mudroller

So after looking on craigslist for a D44 for my rear, i see a lot of posts that state "D44 Front axle" etc.. Is there a major factor or can the "Front" axle work in the rear or is it strictly for the front?

And does it matter what type of car the axle came from?

4.3L XJ

Front axles will not work in the rear unless you have made provision for rear steering. I thought about doing that, haven't abandoned it entirely. Most of the D44 you will find in the wrecking yard now will be fronts. However there are a few rears left. Yes it does matter what it came out of because it will affect the width of the axle.

mudroller

so in your opinion, would it be smarter to just go out and buy a rear D44 or continue to shop around for a rear D44?

funkle95xj

The only front Dana 44 axle that will be a direct swap for your truck will be out of a TJ Rubicon. Other front Dana 44's were used on larger trucks and therefore are considerably wider axles. And the only Dana 44 rear axle that will be a direct swap will be one out of an XJ. Also keep in mind that you will have to regear one or both axles so that they will have the same gear ratio or they won't work at all. An additional option, if you have good welding skills or know someone who does, would be to get both axles from a full size truck or suv and have them modified to work under your XJ. Like a Ford Bronco Dana 44 front, Ford 9" rear combo for example. Getting both axles from beneath the same truck is helpful as you are guaranteed a matching gear ratio, and the axles are both the same width.

Oh and the difference between a front axle and a rear axle is that front axles are set up for steering, as 4.3L XJ said. It would be quite an undertaking to set up rear steering, and quite frankly wouldn't be worth the headache if all you set out for was the additional strength of the d44/d44 setup in the first place.

mudroller

Ok. I'm not trying to have a D44/D44 setup, I just wanted to see what I could find on craigslist or another cheaper source, if anything i'll keep it d35/d44. Anyone know of any good sites where I can get one, or should I just try different pick-n-pulls?

4.3L XJ

Rear D44s for an XJ are around and available. It is probably the best way to go. Next best would be the Ford 8.8, but you would need to do a little adapting.

CHIF8008

what about tha axels that tow trucks have, if i could find a cheap one would it be worth it? cuz they are really strong, work good under preasure and have low gearing.

ktmracer419

i have seen people run front axles on the rear. but they are pretty much exclusively buggies with rear steer and offset drivetrains.



xj 44's arent extinct. just look harder