zj rear ?

[xray]

is it possible to a zj rear end in an xj ? i know the mounts are different i guess my ? is are they the same width?

[CW]

should be close enough on the width, but the aluminum d44 is crap so I wouldn't do it.

[xray]

thanks. i didnt know it was alum. what about using the disk setup on a xj 44?

[RCP Phx]

It still has to be modified for the axle flange,I have yet to finish mine but its right on top of the list for my Cheromanche completion!

[sweetjeep]

It still has to be modified for the axle flange,I have yet to finish mine but its right on top of the list for my Cheromanche completion!

Yeah, you can drop it right in once you change the spring perches (maybe the shock mount, but I don't know).

But more to the point, RCP: What's your Cheromanche? Real or fake?

[Big Red]

Spend the time on dropping in a 95'+ explorer 8.8 in there and then you'll have something, plus the nice disc brakes.
Troy

[xray]

thanks, sounds good i know exactly where i can get my paws on one real cheap. what mods need to be done to the housing? i guess its a good thing there are so many fords in the scrap heap.

[XJ_ranger]

http://www.jedi.com/obiwan/jeep/ford88.html great write up on an 8.8 install in a YJ, which is the same for an XJ, because Ben did an SOA at the same time...

[RCP Phx]

But more to the point, RCP: What's your Cheromanche? Real or fake?

Im not exactly sure what your asking,but Im doing the truck type conversion to my 95 2dr!Heres a pic of a 4dr!
http://www.fototime.com/6EA04C554FE1630/standard.jpg

[PapaPump]

I have heard several times that the ZJ rear is crap. My question is why? It is aluminum, great for weight savings right? Of course aluminum would be weaker, but they put 5.9 v-8s with 345 ft-lbs of torque in zjs, so it can't be that bad. what kind of strength are we looking at compared to the dana 35? also, how does this rear end affect locking differential choice? we couldn't just put a detroit in there?

on that note, Four Wheeler just published an axle strength article. The torque input rating for the 31 spline 8.8 was rated nearly twice that of the dana 35. some people already knew that i'm sure, but to see it in numbers makes an impression for some reason.

[sweetjeep]

Good question Papa. I don't know the answer either. All I know is that when you look for aftermarket parts for the aluminum Dana 44 you are SOL. Few gearing choices and fewer lockers. I suspect there are casting changes due to the aluminum. But you're right, you'd think it would be a better choice.

[markdupont]

I have heard several times that the ZJ rear is crap. My question is why? It is aluminum, great for weight savings right? Of course aluminum would be weaker, but they put 5.9 v-8s with 345 ft-lbs of torque in zjs, so it can't be that bad. what kind of strength are we looking at compared to the dana 35? also, how does this rear end affect locking differential choice? we couldn't just put a detroit in there?

on that note, Four Wheeler just published an axle strength article. The torque input rating for the 31 spline 8.8 was rated nearly twice that of the dana 35. some people already knew that i'm sure, but to see it in numbers makes an impression for some reason.

Welcome to the ZJ world… I’ve been wheeling my aluminum 44 for several years without incident however, there are some down sides to the 44… A) other then Track-Loc, there are no lockers available (Aussie Locker under development) B) Aluminum is soft therefore, keeping sufficient amounts of metal under the pumpkin is a problem… this leads to the cover peeling back and allowing juice to spill as well as the machined threads stretching… the upside is weight savings when adding larger tires & steelies and aftermarket bumpers & winches.

To be honest, I get by very well with a Lock-Right in the front 30 and Track-Loc in the rear and have no desire to swap in an 8.8 or 9 until the aluminum 44 grenades…

[crazyoffroader]

not all zj d44's are aluminum. a buddy of mine has a disc d44 out of a '94 Limited. They're out there, but theyre not cheap, I found one at a local junk yard (cast iron, disc) for $350 without rotors or calipers.

[markdupont]

not all zj d44's are aluminum. a buddy of mine has a disc d44 out of a '94 Limited. They're out there, but theyre not cheap, I found one at a local junk yard (cast iron, disc) for $350 without rotors or calipers.

hum, this is a first... after all these years I thought the only iron rear was a 35, cool, time to hit the Want Adverstier for throw-aways!

[CW]

I have never heard of a cast d44 in a zj. Are you sure it's not a d35 with disks? I know those were made.

[crazyoffroader]

I'm almost positive that it's a D44, but I'll have to check tonight.

