

You will see reference to reverse cut gears. If I recall correctly, that is what you need for the ttb Dana 35. I don't have my build notes in front of me. I put an Aussie locker in mine and I don't mind it. It's a bit quirky having that in the front diff. The Thorsen, if you can afford it, might be a bit nicer to drive. I would recommend manual hubs.

 

[JMF661]

So, I have been searching around and am currently leaning toward a Eaton Detroit locker (Part number 162C56A ) to install in the front differential. I have also found a reverse cut Yukon 4.11 Ratio ring and pinion package. I do have manual lockers on the front hubs. I will most likely never have the transfer case engaged unless actually off road, we rarely get any snow or ice where I am located. Everything I can find seems to indicate that this set up should work nicely.

I'm certain the Detroit Truetrac or torsen style limited slip would be better for on road snow and ice conditions. However my understanding of this style of locker leads me to believe it would be better for my planned off-road usage.

The planned final Differential configuration would be:

Rear, 4.10 Ratio 31 spline with Torsen L/S.

Front, Dana 35 TTB 4.11 Ratio 27 spline with Eaton Detroit Lockers, manual locking hubs.

Does anyone have any thoughts or concerns as to the compatibility of this set up? Further recommendations?

 

[09fx4guy]

If you are only going to use 4wd offroad, then you should be fine. You will probably find that you won't even need 4wd for many basic off road applications with the Torsen in the rear.

I try to go by the old "Use 4x4 to get you out of trouble, not into it".

 

[Curious Hound]

If you are only going to use 4wd offroad, then you should be fine. You will probably find that you won't even need 4wd for many basic off road applications with the Torsen in the rear.

I try to go by the old "Use 4x4 to get you out of trouble, not into it".

Then what do you use to get into trouble?

 

[JMF661]

Then what do you use to get into trouble?

Beers!!!

 

[JMF661]

I’ve got all my parts in finally. Now I just have to find the time to start taking stuff apart.

 

[don4331]

Then what do you use to get into trouble?

Skinny pedal on the right side and "watch this".

 

[Curious Hound]

Skinny pedal on the right side and "watch this".

My motto is " I'm pretty sure I can go there. Let's do it."

 

[Shran]

I missed the part about the Detroit locker. I'm not sure you will like it for your application... They are kinda like a lockrite, Aussie etc but a full carrier version. You will notice noise and weird steering characteristics with the hubs locked and the tcase in 2wd. I have a lockrite in the front of my crawler and it is awful in that scenario.

 

[JMF661]

I missed the part about the Detroit locker. I'm not sure you will like it for your application... They are kinda like a lockrite, Aussie etc but a full carrier version. You will notice noise and weird steering characteristics with the hubs locked and the tcase in 2wd. I have a lockrite in the front of my crawler and it is awful in that scenario.

My thought is that the T-case will only be in 4x4, and one or both of the lockers engaged, when off road and in something too difficult for the 2WD. I don't plan on wheeling anything too radical but i would like the option to be locked in for a relatively straight steep climb.
I am curious as to anyone's thoughts on only locking one hub for cruising more curved trails or lighter climbing, this would eliminate unusual steering pull in turns and the ratcheting noise in turns.

I was interested in some ARB air lockers, however they are a little spendy for me at this point. Im sure I will regret not just spending the money on the compressor that I am probably going to buy later anyway.

Then again, in 4x4 with one or two hubs locked in a turn I would imagine the locker would trip depending on the scenario.

 

[Curious Hound]

I do some trail riding with one hub locked. It’s much nicer that way. Lock the other one when needed.

 

[JMF661]

I’ve got the front end out. Getting a little closer to having an off-road rig.