Dana 35 Rear Axle Parts Jeep Grand Cherokee WJ WG
Differential, Trac-Lok & Shims for a Precise Rebuild (1999–2004)
Dana 35 in the Grand Cherokee WJ: A Compact Axle Under a Heavy SUV
The Dana 35 is the lighter of the two Dana rear axles in the Jeep Grand Cherokee WJ. With its 7.5-inch ring gear it works reliably in everyday driving. Under the WJ's weight, when towing or off-road, however, it runs close to its limits. On the WJ, the axle shafts are not held by C-clips but by the pressed-on wheel bearing with a retaining ring. Wear usually shows first at the pinion bearings, recognizable by a whine that changes under load or on overrun. On the Trac-Lok limited-slip, the clutch discs chatter in corners once friction or additive levels are off. A worn cross shaft and spider gears give themselves away by clunking on load changes. Anyone replacing bearings has to reset preload and gear pattern with the right shims, otherwise the next failure is only a matter of time.
From Cross Shaft to Complete Trac-Lok Gear Set
- Standard differential: The spider gear set is designed for the open axle. It goes with the cross shaft with lock bolt; the bolt is also available separately.
- Trac-Lok limited-slip: Choose from the complete Trac-Lok gear set with shims and the clutch disc set for the limited-slip. Limited-slip additive keeps it running smoothly.
- Pinion and side bearings: The inner pinion bearing kit and the differential side bearing set cover the inner bearings. For the outer position there is a complete kit plus a single bearing and cup.
- Shims: The differential master shim kit and the pinion shim kit ensure correct preload and a clean gear pattern.
- Driveshaft side: This group covers the pinion yoke with 26 splines, the matching yoke nut and the U-joint strap kit.
- Axle shaft, wheel & cover: Add the wheel bearing retaining ring, wheel studs and the differential cover gasket.
Who Makes Which Part of Your Dana 35
Most of the internals come from Dana Spicer, the maker of the axle itself: gear sets with and without Trac-Lok, clutch discs, pinion and side bearings, retaining ring, yoke nut, U-joint strap kit and additive. Crown Automotive adds shims, cross shaft, pinion yoke, cover gasket, single bearings and an alternative standard gear set. Dorman supplies the wheel studs. Every part of your axle comes from an American specialist.
Open or Trac-Lok? We Help Identify Your WJ Rear Axle
We are happy to determine whether your Dana 35 has an open or a Trac-Lok differential, using your VIN or the axle tag on the differential cover. We also advise on torque specs, installation sequence and setting bearing preload and backlash. Your order leaves the warehouse in Germany without delay.