i am in the middle of building my junkyard xj dana 44 rear. i have decided not to regear yet because i have an auto and the rear already has the same gears i have 3.55.
i want to go with an aussie locker and i am going to cut off the shock mounts and relocate them up higher.
i am also adding ford explorer/ grand cherokee disc brakes.
sounds good so far right?

do you guys think i should truss it? i kinda want to do it now while its out of the jeep and i have it ground down to bare metal.
i wanted to build one like this http://www.ironrockoffroad.com/Merch..._Code=IR-XD44T
but not have the gay writing.

next question. should i get an after market diff cover.

last question. should i weld the axle tubes.

the jeep has about 5 inches of lift and i plan on running 35+ inch tires

 

35+ tires and 3.55 gears, thats your first no-no. that things gonna be gutless as heck. regear now so you dont have to rip into it later, and do the rear at the same time....do it right the first time, trust someone who didnt
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if you can truss it while its out, why not? i would.

i would also get after market diff. covers especially if its going to see any type of rock. might as well be safe. you can find them used or new. they also make diff guards instead of whole covers which is much cheaper. but if you have the money or can find them used just get full covers. i just purchased a set of Rock Crusher diff. covers and they are awesome. super beefy.

 

do you guys really think the gears are going to be a problem? i have 35 inch bfg a/t and it doesnt feel to bad. i was going to wait till i figure out what i want to do for a front axle before i regear this one. i think i can get away with the 3.55, gears arent that big of a problem with an auto.

 

really? they dont feel to bad? man mine wouldnt be able to get out of its own way with 35's, i think i need to hop mine up a little bit then..

 

A D44 can handle 35s just the way it is. If the brakes are good, slap it in and see how it rides. If you hear funky noises then replace brakes or bearings if needed. I do recommend closely inspecting the lug studs and replacing them if they look questionable at all.