the ability to weld, the ability to modify an axle and shorten it to the proper specs, and either wheel spacers for the rear, or re-drilling the lug pattern to match the front d44 (and you won't be able to run your jeep rims in the future)

 

pfffft...the TIME I had my XJ geared only 4.56 was available - yay for progress! lol

 

I have a matching set of 44s from a 76-77 CJ or wagoner don't remember at this point they where for a straight axle swap on a Toyota I had. Don't care about using the Jeep wheels and if its a lil wider That's ok. But linkages and what not, What's it take is it pretty much straight up. I have welders, plasma cutter, huge drill press just not the knowledge of the swap

 

If you can find a hi-pinion Dana 44 out of a Rubicon it is a direct bolt on. I know it isn't easy, but they can be found. ( really expensive though )

 

Check for axle swap kits, those will at least give you an idea of what is needed for the swap. ( make sure what ever axle you get is a driver side drop ) Check some of the forums by doing a search for Cherokee front dana 44 swap.

 

jk 44 not the tj 44



you would still have to dump money into it to get rid of the 30 style outers

 

Its not a true Dana 44. Its D44 housing and tubes welded to D30 inner-Cs with D30 outers.


Basically, it has two of the weakest parts of the Dana 30, the outer stub shaft/unit bearing and ball joints.

 

Yes you are correct! Sorry about not mentioning the JK part. I think Tera Flex has the JK style axles set up to go on the TJ which will bolt to the Cherokee