Jamie57

Did a search on Durango and axle andyou wouldn't believe how many threads showed up that had absouloutly nothing to do about them.

Anyways I pulled into a parking spot today and noticed the rusty durango had what appeared to be a D44 axle.
What prompted my observation is I need a new rear end for my 98 and it's either pay someone to rebuild it for about a grand or replace it with a JY one that around here goes for about $500, if you can find one. Lots of D35s but I have the 29 spline 8.25 and I'm not going backwards on parts quality.

Annnyyyways, I'm going Hmmmm Leaves on top,D44, Shocks are in the right place...... So I get out with my tape measure (I'm in home renovations) and crawl under said Durango and measure. Old lady in parking lot givesme funny look when I get back up but a rough measurement is 54 inches backing plate to backing plate and 45 inches centre pin to center pin.

Sounds familiar. Anyone tried this? Lots more durangos in the bone yard than cherokees around here.

Destro

I don't believe the Durango ever came with a D44 (I could be wrong)-
It could have been a C9.25", they look a lot like a D44 with the funky octagon shaped pumpkin...

Or the owner swapped it out for a D44?

If it fits a 9.25" Corporate axle would be an upgrade from the 8.25. 9.25 is about the same strength or stronger than a Ford 9". Not quite a D60 but if you can get one and it will fit I say go for it. Downside would be the different bolt pattern.

~K

CheapCherokee

yea im pretty sure durangos never came with D44s, but i could be wrong.

Metmknice

Most likely C9.25. I've kicked around the idea of swapping one in place of my turdy5. Not sure how much work it would take tho.

SeriousOffroad

I used to own an 01 Durango and wanted to put new wheels on iy. Turns out the bolt pattern was a really funky 6 on 5.5.

Very limited aftermarket support for 'em too.

Jamie57

never looked at the bolt pattern. and yeah the cover did look a little funky. Crap I knew if it was possible someone else would have done it by now.

xjmarc

My Durango had an 8.25 in it. 98 model.

ergolarry

Jamie57, if you're looking for a replacement 8.25 a little cheaper, Cookstown Auto (wreckers near me in Cookstown, Ontario) has quite a few available with reasonable mileage on them for $325.00 (already pulled from the vehicle). I picked mine up there to ditch "the turd" and cookstown to London is only 2 hours and change away (I'm a Western alumnus). Let me know if you want a hand with it, I'm always happy to help another person with a Jeep "habit" when my work schedule allows.

Jamie57

Thanks ummm Larry? I found a d44 with fresh disks for that price. trouble is it's near lake simcoe. not a huge problem as thats where I bought my jeep from in the first place.
I have a line on a complete jeep in Windsor, that looks pretty sweet. Owner pranged the steering box right outa the frame and messed it up bad. everything else is golden for just $800.
I'm thinking I'll take that route. I get my rear end plus lots of extra parts. sell the engine and transfer case for $600 and get $200 for scrap.
Pretty well break even except for my labour.
Whadda ya think?

Jeff H

That's funny, because I saw one in town this afternoon (Durango) and it sure looked like a D44 to me. Unless there was another octogan-shaped diff' housing, which it sounds like there is (C9.25). My first thought was "nice rear-end" (didn't say that out loud) and the next thought was "hey, I wonder....." I just got a cherry '01 and discovered it has a D35. Been wondering if I should look for a 8.25 to replce it with.