[Ronbo]

I have heard several times that the ZJ rear is crap. My question is why?

I've heard a few that howl like mad, ear-ringing loud in the back seat, but never seen one grenade. Not sure what is attributable to the 'aluminum' construction. I've never seen one apart.
A friend had his AL44 completely rebuilt under warrantee at 30k, still made some noise. Chrysler replaced the entire axle, two years later and this one is doing the same thing.
Might work fine for a buggy if you skid plate/truss it a little ??

[CW]

They are used on the Vipers also. It is not so much a strength issue as it is a reliability issue along with the fact that gears and lockers are hard to come by. The trash-lock doesn't take abuse very well and the housing is weeker than a typical d44.

[JohnnysXJ]

I agree on the Ford 8.8....its much stronger....the aluminum case on the ZJ D44 will not take ANY trail abuse for long....the case will crack, as well as the cover peeling (this I saw being hauled out of the Roosevelt Natl Forest the hardway)

[crazyoffroader]

I'm almost positive that it's a D44, but I'll have to check tonight.
Just checked, it IS a Cast Iron D44, with disc brakes, and that these came in (at least) the '93-'98 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited with a 5.2. It may have come in other models/years/options, but these are the ones that I know about for a fact.

[small pederson]

thats got to be bullshit.

[CW]

ZJ Dana 44

The ZJ Dana 44 is the only Jeep Dana 44 with an aluminum differential housing. It is also a C-clip axle with one piece shafts and a 5 on 4.5" wheel bolt pattern. Because of the aluminum housing and C-clips, it is not really any more desirable than a Dana 35c. The shafts are 30 spline.

Specs

The Dana 35c is the axle used in all YJs (Wrangler) from '87-'95 and it is the standard axle in the TJ (Wrangler), ZJ (Grand Cherokee), MJ (Comanche), and XJ (Cherokee). The Dana 44 is an optional axle on the TJ, ZJ, MJ, and XJ. Some XJs were built with the corporate Chrysler 8.25 axle as standard. The TJ and ZJ versions are coil sprung, the XJ version is leaf sprung (spring over), and the YJ and MJ versions are leaf sprung (spring under).

ZJ '93+
Got a pic?

[crazyoffroader]

I can get one tomarow, but I dont know how to post it

[crazyoffroader]

sorry for the double post, but...
The aluminum D44 was an option in the ZJ from '99 on, I cant find anything online about a D44 in ZJ's older than that.
Correct me if I'm wrong, 'Cause i might be.

[sweetjeep]

Mark: Do you happen to know the weight savings?

[CW]

sorry for the double post, but...
The aluminum D44 was an option in the ZJ from '99 on, I cant find anything online about a D44 in ZJ's older than that.
Correct me if I'm wrong, 'Cause i might be.A guy in my local club has a '94 zj with an aluminum d44.

here is my attempt to get more info.
http://www.jeepsunlimited.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=592717

[crazyoffroader]

well dont I feel stupid,
Turns out that my buddies D44 is MOSTLY out of a '94 limited, the center housing was custom replaced with a cast iron one.
Sorry for any confusion I caused.

[PapaPump]

sorry for the double post, but...
The aluminum D44 was an option in the ZJ from '99 on, I cant find anything online about a D44 in ZJ's older than that.
Correct me if I'm wrong, 'Cause i might be.

wouldn't '99 on make it a wj?

I agree on the Ford 8.8....its much stronger....the aluminum case on the ZJ D44 will not take ANY trail abuse for long....the case will crack, as well as the cover peeling (this I saw being hauled out of the Roosevelt Natl Forest the hardway)

i know the 8.8 is stronger than a 44, but is it really that much stronger? i like to see the numbers. the 44 is used in vipers with 450 (minimum, in '92) ft-lbs of torque, and more traction than god. i'm sure there are differences between the two, but i think the 44 is a pretty stout design. with a skidplate it think the disadvantages are reduced a lot. now there just needs to be some good diffs. my guess is most people stay with the quadra drive "varilock" differentials if they've got them.

[jjvande]

i know that article in four wheeler mag that gave #rs for different axle strengths shows the 8.8 is stronger by a couple hundo ft-lb. i cant remember the exact #rs. BTW that article is really good. shows comparisons of axle size to strength. increased leverage due to increased tire size. and torque capacities of high strength alloy axles for all diameters compared to stock materials. take a look next time you have a chance. could be a great reference.