Buying a Dana 44

[yaromb]

How about ALL 97 an on Limited models..?

I've never seen a 96+ with a Dana 35.

 

[spdyracer]

My 98 limited has abs breaks and had a Dana 35 until I swopt in a 44

 

[Redxj5150]

How about ALL 97 an on Limited models..?

Nice trolling...

I'd be willing to part with my 8.25 with yukon shafts and an eaton posi for 750. 4.10 gears.

 

[Vanimal]

With an 8.8, you're limited to 31 spline shafts, and unless you go with a Super88 kit, 1541h vs chromo.

With a dana 44 you can go 30, 33, or 35 spline, and get 4130 Chromo axles. The 8.8 disc brakes go on with minimal effort. Lockers are cheaper, and the odds of finding a spare shaft on the trail are better.

:thumbup:
an 8.8 is going to cost you as much as a d44 anyways. you need new spring perches, and you need the pinion flange adapter. so even if you get a good deal on an 8.8, it'll be close to a wash anyways. dana 44 stuff is a dime a dozen and plentiful, probably easier finding shafts, lockers, etc, especially used.

a FULL install kit for a d44 is about 80-90 bucks from rwkhaussupply or national drivetrain, so a bearing kit should be even cheaper. even if it does whine, i'd run it until you're ready to put in a locker or gears. my van has been whining for years and i tow the jeep with it, no problems. they can go 10 years like that.

there's enough d44's around, keep your eyes open. i know there's been at least 1-2 a month posted in the socal for sale forum, and i know there's a few on craigslist.

 

[Tacedaddy]

I'm only 90 bucks deep in my 8.8 so I guess I'm the exception? Although I did make all my bracketry myself and just about stole the 8.8 for 50 bucks

 

[MoparManiac]

I see way more people with 8.8s on the trail than rear D44s so I'm not sure how your odds of finding a D44 spare shaft are better. Especially with everyone with 8.8s running the same spline/diameter shaft.

Only time I've personally seen a broken 8.8 shaft was on 36" TSL, double low (231/300), 4.6 stroker in 1st gear bound up. Kind of asked for it.

Oh, and I had a D44. Nothing wrong with it. I bought it out of a JY for $100.

 

[Vanimal]

I see way more people with 8.8s on the trail than rear D44s so I'm not sure how your odds of finding a D44 spare shaft are better. Especially with everyone with 8.8s running the same spline/diameter shaft.

Only time I've personally seen a broken 8.8 shaft was on 36" TSL, double low (231/300), 4.6 stroker in 1st gear bound up. Kind of asked for it.

Oh, and I had a D44. Nothing wrong with it. I bought it out of a JY for $100.

mikedashg broke at least one and bent a couple, and cracked the tubes pretty bad on his, with 35's. he never broke his d30 if that tells you anything lol