D44 myth

[jaymz77]

I heard a rumor that XJ's with the towing package came with a Dana 44 rear end.:-| I have an 87 XJ with this package. How do I know if I have a D44? Other than size is there any differences between the D35 and 44 axles?

 

[TwistedCU]

Some did.

The D35 has a round differential housing, the D44 isn't. The bottom of the D44 is shaped kind of like a V.

 

[Joopin]

It's no myth... I got my D44 out of an 89 XJ. It has over sized drum brakes (2.5" wide shoes) and is the same WMS length as the D35 and D30... not to mention the same lug pattern.

 

[tardis454]

Spicer/Dana 44 axles were available in Cherokees and Comanches from 1986-1992. Spicer/Dana 44's have a hexagon cover with 10 & 12 bolt cover variations. They came with 3.07, 3.54, 3.55, 4.09, 4.10(12 bolt), & 4.11 ratios, and are equipped with 10" x 2-1/2" brake drums. They will fit YJ Wranglers by moving the spring mount pads in 1/2".

The interchange for the Jeep Spicer/Dana 44 is as follows:
Cherokee: 87'-89', ratio 3.07, 3.54, 3.55
Comanche: 86', 10 bolt cover, ratio 3.54, 4.09
Comanche: 86', 12 bolt cover, ratio 4.10
Comanche: 87', Spicer, ratio 3.07, 3.54, 3.55, 4.09
Comanche: 87', 12 bolt cover, ratio 4.10
Comanche: 88'-92', Spicer 44, ratio 3.07, 3.54, 3.55, 4.09, 4.11

Here's a Dana 35:

Here's a Dana 44:

 

[jaymz77]

Thanks for the help.

My "towing package" must have been aftermarket. 'Cause I was crawling around under my XJ today and recognized the D35 that I have seen under my YJ.