farmfuel

Hi to all,

I just picked up a 44 out of a 87 Cherokee yesterday at the wrecking yard for 75 bucks (half-off weekend).

I'm sure that someone has done the conversion before, but I just want to ask if there's anything special involved. My Cherokee is a 93, and I can't wait to switch from 3.08 to 3.54! I'm pretty sure that they're both 1310 U-joints, correct? are the U-bolt plates the same, as well as the leaf spring center pin diameter? Is there anything special I need to know about before I begin?

I'm not concerned about the driveshaft length. If it needs to be lengthened, it's like 125.00 at the big truck shop, and shortened is even less than that.

heaton2323

I hate to be the one that has to do this but...

87xjco

Nice find!!

D44's are a little bigger and closer to the transfer case then both the 8.25 and the D35.

You may have to shorten the drive shaft if it's stock right now and you have no lift. It will probably bolt up with the slip yoke engaged a little more into the transfer case. And it may bottom out under full articulation.

You'll need bigger U-bolts and plates for the D44, but the width is the same and the pins in your leaf springs will fit into the housing perches.

If you are planning on a lift, you might want to do that before you change your driveshaft length, or you might be changing it again

farmfuel

So I can't reuse the U-bolts and plates off my Chrysler 8.25? That sucks, I guess I'll have to go back and get the hardware then.

XJ Stryker

I would never reuse the U-bolts... Get ya some new ones they are going to be the weak point of your new axle.

wicked_xj

get a front shimmed d30 carrier from a junk aw4[auto] xj. They should be 3.54s

caged

an automatic 4.0L cherokee will be 3.54.

along with the carrier and ring gear, you will need the pinion gear. not as easy to remove as the carrier.

also, a master build kit, with new crush sleeves. then you have to set it up as you would new gears....

wicked_xj

caged the only thing he would need to shim is the pinion and why new master build kit, with new crush sleeves.All that should be ok just grease the **** out of it . I have 3/4 drive breaker bar with a bf socket one kick its off. also farm fuel if you ever see a turbo for sale i want one for my idi

farmfuel

Thanks ya'll for the info on the Dana 30 front, but my Cherokee is 2WD- I bought it for my DD/ project diesel conversion...all in the name of saving money buring veggie.

My Bronco is my off road toy. Guys spend thousands of dollars on their rigs to get their drive train the way that bronco comes from the factory

Wicked- I found my Banks turbo at the junkyard for 220 dollars! He didn't know what he had, and you've never seen an IDI go as fast to the closest ATM machine. If you're on the hunt for an IDI turbo, hit up the junkyard; they're more popular than you'd think. That, and Ebay. I've seen complete turbo set-ups sell for 400.00 (with the turbo in need of overhaul). It cost about 285.00 go get mine overhauled at www.dallasturbo.com. Don't get excited, it won't turn it into the hot rod you think it will. If I spent 2,500.00 on a Banks turbo, I'd be seriously pissed at the somewhat marginal power increase I noticed. It pulls my car hauler/ Bronco just fine, which is why I got the whole thing from the get-go.

wicked_xj

stick an idi in ur jeep lmao. theres no computer easy swap eccept for fabing

wicked_xj

stick an idi in ur jeep lmao. theres no computer easy swap accept for fabing

farmfuel

Wicked I sent you a PM

The Mercedes OM617 IS an IDI cylinder head, and has no computer. It is half the weight as the 7.3, will get twice the mileage, and will actually be serviceable under the hood. Ever seen a 460 in a Mustang? I'd hate to change the starter or exhaust gaskets on that!

I sent you the PM so as not to be off topic.