don't know about cloud's thoughts, but the 35 is already there and you will be getting a NEW setup. or you could buy a used d44. both still have drums and crap axle tubes. i would like a 44 myself, but find me one with gears, locker and axles for cheap and maybe it would be worth it.
setup #1
junkyard D44: $300 (cheap)
SSBC brakes: $895 (can be homebrewed a lot cheaper)
R&P: $244 (with install kit,
www.jeepline.com)
Detroit Locker: $562 (4wheel Parts)
TOTAL: $2001
setup #2 (stronger than stock D44)
junkyard D44: $300 (cheap)
SSBC brakes: $895 (can be homebrewed a lot cheaper)
R&P: $244 (with install kit,
www.jeepline.com)
super44 kit: $999 (with Detroit,
www.jeepline.com)
TOTAL: $2438
setup #2 (nearly as strong as stock D44)
existing d35 $free! (cheap)
SSBC disk brakes: $710
R&P: $244
super30 kit: $899
TOTAL: $1853
setup #3 (nearly as strong as setup #1)
junkyard Ford 8.8: $300
new brakes: ~$200 (Kragen: pads/rotors, could be done cheaper, but this is new like the SSBC)
R&P: $244 (assuming prices are similar to Jeepline's)
Detroit Locker: $716 (4wheel Parts)
setup: $150 (having perches welded on, new flange, brake line/proportioning valve setup)
TOTAL: $1610
setup #4 (as strong as or stronger than #1)
same as above but with
Moser Axles: $249 (
www.thefordsource.com)
TOTAL: $1859
OR, you could buy a pre-made axle from Currie or Sam's offroad:
Sam's: $3645 w/ brackets and brake setup
My personal favorite is the 8.8. I would add a girdle, c-clip eliminator and use an Auburn ECTED (the deciding factor, this is one of the few applications so far). I could even add some BADASS brakes, not just SSBCs stock style setup. Also I could weld the tubes to the housing and add a truss. All this could be done for less than $3000 I believe. My only gripe is losing track width, but with big tires and less backspacing on aftermarket wheels, it's negligible.
Now I'm dreaming...