95 + Front Differential, How strong?

[KSMike]

Im going to be changing the gears in my 2000 Sprot to 4.88's and was curious about how strong the front differential is. I may use a front diff out of a 95 so I can use the vacuum disconnect. Has anyone broken the disconnect part or is that an issue? I'm still undecided about whether or not to put a locker in front also, mainly cause I'm concerned also about front axle strength. Keep in mind this is with the D35 IFS. Any input would be appreciated.
Thanks

 

[RangerX]

Jefe just put in 4.88's in his 2000. And he is putting in a front locker now, I believe. He doesn't seem to baby it offroad, either. So, I guess the D35IFS is strong enough.
Also, search around for past discussions on this.

 

[2001ExpSport]

Krispyukon cracked his front dana 35 while off roading and he wasn't being hard on it at all. He has 3.73's and at the time 33x14 Baja Claws. It didn't hit anything, just cracked under stress. The crack was large enough to let loose all the G/O in a matter of seconds.