YJ weak links

I think the weakest point will be the rear axle. If the rear yoke has not been changed or modified to u-bolt retention from the strap and bolt design, I suggest that is the first thing to do. The Dana35 rear is weak too, and I had heard that ARB cancelled it's locker for that axle for that reason. The auto is a good tranny, I suggest a tranny cooler if it doesn't have one. The slip yoke, if it's still there too, is not that great, but it should be ok. The dana30 front axle is really not that bad, and is considered stronger than the CJ dana30. Keep an eye on the front wheel bearings, as they can be a weak link. You can also upgrade to the larger ujoints in the half-shafts (if 93 didn't already have them, which it may - not sure if this was changed in 93 or 94/5). Also put a steering box brace on it if it doesn't have one already.

So, IMHO, the order of improvements would be:
1. get rid of strap and bolt yoke quick - go to u-bolts
2. tranny cooler and steering box brace.
3. rear axle - maybe upgrade to a 44 or a ford 8.8 - though the locker may cause you to break axles - carry a spare or 2.
4. slip yoke eliminator

Good luck
Pete
88YJ, 33s w/ stock axles, no lockers.

88YJ,4"susp,33"BFGMT,9kwinch,homemade swingout,258,999,4.10,weber32/36,GMHEI,one moonguy/wwwthreads_images/icons/smile.gif

I agree, without a crappy wrangler manual tranny to worry about I'd focus on Jeeps 2nd biggest plunder the dana 35c, square headlights being the biggest/wwwthreads_images/icons/tongue.gif. Since it already has an ARB and gears I'd go with the warn full float kit and the previously mentioned ubolt upgrade. If he's got the money and desire he can convert over to 5 on 5.5 and get real hubs on the front end.If not carry as many rear axle shafts as he can fit plus tools to change them. Sounds like a pretty sweet first jeep I'm sure he'll enjoy it.
Travis

Inquire about my witty original saying contest/wwwthreads_images/icons/crazy.gif

YJ's biggest weaknesses are their drivers. They're all Yuppies, and don't know the first thing about driving offroad. A survey was done, and it was found that only .1% of all YJ's actually see offroad use. This was a plot developed in the mid-80's when the greenies didn't want anyone using THEIR land for anything other than nothing... /wwwthreads_images/icons/wink.gif

Actually, for a cheap and easy (you prob won't notice) the diff- get a K&N air filter, and remove the front restrictor.

I am finding that with 33's, the rear drums are fading quickly under hard stopping...

Jon - YJ94
http://www.obsessiveoffroad.com

Sounds like it's time for a rear disc brake conversion there Jon /wwwthreads_images/icons/frown.gif. Or if you haven't regeared yet, swap in a Ford 8.8 axle. You get more strength, and discs all for about the cost of the disc brake set up for the D35 /wwwthreads_images/icons/cool.gif

_____________________
John
95.5 YJ with "stuff"
http://SonsofThunder4x4.com

Go here:

http://www.off-road.com/jeep/tech/axle/aub.html

Pete

88YJ,4"susp,33"BFGMT,9kwinch,homemade swingout,258,999,4.10,weber32/36,GMHEI,one moonguy/wwwthreads_images/icons/smile.gif