Dana 44 Disadvantages

XJWheelie · Dec 25, 2003

I realize that this will undoubtedly give a few of you some laughs, but are there any disadvantages in ditching the Dana 35 rear end and putting in a Dana 44 rear end? I can't think of any, but I've got to ask.

5-90 · Dec 25, 2003

I would think it depends on gear and operating environs... If you run 31's or 33's, and aren't likely to "break loose" or "spin and grap" - and impart a massive shock to the axle shafts - there probably won't be a problem. The D44 is a good axle (I have a pair I have to build up for my 88,) but there are stronger units out there, and you will have to consider that.

If you are mostly-DD, with a little off-road and probably towing/hauling, the D44 will serve you well. It makes a good replacement for the OEM D30/35 setup, and parts are easy to get. So, unless you are going to get nuts offroad, I don't see a disadvantage to the D44.

5-90

Rev Den · Dec 25, 2003

I did this.....2 big disadvantages.

1. You will be tempted to fit disk brakes and a locker, that means more money.
2. I really enjoyed worring about my 35C, with the 44 i miss that part of my life....sniff

Rev

Just BS'ing you.....no disadvantages to upgrading to a stronger axle...do it.

BrettM · Dec 25, 2003

you lose about a half inch of ground clearance

LBEXJ · Dec 25, 2003

D-mit Rev ... D44's is a future mod I'm planning for on my XJ. I don't need you to make me get all sentimental over my stock axles!

I HATE to cry ...... :tears:

Les

Goatman · Dec 25, 2003

XJWheelie said:
I realize that this will undoubtedly give a few of you some laughs, but are there any disadvantages in ditching the Dana 35 rear end and putting in a Dana 44 rear end? I can't think of any, but I've got to ask.

It has slightly less ground clearance.
It is a little heavier.
Spare axle shafts cost more. (but you probably won't carry any

)
It removes the challenge of wheeling while constantly thinking of being easy on it so you don't have top stop and replace a broken rear axle shaft.

Merry Christmas,

Drewlee77 · Dec 25, 2003

Out of curiousity, anybody got numbers for those? I mean, does anyone know exactly how much more a d44 weighs than a 35, 30 or 8.25? Or how much clearance you lose vs. a 35 (I heard .5"?), 30, or 8.25? Are there ways to gain clearence on a 44 without resorting to $$$$ Tera 50R's?

Goatman · Dec 25, 2003

Drewlee77 said:
Out of curiousity, anybody got numbers for those? I mean, does anyone know exactly how much more a d44 weighs than a 35, 30 or 8.25? Or how much clearance you lose vs. a 35 (I heard .5"?), 30, or 8.25? Are there ways to gain clearence on a 44 without resorting to $$$$ Tera 50R's?

A D44, even with 1/2" thick tubes, isn't very heavy.....not really an issue. The clearance loss is about 1/2", but also not an issue because you need the stronger axle. It's not worth it to go through the trouble of shaving a D44 unless you have very good fabrication skills and the small amount of added clearance is very important. The 1/2" is not a big deal, most of the time when we talk about ground clearance issues it's with a larger D60 or 14 bolt, in which case you loose inches.

What Rd · Dec 25, 2003

Best way to gain ground clearance is to go to taller tires!

You needed a justification to sell your wife on the taller tires anyway, right?
Merry Christmas!!

REDXJ4FUN · Dec 26, 2003

With a grinder in hand you can clearance the 44 to pretty much match the 35. smoothed the botom of mine and it was nice not to get hung on crap.

jpnjim · Dec 26, 2003

Disadvantage?

Yeah, if you have a stack of D35 spares, they're now useless

Even on a stock XJ, that wheels, I'd rather have a D44 rear.

pancake · Dec 26, 2003

This might help...gives some measurements.

http://www.industryfigure.com/berkeley/Jeep/dana44/index.htm

XJWheelie · Dec 27, 2003

If I get ahold of an XJ Dana 44 rear end do the brakes bolt right up or do I need to modify or change anything?

RCP Phx · Dec 27, 2003

Do what brakes require modification?Yes,ZJ brakes will(I havent finished mine yet),but has anyone considered the size of the early brakes?The MJ axle I bought has 10.5"x2.5" shoes(huge compared to my current brakes).

Goatman · Dec 27, 2003

The D44's that came on XJ's and MJ's have 10"x2.5" drum brakes. Stock XJ D35 brakes are 10"x1.75", so you get 42% more brake shoe surface. That's a pretty decent improvement and will definitely help with bigger tires. So, make sure you get the brakes with a used axle, but even if they're not complete you can get what's missing from a parts house.

BUCKYXJ · Dec 27, 2003

Rev Den said:
I did this.....2 big disadvantages.

1. You will be tempted to fit disk brakes and a locker, that means more money.
2. I really enjoyed worring about my 35C, with the 44 i miss that part of my life....sniff

Rev

Amen
1. I just finished my ZJ disc brakes, don't like to spend money so broke out the welded and now she is lincoln locked...
2. I get to still worry about it cause it is welded rear and soon to be 36's
DIG IT!

Dana 44 Disadvantages

XJWheelie

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5-90

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Rev Den

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BrettM

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LBEXJ

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Goatman

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Drewlee77

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Goatman

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What Rd

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REDXJ4FUN

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jpnjim

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pancake

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XJWheelie

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RCP Phx

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Goatman

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BUCKYXJ

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