I'm planning on buying a Dana 44 for my XJ. I've found several online that are supposedly from late 80's XJ's. I want to confirm they're the correct axle before I spend up to $800. I know to confirm its 5x4.5 and not a XJ aluminium Dana 44. Is there anything else that can be used to confirm it's the correct axle (part#, length, markings)?


I am not wanting this thread to become a Dana 44 vs Ford 8.8 debate. I've researched and weighed my options.

Thanks!

What is the B.O.M number on the axle tube?

A picture would be a plus. An XJ 44 is kind of unique. There weren't many compared to the 35 of that vintage.

Up to $800 is steep in this country.

Never heard of a Dana 44a in a XJ. Although, they did come in the ZJ with a V8. $800 is very high unless it is regeared & locked. Good luck in your search.

It should look like http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/axles...-xj-socal.html but 800 bucks is way high to me unless hes done every upgrade known to mad to it.Or you can spend some more and get a brand new one from http://eastcoastgearsupply.com/i-194...30-spline.html

as far as i know, the xj 44 is the only 44 with 5x4.5 bolt pattern.
also, the xj has leaf spring perches and a shock mount on opposite sides of the tubes right/left.

just make sure it is spring over as spring under is from an mj. but mj has both shocks on the rear of the tubes.

TJ (non-Rubicon) also had D44's with a 5 on 4.5" bolt pattern.

Thanks for the replies. $800 includes ~$200 freight. I called a few places throughout the US that had them. They were still on the Jeep in every instance so I'd know they'd work.

The cheapest I found was in SC (I'm in TX). It was listed as a grade A part and they were asking $350, $515 delivered. The guy at the junk yard was a lazy *******. He wouldn't get off his *** and take a picture of it for me, "we've got jeep guys up around these parts too so it'll sell without me having to go crawl under a jeep". Lol

I'm debating if it's worth the gamble. I'll try to call again and see if I can get someone else on the phone. I just want to make sure it's not rusted through or bent.

What do you think that you will gain over what I expect you have now a Chy 8.25 29 spline? A D44 would not be my choice for an upgrade from what you have it its the 8.25 very little gained, a D60 would be an upgrade from it as far as strength for sure.


JMHO each to his own.

I have a Dana 35.

I also assumed it was a Chrysler 8.25. Last weekend I noticed the ABS wires, and sure enough there was a Dana 35 peaking its ugly head out from behind the fuel tank.

doh. you are right. and the tj rubi was also 5 on 4.5. but those are easy to spot as they have coil buckets.

Go find you a 8.25 and be done with it. Bolt it in and go.


The D44 is NOT an upgrade to the 8.25

I'm starting to think along the same lines.

In fact this POS Dana 35 is having me reevaluate my whole plan for the jeep. I have a tendency to go way overboard with projects. I'd have $20k in this XJ before I knew it. I think I'm just going to keep the Dana 35, get some 31's, and do a modest lift. If I end up getting in to offroading and using this Jeep for more than trail riding and camping I'll reevaluate the situation.

I've always been one to "do it right the first time".... But in the past I've ended up regretting going overboard... Like my 500whp WRX STI I just sold that had $20k in performance parts.

The Chy 8.25 from a 97 up are all the 29 spline axles and a direct bolt-in. They are almost as strong as a D44 and cheaper in cost and labor to have one installed.


They are easier to come by and the only upgrade you might want to consider on it would be the disc brakes for it and it you are running more tire than a 35" alloy axles for HD off road use. would be a must or a better differential..