xj2

does anybody know how i can find out if i have a dana 44 with limited slip without taking the diff cover off? how good is the limited slip?

Tankerblade

find a chart that shows what kind of axle you have, there's plenty of them floating around. the d44 has straight lines while the 8.25 is more oval. as for the limited slip, get into some soft sand and get stuck, if you have a limited slip, you'll make 2 holes instead of one

xj2

i just got the dana 44 from the jy but i havent dropped it underneath and wanted to know how i can tell if its ls without taking the cover off. how effective is the factory limited slip

Abovetimberline

does the cover look like this one? This is a 44 with the cover off but will look the same bolt pattern.
This one is open<I have a limited slip in my jeep and it works great,but I do not do any serious offroading with it,just the normal mud,snow,rough roads that is it.
Also on the right side axle tube it will have 605342-3 that is the bom # from dana. Maybe covered with paint or dirt. It will also be 3.54 ratio and have a limited slip tag if it has limited slip.

winston427

Spin one of the rear drums. If the opposite drum turns in the same direction it is limited slip, if it turns in the opposite direction then it is an open differential. There should also be a tag on the cover that identifies it as limited slip.

Limited slip is not as good as having an actual locker, but it sure beats an open diff.

ckysodkorn_xj

i wish i had good axles just floating around my yard lol

Tankerblade

I agree, i have a 2wd with a limited slip and i can go ALOT of places i wouldnt think i could go, and i've gone and done things my dad in his 4wd wj can barely do

xj2

yeah see thats what i thought. i talked to a guy at the junkyard and he said the only way to tell was to open it up. and i just felt like that made no sense and if i turned one the other would turn the same. anyway im pretty sure ive got an open. but it beats my 35 anyday right? i just dont have the money to spend on a locker. what do you think is it worth it to keep the 44 or trade it for a 8.8. whats an open xj44 worth anyway?

winston427

KEEP IT!! The D44 is stronger than the 8.8. You can lock it for under $300 and not have to pull the carier out or have the gears reset to do it.

http://www.jeeperz-creeperz.com/auss...e-p-76438.html

xj2

thanks man

SeriousOffroad

Sorry to burst your bubble, but the 8.8 is stronger. Larger shafts, 31 vs. 30 splines, larger ring and pinion.

The down side to an 8.8 are the c-clips, massive rock-grabber diff, tubes have a tendancy to spin in the housing, the carriers aren't that strong so an upgrade to a full case locker is a very wise move.

housew

the factory limited slips are clutch type, if it has a lot of miles on it and the clutches are toast then it will act like its open. you can do the spin test, think its open, buy a lunchbox locker, then cry when you try to put it in and it doesn't work.

if the limited slip works then the spin test will tell you, if spin test tells you its open, it effectivly is, but it may have a limited slip carrier with toasted clutches that will not accept a lunchbox. If your putting a full case locker in, no worries.

I'd go by the tag if you can find and read it. If not, why not pop the cover, I wouldn't want to put an axle in my truck without changing the fluid unless I knew it was fresh. not like its hard. just my .02

xj2

so this is the only identification i could find cause the tag on the cover was rusted. but do you know if i need a gasket for the cover if i take it off?

muddpigg

ha! that d44 is total junk. i suppose if you send it my way i can properly dispose of it for you!!!

mark's91-XJ

you don't need a gasket.
i have the 44 lds and it works great in the mud and sand. but if you rock crawl like i do a locker would be better.