Finding a D44 for dummies

hot_rod_hooligans · Nov 13, 2007

Have a lead on an 88 XJ Wagoneer, and I'm trying to figure out if it has a D44 w/o having to drive clear out there to look for myself. The guy doesn't know much about Jeeps, and doesn't know if it does or not. Tried running the VIN through the local Jeep dealer, and they couldn't come up with anything.... too old to have in their system. How can I tell? Oh, and he said there is/was a tow package on it (half rusted), but doesn't know if it came from the factory.

imma honky · Nov 13, 2007

From my hunts, most common on 87 wagoneers with metric package, but that's even only 30% of the time. Get his to take a pic of the rear end if possible, that's the easiest way to check.

mustangconv85 · Nov 13, 2007

there is no way to tell without physically looking at it

hot_rod_hooligans · Nov 13, 2007

mustangconv85 said:
there is no way to tell without physically looking at it

Great, thats what I was afraid of :doh: :banghead:

hot_rod_hooligans · Nov 13, 2007

What would the tag on the dif read if it is a 44?

5-90 · Nov 13, 2007

Have him check the shape of the cover.

If it's more of an oval shape, it's a D35.

If it's a sort of lopsided hexagon that seems to be resting on a point, it's a D44.

mustangconv85 · Nov 13, 2007

if you go here there are pics for comparison http://www.4x4wire.com/jeep/tech/axle/xj_dana44_02/

xjtrailrider · Nov 14, 2007

E-mail this pic to him. This is from my 08' JK but its a nice clean shot.

Blackchrome · Nov 14, 2007

I believe I'm correct in saying a D35 has a plastic plug and a D44 has a screw in plug...

5-90 · Nov 14, 2007

Blackchrome said:
I believe I'm correct in saying a D35 has a plastic plug and a D44 has a screw in plug...

Not so. I've got five D35's around here that use 1/2" NPT screw-in metal plugs for fill plugs... Later versions might, but the RENIX-era versions used metal plugs (what do you think the five I have are from?:sunshine: )

Yucca-Man · Nov 14, 2007

Have him get a good cameraphone shot of the rear axle and compare it to these: http://www.yuccaman.com/jeep/gear1.html

This is a Dana44:

This isn't:

And no, the fill plug is NOT a reliable indicator.

Jim www.yuccaman.com

falcon556 · Nov 15, 2007

hot_rod_hooligans said:
Have a lead on an 88 XJ Wagoneer, and I'm trying to figure out if it has a D44 w/o having to drive clear out there to look for myself. The guy doesn't know much about Jeeps, and doesn't know if it does or not. Tried running the VIN through the local Jeep dealer, and they couldn't come up with anything.... too old to have in their system. How can I tell? Oh, and he said there is/was a tow package on it (half rusted), but doesn't know if it came from the factory.

I got mine from a 88 XJ waggy. The gear ratio is another way. The D44 has a 3.54 ratio with 13 and 46 pinion and ring teeth.
Have him read the label on the cover, if it has the above numbers I would go and see it. AFAIK the D35 all have 3.55 11 39.
The cover shape is the best indicator, oval=D35, hex looking=D44

Finding a D44 for dummies

hot_rod_hooligans

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imma honky

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mustangconv85

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hot_rod_hooligans

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hot_rod_hooligans

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5-90

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mustangconv85

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xjtrailrider

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Blackchrome

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5-90

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Yucca-Man

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