Dana 35C Rear Axle

By Dave Glader

This is for anybody who has a Dana 35C rear axle. The axle can hold up great for the life of your Jeep. If you add larger than stock tires around 33’s, the axle is okay as long as you keep the wheel spin down. Now if you add a locker to the axle and run tires that are 33 or bigger, it’s only a matter of time before you hear a snap. On the 35C axle the "C" stands for C-clip. The only thing that holds the axle shaft, brake drum, wheel, and tire on the jeep is the C-clip. The clip rides in a groove that is in the end of the axle shaft and in the differential side gear. When the axle breaks, there is nothing that will hold the tire on the Jeep.

If you are driving on the road, one of your rear wheels will go bouncing down the road without you. Pull over to the side of the road, clean out your shorts, and call a tow truck. Now if you are on the trail, you have a lot of options. You can ditch the wheel and broken axle shaft and drag the Jeep to the trailhead.

You can build a skid and drag the Jeep out. You can sign the back of your title, put it under the wiper and walk home. But, there is also the way I used at the Northwoods Jeep Jamboree. First, jack up the rear axle and push the wheel back into place. Find a small tree about ten feet long and cut it down. Wedge the tree up into the rocker guard so it passes over the center of the tire and out to the back of the Jeep. Use a come-along or strap to pull the end that extends out the back of the Jeep to put pressure on the tire.

Next, you will need a smaller branch that you can strap to the bumper, or toe hooks. This will help keep the first branch in place. Now you are ready to have the Jeep pulled out to the trailhead. If you have a spray lube (WD-40 or liquid wrench) use it on the tire to help keep it rolling. You may have to stop to push the tire back in and tighten the come-along. It worked.