d28 axle shafts

[svo_jon]

Anyone known if the d28/35 hybrid axle shafts are the same overall length as the standard d28 shafts?

Thanks
jonathan

 

[bobbywalter]

no.

 

[svo_jon]

Is that a no I don't know or is that a no they are not the same length?

Thanks
Jonathan

 

[ecablarn]

There are a few things different on the shafts that insert into the center section. Though I believe the shafts still are slightly different lengths based on the fact that the dana 28/35 hybrid center section probably has a smaller cross pin thus longer shafts into this center section. Probably small difference but not interchangeable. Other than one end on either side of center section the shafts otherwise should be about the same outside of center section. Why do you ask, anything else to were referring to??? See link below too.


http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/4wd_Front_Axles.html

 

[svo_jon]

I want to keep my small diff for fitment issues but I want to make it as strong as posible, so I was thinking it might be posible to upgrade the axle shafts and nuckles to d35 specs.

Thanks
jonathan

 

[bobbywalter]

the shafts are different altogether from a d35 hybrid to a true 28.

fitting the fat bastards through the normal d28 splindle holes in the knuckle and spindle isnt so easy, its something i tried for clearance reasons in the distant past and a not worth it.

all you do is cause it to fail internally way, way, too often when you beef it externally. the 23 splines are ridiculously weak....fishing the twisted off little bastards out of there get annoying to say the least.

when these were real easy to get in the junkyards welding the shafts up at the ears was a real easy way to get by and worked great for u joint failures. weld up the diff and 6 or 7 sets of shafts could get ya by on mid level trails for a few runs with some 33 or 35 tires.

 

[bobbywalter]

i should add this.

if you are willing to leave it open, or just run a l/s tight oem differential welding up the ears of the shaft and joint caps will really let you get away with some abuse....but i have destroyed the r&p on these jumping them.

with stockish power and 31's they take a impressive amount of abuse when prepared this way.

mild 33's even for short duration events.

not sure of your intended goals here.

 

[svo_jon]

4 cylinder 31"s and mostly used in the sand. I am not hard on my equipment, all I am trying to do is get something a little sronger on the rig. What I would like to know is if anyone has actually tried to install a hybrid axle shaft into a d28 center and did it fit and if the over all length of the hybrid and d28 shafts are the same.

Thanks
jonathan

 

[4x4junkie]

They are larger & longer everywhere except right at the tapered-down section which is after it's already inside the diff (a 1.4" shaft isn't gonna fit through the 1.2" or whatever smaller size bearing the D28 housing has)

What's the deal that you can't just use the D35?

 

[svo_jon]

My truck started out a 2wd and i got it with a lift installed by the po so I coverted it to 4wd with a home made conversin bracket. The down side is there is only room for the d28 diff to fit around the bracket/crossmember.

Thanks
jonathan

 

[4x4junkie]

I'd be looking for ways to gain a little more clearance around that bracket for the D35 diff (maybe a little more lift? Or some sawzall or grinder work followed by some gussets?).
Otherwise your best hope is probably going to be what Bobby mentions and weld the stock u-joint caps to your stock axle yokes.