hp d44 rear?

is there such as a hp dana 44 rear axle? i was talking to a buddy that mentioned retubing a front 44 to make a rear axle out of it just to have a hp rear 44

You could do that, you just can't flip an axle over.

But HP axles are not as strong as LP axles for rear applications due to the gears are running on the coast side, rather than the stronger drive side.

This is why you want an HP axle for the front, as it uses the drive side.

Has been done in the past, not done anymore as folks just go with a HP60 or HP 9". A friend has one that he had built a long time ago, been running it with 36" tires. He finally broke a ring and pinion when in Moab climbing a big ledge under power. Fixed it and he's still running it. Like anything, it depends on tire size and driving style. It won't be as strong gear wise as a LP D44.

Almost finished with my "poor-mans" high nine" A hp dana 50. I am using the shafts and bearing retainers from an xj 44. Actually, The HP rear end is 90% done. I just need to put gears in it. I should borrow a camera and snap some pics.