Helpful write up & pics on Dana 44 rear install
#1
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Dallas
Posts: 165
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Model: Cherokee
Helpful write up & pics on Dana 44 rear install
Okay, This will be my first write-up using photobucket. I'll try to make this straightforward, but please forgive me as I'm not that computer literate.
I got a 44 rear out of an 87 Cherokee on New Years day for 75 bucks. Half-off. I've seen these 44's in 87 years only, but not every 87 has one. I took some measurements in hopes that the info provided will be benifical to others on here.
I've never done a rear end swap that was as easy as this one. It's basically like swapping a 12 bolt in place of a 10 bolt. I didn't have to change anything minus the rear hose- I cut it at the yard with the intent of replacing a 20+ year old hose. As someone mentioned before, the U-bolts and pads from the 44 will have to be re-used. The Chrysler rear end tube diameter is 1/4" larger, meaning that the U-bolts are different
As you can see the drums are quite a bit bigger from the 93 model Chrysler 8.25
Here are some measurements that I took.
8.25 axle tube O.D.- 3"
D44 axle tube O.D.- 2 3/4"
I measured both jackstands for their height. They were about 1/8" off- close enough for hand gernades. From the yoke to the ground on the 8.25 is 2-3/4". The yoke to the ground on the D44 is 2-1/4". Now that's a 1/2" difference, but keep in mind that the difference in tube diameter is 1/4", then you need to take the radius of a 1/4 dia= 1/8. This means that the driveshaft length wouldn't be off much.
When the Jeep was on the ground sitting level, I measured 2-1/16" from the end of the tailshaft seal to the flat spot on the slipyoke. Once the 44 was installed, I put it on the ground and jumped on the bumper. I then remeasured the above on the slip yoke, and came up with 1-3/4. This means that the 44 pushed the slip yoke into the tailshaft 3/8". Proof positive that you don't need to take the shaft to a shop (assuming that your swapping out your old 8.25, and not a D35). The Dana 35 is even smaller than the Chrysler 8.25, and I have no measurements for that swap.
I got a 44 rear out of an 87 Cherokee on New Years day for 75 bucks. Half-off. I've seen these 44's in 87 years only, but not every 87 has one. I took some measurements in hopes that the info provided will be benifical to others on here.
I've never done a rear end swap that was as easy as this one. It's basically like swapping a 12 bolt in place of a 10 bolt. I didn't have to change anything minus the rear hose- I cut it at the yard with the intent of replacing a 20+ year old hose. As someone mentioned before, the U-bolts and pads from the 44 will have to be re-used. The Chrysler rear end tube diameter is 1/4" larger, meaning that the U-bolts are different
As you can see the drums are quite a bit bigger from the 93 model Chrysler 8.25
Here are some measurements that I took.
8.25 axle tube O.D.- 3"
D44 axle tube O.D.- 2 3/4"
I measured both jackstands for their height. They were about 1/8" off- close enough for hand gernades. From the yoke to the ground on the 8.25 is 2-3/4". The yoke to the ground on the D44 is 2-1/4". Now that's a 1/2" difference, but keep in mind that the difference in tube diameter is 1/4", then you need to take the radius of a 1/4 dia= 1/8. This means that the driveshaft length wouldn't be off much.
When the Jeep was on the ground sitting level, I measured 2-1/16" from the end of the tailshaft seal to the flat spot on the slipyoke. Once the 44 was installed, I put it on the ground and jumped on the bumper. I then remeasured the above on the slip yoke, and came up with 1-3/4. This means that the 44 pushed the slip yoke into the tailshaft 3/8". Proof positive that you don't need to take the shaft to a shop (assuming that your swapping out your old 8.25, and not a D35). The Dana 35 is even smaller than the Chrysler 8.25, and I have no measurements for that swap.
#2
CF Veteran
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Oak Harbor, WA.
Posts: 6,989
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes
on
4 Posts
Year: 1987
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 liter RENIX I-6, DIY Cold Air Intake, 2.5 FM Exhaust, 3 Core Radiator
I did the exact same swap on my 1991 XJ. I removed the 8.25 and replaced it with a D44 out of an 87 XJ. It was a complete bolt in. Nothing else had to be replaced
Last edited by BuckB91XJ; 02-07-2009 at 12:15 AM.
#3
CF Veteran
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Oak Harbor, WA.
Posts: 6,989
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes
on
4 Posts
Year: 1987
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 liter RENIX I-6, DIY Cold Air Intake, 2.5 FM Exhaust, 3 Core Radiator
Well, that isn't entirely true. The brakes were nasty so I replaced them. Since installing the D44 into my 91, I also installed 4.56 gears and an Aussie Locker. It really was a complete bolt in. The gear ratios were even the same when I installed the D44.
#4
Junior Member
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Fernley, NV
Posts: 80
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Year: 1987
Model: Cherokee
Engine: I6 4.0L
Where did you get your gears at? Do you have a part number? I am really interested. I just picked up my 44 tonight.
Thanks
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)