'00 8.25 to d44, question

my buddy has a 2000 with a 8.25 in the rear. he just picked up a d44 for it... my question is, is that a direct swap for that year? what will he need to do the swap? are the rear drums/brake assemblies the same?

He will need new U-bolts. 8.25 is 3" in diam,D44 is less than that.
Drive shaft will be close to the same length,no need to change it.
Swap E-Brake cables,they mount the same,but are different because of the change of body styles .
The brakes are still drums but larger,just refresh the 44,there may be a difference in the breather hose and T-Block for the brake line.I just drilled and tapped for the new style breather and plugged the old hole.

Wayne

There is a difference in the breather hose, but it's not a show-stopper. Read http://www.yuccaman.com/jeep/dana44.html for more info.

Jim www.yuccaman.com

a 44 has a smaller diameter tube than an 8.25? hhaaa

Yes by .25".

But bigger shafts, ring gear, 10 drums vs 9 inch drums.

I wouldn't go crazy with money trying to get one, as I got mine for about 100 bucks.

On the U-bolt question, when you order a lift kit from Skyjacker or R.E. they ask D35 or 8.25/D44. They only list the two sizes, but if you order just the U-bolts from R.E. they list 2.75", 3." & 3.25. My D44 uses 3" bolts for sure. I just measured my axle tube at the U-bolt with a dial caliper & it is 2 7/8" diameter so if the 8.25 is 3" that's only 1/8" larger not 1/4". I also always use 9/16" bolts on my XJs regardless of the axle. I don't know if I've answered the question or created more confusion though.

3" Ubolts work for the D44. I have two XJs, both have Dana 44 rear ends and both are held in with 3" U-bolts.