To swap, or not to swap.....

[GreenReaper93]

89 Cherokee, whirling noise.

Hello guys and gals! I'm in a bit of a bind. What I'm about to say would be obvious to most, but is worth asking anyway. I have the choice of either getting a DANA 44 stock rear axle, or a strength truss for my DANA 35. I'm asking this because the truss is less than the 44, but if I absolutely don't buy it all the money goes to the axle and nothing else for gearing. What is the court's decision? Thanks!

 

[dingus]

44

 

[Bounty__Hunter]

Have you broken a D35? Do you wheel hard enough that you take it easy on the throttle in fear of breaking the D35? If so I'd get the D44. If you plan on running 33" tires or larger I'd say get the D44.

The fake D44 (TJ D44 :roll: ) has the same thin axle tubes as the D35, but it does have stronger axle shafts, replacing the thin D35 shafts that break where they're necked down for the c-clips. You also don't have to worry about the shaft walking out of the housing should it break.

How much you getting the D44 for?

 

[west747]

44

 

[GreenReaper93]

Nope, never broke one before. I haven't really snapped anything (except a driveshaft yoke :mrgreen: ) Yeah, I planned on running 33'S. I'm picking up the 44 for about $475. It's either I get the 44 only, or the truss, regearing and possibly stronger axles for the 35. That's why I came the the Jeeper's Library! lol

 

[GreenReaper93]

ripped out my pulse air hoses, emission laws?

I'm sure you guys know what I'm talking about with the truss. It's an axle overlay that's suppose to bolt to the diff case and attaches to the tubes with U-bolts. Kinda like turning it into the TJ DANA 44's (not trying to offend ANYONE.)

 

[Bounty__Hunter]

I'd go with the D44, that's a great price for a direct bolt-in. Does the D44 gears match your D30?

 

[GreenReaper93]

that's just it though...it's not a direct bolt on.... I have to move the perch's. It should after the regearing.... it's out of an old, old CJ. I'm trying to find an XJ D44.

 

[Bounty__Hunter]

Move the perches? You said it was a "D44 stock rear axle". What's it out of? What's the lug pattern and width?

Now I don't recommend the 44, $475 is steep if you have to redo the spring perches, shock mounts, and regear.

I've been exploring some junkyards lately for the elusive MJ and XJ D44, I know I'm getting close :twisted:

 

[Jeepr89]

wiring to the alternator oncj7

What about an 8.8 out of an explorer??? I'm sure you could pic one of those up at a junkyard for a good price. I saw one on ebay today for 425, brand new assembly. Just an idea. Evan

 

[Jeepr89]

What about an 8.8 out of an explorer??? I'm sure you could pic one of those up at a junkyard for a good price. I saw one on ebay today for 425, brand new assembly. Just an idea. Evan

 

[L33TJ33P]

Don't leave your kids alone at home.

I say, put on your 33's and then wait for it to break. No need to fix it if it aint broke.

 

[GreenReaper93]

lol.... good luck Bounty, I wish you well! Believe me, I fished through every junk yard around here. I finally had to have a buddy of mine send a wire aross the U.S. to find one. Too much hassle. It's coming out of a '73 (or at least that's what the guy that's selling it said.) He mentioned the perch's would have to be re welded to another location for my Jepp year. I really don't know why. I thought the CJ models were the same 55" (194MM)from wheel to wheel?

 

[Bounty__Hunter]

'73 is narrowtrack if it came from a CJ, that'll be WAY too narrow for a Wrangler. The lug pattern won't match the front axle of a Wrangler. Are you putting this in a '93 or what?

 

[GreenReaper93]

Well... looking at some ordering catalogs I found a 30 spline axle shaft for a D35. Problem: it's a grand. Yeah, I was thinking about that too, L33. I think my ultimate decision is to bow out, get a set of 32's and dream for another year or so. Looking at the mods list vs. the cash funds for starting down the road of 33's and a D44 with regearing I'm better off with the 3 1/2" susp. lift and a set of 32's. I was aiming at the 3 1/2" lift, 1" puck, and 33's... but with regearing, the possiblity of buying a D44, brake line extensions, and other misc. stuff... I'm thinkin' I'm better off. Really appreciate the input you guys!

 

[GreenReaper93]

yeah, it was gonna go into a '93. I never delt with an axle swap, so I made sure to ask you guys before I made any solid call.

 

[Bounty__Hunter]

When you're ready for the swap, look into D44's from a Grand Wagoneer or similar SJ, or the Ford 8.8 for the rear and leave the front D30 alone.

Don't get the Super 35 shafts, that's polishing a turd when you should be upgrading the entire axle. Sounds like you're on the right track.

 

[Snitty]

bounty is right, it is not worth upgrading only the shafts for a 35... i'm sure you can fine an ENTIRE D44 equipped rusted out beat up truck for cheaper than 475

 

[GreenReaper93]

Thanks again, you guys! Coming from you is more reassuring than from someone I don't know. I'm gonna search again for the "missing link" axle.

 

[GreenReaper93]

Hey, I found a really, REALLY sweet deal on a Ford 8.8. Where can I find gearing for it though? And where can I find a carrier and locker for it? Is it compatible with some of the Jeep ones?