Rear swap Dana 35

[oldmopar]

I have been reading many of the post in search mode but need to ask a question. I have a 85 Cherokee which I believe has a Dana 35 rear which measures to about 60.75 wide would that be a good swap for a P15 rear and while I am on the subject it also has a Chrysler 904 auto trans that right now is mated to a 2.8 chevy engine would this trans match of the the flathead or better yet to a 318 ?

Ed

[james curl]

I installed a 90 Dakota rear end which measures about the same width as the one that you have, had to move the spring perches. Took about four hours to remove and replace. The tires are now closer to the outside of the fenders.

[builtfercomfort]

I've got a Ford Explorer (disc brake) rear end the same width, not installed. Same Ford-Mopar bolt pattern, I hope to be able to use stock wheels. Another possibility to check out.

[oldmopar]

The bolt pattern on this rear I have should be the same as the p15 from what I have read but need to slip on a wheel to be sure. Found answer to the 904 trans the cheorkee had a different housing then the mopars so the trans is not a direct fit.

[Don Coatney]

Ed;

Your stock P-15 differential track width is 60 inches. Adding an extra 3/4 " should not be a problem. This differential may even be a bolt in if the spring perches are close. What is the gear ratio? If you have a stock engine I would not go any higher than a 3.55/1. I have a 3.55/1 in my car powered by a big block Desoto flathead 6 and an overdrive transmission. With my setup I can cruise at 70 MPH and my engine is only spinning a little over two grand.

[david lazarus]

Dropped a '72 Ford Falcon rear into my 38. The spring pads also had to be moved, and an adapter made to the driveshaft along with Mustang wheel cylinders to match the MOPAR front ones. The new diff is 3.23 and when the car runs at 47mph on the speedo it does 60mph on the ground.

45 minutes could swap back to original if I wanted to. This is a great way to go.

[oldmopar]

From some additional reading I see AMC use a 3.73 or 3.75 depending on the option package in the early 80 cherokee. I need to get under and see which rear

[greg g]

might also be a 3.55. You will need to modify or make up a new driveshaft. Some jeeps had spring under perched, some have spring over. I alway thought it would be a fairly beneficial swap. Some one mentioned on another forum that it was just about a botl in except for the drive shaft mods. the bolt pattern is the same and the stock wheels should fit. The stock jeep wheels will not fit on the stock MOPAR axle as the back space is too deep. Might not be an issue withthe Jeep diff under the MOPAR if the axle is a bit wider.

[oldmopar]

Correction on last post it should have read ratio 3.31 or 3.7. This is one option I am looking at. I also have a 63 dodge d100 with a newer unknown rear that I am considering may try to use the whole power train from that. The jeep is in real nice condition except for the seized engine so not sure if I want to part it which I would then consider using the rear or just sell or maybe trade it for a older mopar as I hate to rip it apart as it has been well taken care of.