Dana 44 brakes vs 8.25 brakes

'96 XJ, 31's, SYE, 3" lift.

I was ready to begin a disc brake conversion on my 27 spline 8.25. A local junkyard has an XJ Dana 44 for $200.

How good are the brakes on a D44? Should I do the disc swap on my 8.25, which is in great shape, or go for the D44?

Eventually I want to run 33's. No rocks. Mostly wooded trails.

Thanks,
Geoff

I would just convert your axle to 29spline,the strength is about equal,but at least the D44 isn't a c-clip axle.The "large"(10x2.5" finned drums) D44 brakes are actually quite good.

RCP Phx said:

I would just convert your axle to 29spline,the strength is about equal,but at least the D44 isn't a c-clip axle.The "large"(10x2.5" finned drums) D44 brakes are actually quite good.

Click to expand...

I would just buy the Dana 44 instead of upgrading the 8.25 to 29 spline. You eliminate the C-clip and get bigger brakes. I'm running a Dana 44 out of an '87 in my '96 XJ.