44 front question

I can get my hands on a dana 44 out of a wrangler rubicon for a very good price. Can this be used in a xj?

Yes. It will however have a low pinion. You may also need to change your DS length. Not sure if the brakes require a larger wheel.

I did this on my 87 MJ and it works perfect. Theres less than a 1/4 inch difference ground clearence when compared to a 96 high pinion D30 and it's supposed to be compatible with every gen XJ, MJ, ZJ and WJ 87 and later front brakes and knuckles. You definitly need a shorter DS; the Manual trans driveshaft from an 87 or newer works if you can find one in the boneyard.

if you can get a great deal on it go for it, basically to get a cheap locker and 4.10s (but if you got 33s or bigger you probably want deeper gears anyway).