Question about ZJ rear Dana44

[ice.v8]

I have found a ZJ rear dana44, I'm planning to install it on my YJ with 37x13.50 Maxxis... Can I install on it the Super 44 with ARB 33 spline kit ? can I found a 4.88 ring & pinion set for it ? thank you all...

[LeadFoot]

Aluminum center D44 vs D35 - Give me the D35.

[Hackle]

Aluminum center D44 vs D35 - Give me the D35.

Agreed, spend your money on something else.

[ice.v8]

isn't it strong enough ?
I'm not a hard offroader... only light offroad...

[butch6924]

First off, it's made out of aluminum. aka, weak.

Second, they're kind of a bastard axle. Only certain gears/carriers/lockers/etc, work in them so it's hard to find parts for them. In all honesty, I seriously doubt any super kit will work with them. For one thing, they've got that bastard carrier, for another, the "kits" come with axles. I wouldn't be surprised if any kit axles aren't the right length. IF you install it, definetly call the manufacturer (not vendor) before you buy the kit.

[jeeper63]

The tubes will move on that axle, had a friend that wheeled a Grand and he wound up having gear chatter after the tubs started pulling out ...look for a standard Dana 44.
Pat

[ice.v8]

ok I will not buy this axle...
do you think that the stock dana35 with a super35 kit and arb locker will be enough for light offroading with 37 maxxis or I need a 44 ?

[butch6924]

ok I will not buy this axle...
do you think that the stock dana35 with a super35 kit and arb locker will be enough for light offroading with 37 maxxis or I need a 44 ?

Absolutely not.

Even if you upgrade the incredibly weak D35 shafts, the carrier is the weak point then. Ok, now the ARB solves most of that, at that point, the ring gear, housing, and tubes become the weak point. To be honest, I'd rather break a shaft than the carrier or housing.

If you want to run 35's, you're going to need a beefed up D44 or an 8.8. In all honesty, I'd start to seriously consider a Dana 60. They're not much bigger than the 8.8 and will give you plenty of strength for a tire that size.

Further, I hope you plan to replace the front axle as well. The HP D30 is a stout axle given it's component size, but, it won't last long with 37's on it.

[ice.v8]

yeah i plan also something for the d30, but in the future... too much money...

here in italy a 60 is prohibitive as cost....

I don't know what to do, but I think if I can find a standard 44 and put in super44 it will work fine... right ?

[butch6924]

Wow. Being overseas really complicates things. I'm sorry I didn't ready your location sooner.

Given your options, I'd go with a super44 as well. I'd definetly go for the ARB though. Having a selectable will allow you to take a lot of the stress off of the axle and make pampering it on the street a lot easier.

[ice.v8]

yeah, here in italy many people go with nissan patrol axles, but i don't like japan parts on my us car!!! eheheheh
so I have to find a standard44 and then put in a super44...
but to find one with the correct width, what axle have I to looking for ?
the rear cherokee dana44 ?

[butch6924]

If you can find an XJ 44 that'd be an ideal candidate. There were some YJ exported with 44 rears as well. Although, none were sold in the US with 44. I don't know what countries got them but you might get lucky and dig up one of those. Other options are the IH Scouts. Some of them had 44's front and rear. With a set of spacer/adapters, you can keep a matching bolt pattern.

Since you're already looking to upgrade both axles, consider searching out a Wagoneer with matched 44's. The later versions had the differential on the correct side in the front and are a good with match for a YJ. You'll have to buy new wheels but the strength gains should be well worth it. Just try to avoid the Waggy 44's with a vacuum disconnect. They're kind of a bastard axle. They take a special differential cover, and have a dinky little stub shaft on the short side for the disconnect. It should be to hard to identify. They're not really any weaker and take stock gears and carriers but they're just kind of a pain to get deal with if the vacuum actuator goes out. You can adapt a cable actuator, or even fix the stub shaft in place with a spacer insterted on the shift rail at the housing.

If you can't find a rear 44 but do stumble across a front from a Wagoneer, some of the Izuzu Amigo's had 44 rears with the same bolt pattern as the Waggy's. Plus, the Izuzu 44 already has disc brakes.

Best of luck and keep us posted. Overseas wheeling is very interesting to me.

[ice.v8]

mmm hard to find an xj 44but I will try...
about the scout or wagoneer axle, are they wider then stock YJ ? because here I can't exit from the fender flare with tyres and I have the tj larger version and maxxiss 37x13.50 on 15x10 are a little out...
what do you think about a ford 8.8 ?

some pics of my YJ:

http://www.jeeptuning-foto.com/albums/userpics/10044/normal_Prova01.jpg

http://www.jeeptuning-foto.com/albums/userpics/10044/normal_prova02.jpg

http://www.jeeptuning-foto.com/albums/userpics/10044/normal_Prova03.jpg

http://www.jeeptuning-foto.com/albums/userpics/10044/normal_Prova04.jpg

http://www.jeeptuning-foto.com/albums/userpics/10044/normal_Prova05.jpg

http://www.jeeptuning-foto.com/albums/userpics/10044/normal_Prova06.jpg

[butch6924]

I don't honestly know about the width of the FSJ axles. I'd guess they may be a bit wider, but, that's purely a guess based on the size of the vehicle.

As for the 8.8, I love that axle. Ok, love might be a strong word, but the features for a YJ are all there. The right bolt pattern, disc brakes, pretty much bolt in after you get perches and shock mounts welded on. Since you're running such a wide wheel, the slightly narrower, ~3/4", width shouldn't be an issue. I wouldn't hesitate to bolt a set of 37's to it either. The best part about this axle is they're a lot more plentiful than an old 44, 9", etc. The only reason I didn't suggest it sooner is you had mentioned you wanted to keep Jeep parts on your Jeep.

I like the 8.8 so much, I installed one in my Jeep.

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y87/butch6924/Casey/Mods/8-8/truss/92cere2.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y87/butch6924/Casey/Mods/8-8/truss/620bre2.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y87/butch6924/Casey/Mods/8-8/truss/4910re2.jpg

Probably the most attractive reason for this swap to most Jeepers is you get to keep your wheels. The other side of that coin is that if you're swapping the front, keeping your wheels won't be possible. Any front axle larger than a 30 is going to require a larger bolt pattern to clear the front hubs. In that case, the bolt pattern on the rear either has to be changed to match, or some combination of parts has to be assembled to adapt the rear. Or, I guess, you could run two different sets of wheels but that doesn't look to be your style. You could always have custom shafts cut later with a different pattern, but, that could be a pain also as you'll have to drill the rotors to match.

While I don't recommend it, I know folks who have run front hp30's with 37's. It's hard on them. Especially the ball joints and unit bearings, but, it has been done. I'd consider that to be a short term solution.

37's are kind of a tweener tire size. They're not quite 1-ton territory but they're definetly too heavy for 1/2 ton gear. Most 3/4 ton gear is the right capacity, but the width and bolt patterns tend to really complicate things for most Jeepers.

I think the "best" approach would be a set of matched Wagoneer axles. While I'd still prefer the 8.8 for the rear, the D44 is a stout axle and can likely handle your needs. That said, you'll have to find your own path. Some times parts just aren't available and you'll have to kind of deal with what you can get your hands on. Best of luck and keep us posted. Like I said before, overseas wheeling is very interesting to me.