The Artec Hardcore Diff Cover for the Model 35 puts a thick-wall nodular-iron casting over the AMC/Dana Model 35 rear axle in place of the shallow stamped cover it left the factory with. The Model 35 sits under a lot of older Jeeps — XJ Cherokees, YJ and TJ Wranglers, ZJ Grand Cherokees — and its thin original cover dents or cracks easily when the rear axle drags over rock. This cover armors the ring gear and carrier so a marginal axle survives harder trails, and it bolts on in an afternoon with basic hand tools.
Features
- High-strength nodular-iron casting with thick walls for impact protection
- Powder-coat finish resists corrosion
- Magnetic drain and fill plugs trap metal shavings for cleaner gear-oil changes
- High-strength steel fasteners included; installs with a 5/16" Allen key, fill plug takes a 3/8" Allen
- Cover bolts torque to 20-30 ft-lbs in a star sequence
- Made in the USA with a 1-year warranty against manufacturer defects
Verify your rear axle is actually a Model 35 before ordering — covers are axle-specific — and plan on RTV or a Lube Locker gasket, which is not included. Running a Dana 30 up front? Pair this with the Hardcore Diff Cover for Dana 30 to armor both ends, and see the rest of our diff covers and the full Artec Industries lineup.
Artec Hardcore Diff Cover for Model 35 FAQs
Which vehicles use the Model 35 axle this cover fits?
The Model 35 (Dana 35) is the rear axle under many older Jeeps, including the XJ Cherokee, YJ and TJ Wrangler, and ZJ Grand Cherokee. Covers are axle-specific, so confirm your rear axle is a Model 35 — not a Dana 44 or Ford 8.8 swap — before ordering.
What tools and supplies do I need to install it?
The cover bolts install with a 5/16" Allen key torqued to 20-30 ft-lbs in a star sequence, and the fill plug takes a 3/8" Allen wrench. You will also need a drain pan, gasket scraper, brake cleaner, and either RTV sealant or a Lube Locker gasket, which is not included.
Is it really worth armoring a Dana 35?
If you plan to keep the axle, yes. The factory stamped cover dents easily and a hard hit can push it into the ring gear or start a leak. The thick nodular-iron casting takes those strikes, and the magnetic drain and fill plugs help you monitor wear on an axle that benefits from clean fluid.
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