93_xjcherokee

I have a rear d44 and need to replace my brakes and hardware. I took my drums to my local machine shop and they said they can't be turned so I want to replace my shoes, drums, and hardware. Any recommendations? I want to stay away from autozone and O'Reillys

bubbarules1958

You might have a better answer if you moved it to OEM Cherokee Tech.....

XJwonders

drums are expensive. But you can get them for $25 each from rock auto. I bought two drums for $88 shipped. The local stores quoted me $125 for same two drums.

XJwonders

done

jay_sco

I've never used RA, but have only read good things about them. NAPA usually stocks quality parts and has knowledgable staff, not counter jockeys like Auto Zone, but they are probably more $$ than Rock. I usually use O'Reillys just because it's convenient for me.

XJwonders

it's just drums. RA is much cheaper than anywhere I have ever seen. U CANNOT beat $88 shipped (to Pennsylvania, idk how much it would cost to ship them to Arizona though)

MayerMR

Another option for you to check is AutoAnything. They run some really good deals and have quality parts. I did my research and when I bought my drum kit (also for a D44) I used them.

93_xjcherokee

Thanks for the replies. I didn't post it in oem because its not a factory axle. I understand some xjs came with the d44 but mine is out of a yj. I checked merles but they were too pricey just for one drum so I was hoping for a better option. EBay has a whole kit for $288 shipped but I'm looking to spend under $200. XJwonders, I will check rock auto. Thank you

XJwonders

you may need to relocate the spring perches because if I recall correctly, the distance between both perches were narrower on the YJ

93_xjcherokee

Its already under my jeep. Found two drums on partsgeek for $33 each so I ordered them and a hardware kit for $8. I will buy brakes from Napa as soon as my drums come in. Thanks for the suggestions

m151

Think about replacing the wheel cylinders too, right and left, driver's side and passengers side they are different and too cheap to believe.

Some manufacturers do not balance their brake drums in lieu of drum balancing being included in a tire balancing job on the vehicle, as opposed to tire balancing on a balancing machine like most balancing on smaller vehicles is done nowadays. A balanced drum will have metal tabs welded on the outer face even if it is a QC tab. Don't try using a drum that isn't or won't be balanced: drive train vibration, dangerous braking.

Dana axles, like everyone elses, are all different. Your 44 uses 2 1/2 inch drums, shoes, and hardware pins. Not 1 inch, not 1 3/4 inch, not 3 inch.

For a good time use drum brake calipers and pliers.

Try to buy shoes with the leading (short) shoe face mounted in the middle of the shoe. The old way of down at the bottom is more difficult to break in. Another break-in problem is due to not cleaning the drum braking surface. A little scouring with some emery, like on disc brakes, helps.

Use drum brake cleaner at disassembly time. First time? Take a picture before disassembly.

Don't waste your money getting things rebuilt, buy new. Replace bleeders with self-bleeders. Dorman's say they only go on the front (disc calipers) but they go on the back (as in Dana 44) too, at least I know they work on my 44.

93_xjcherokee

Thank you for the reply. I will buy wheel cylinders as soon as my parts come in and check the drums for weights. Good advice