Ok, so i just got a D44 from an 87 cherokee wagoneer, but i dunno what i may need to really make it a direct bolt on. I am going from the 8.25" to the D44, but inexperienced mechanically, heh. So, i guess i need to know if upgraded u-joints will work with my current driveshaft? if i need a new driveshaft due to length difference? i know the D44 from an XJ is supposed to be bolt on, but i don't want to assume anything, heh.

 

unbolt your 8.25 and bolt the d44 in. make sure they are the same gears in the front axle as the rear. drive lines should hook right up. i have done that swap in the shop a year ago or so and i dont remember needing to shorten or lengthen the drives haft. i dont think you need to.

since the d44 is out i would do a complete brake job on it. i would drain the gear oil to and put in some clean stuff

 

Gears are really close. i have found the D30 in the front is 3:55 and this D44 is 3:54. As far as the brakes go and such, I am going to redo the brakes, repack the bearings and replace the diff cover while it is off. I figure why not, easy to work on. i just wasn't sure if the driveshaft was gonna be short or long is all. i haven't lifted or anything just yet, so it is a stock swap out.

 

I'm pretty sure that XJs never came with a 3.54 gear ratio. I'd go as far to say as its probably got 3.55 gears and not 3.54.

 

its a 3.54:1 ratio, referred to as 3.55
your gears match, you should be fine.

 

awesome, even better, heh. i am still learning all of this with gears and such. ok, so another question about the D44... any idea if the brakes from the 8.25 will work on the D44?

 

Brakes from a 8.25 will not work on a XJD44. You can do a simple disk brake swap using explorer 8.8 disk brakes(no redrilling backing plates like yuo have to when you use ZJ disk brakes). Drive shaft is same length from 8.25 to D44, but if you have a D35 it is longer but works geat if you have 3-4" of lift no SYE or TC drop needed. The older D35 and D44 from XJ'S (84-90) use the big bearing bolt pattern(on brake backing plate) like the 8.8 and 9" fords.

 

Whoa, so i can use do a disk brake conversion from the ford 8.8 to the XJ D44? That is the best news yet! now for a JY run to upgrade to rear disk brakes, heh. Are there any write-ups on this?

 

I'm sure there is somewhere. The biggest think is to get the axle retainer spacers or use different axle retainers because the backing plates are thicker than the drum brake backing plates.

 

both the plates on my D35 and D44 say 3.54

 

in case anyone else was curious about the conversion mentioned, I did find a write-up on it... http://www.naxja.org/forum/showthread.php?t=967146

 

Time to dispell a myth or two.. You need the Crown Vic 8.8 backing plates.. Not any ford explorer backing plate.

You also need to replace the bearings and retaining colar to make it work since you need a spacer to make it work.


The better option is to buy some replacement alloy axles that come as a kit, and order them for a TJ rubicon, then have the axle plates redrilled for the xj bolt pattern.

If you use ZJ discs you need to have the center hole opened up 1/8" so the oilseal can slid through as well as redrilled for the correct bolt pattern. ANd you still need to either machine a spacer or use TJ rubicon axle plates.

If you look at my webshots page, you can find all the info needed to do the swap using zj disc


I also have a d44 with crown vic brakes... crown vic brake parts are just harder to find in my area

 

i'm in the middle of this swap right now litteraly and was looking for some more info on it... just a heads up the e brake cables are different they are the same 87 to 89 the change fom 90 to what ever... my e brake cables will be here soon hopefuly thats the only difference... and like they said the yoke is longer on the 44 i'm hoping everything else goes well i'll let you know if not...

 

When you say your yoke is bigger do you mean it uses a bigger u_joint? If so a dana 30 front yoke will work on a 44 rear and uses the same 1310 u-joint as the 8.25 and d35.

 

couldnt have said it better my self i just finished my swap with zj discs also if your into the looks of it at all i decided not to go with crown vic discs because one caliper is mounted in front and the other is mounted in the back and yeah parts are a little more scarce