JakeWI

If I wanted to run Dana 44's front and rear, what would be the best set to get? In other words, out of which vehicle could I get a matching set of Dana's for a cherokee? Opinions and thoughts, thanks.

Burton58

the easiest would be waggy 44's but that would limit you to a low pinion front axle

99xjlove

What are your goals? Why do you wan't 44's?

JakeWI

yeah i know the waggy has the rear axle. i was wondering where the best front one would come out of? but thanks for the input.

COSXJFAN

If I were looking, I'd go with a D44-9" combo from an early model Ford Bronco. They wouldn't be much wider than stock and should work great. I have seen guys try to run full size axles on a smaller rig and that is not the best set up for the places I wheel. I think that the Bronco axles would be narrow enough. Just my opinion, and I'm sure you'll get a lot of those!!LOL!!

JakeWI

i want 44's for my other xj project. i am going to be running 35-37" tires and i want to do it right the first time since i need axles anyway.

JakeWI

full size or the smaller earlier broncos? yeah i was going to run dana 60's only and i say only because i had them on hand for near to nothing. my buddy got a dana 44 out of a scout of bronco 2 and it was to narrow

COSXJFAN

Late 60s models, the smaller full size version.

Burton58

i meant the full size grand waggy from the 80's. D44 front and rear. the early bronco is also a low pinion axle. i would look for a 78-79 f250 with a hp44 front d60 rear

ktmracer419

iirc the early bronco 44's have a combo of the following: drums, weak 260 sized u joints, closed knuckle. all of which are highly undesirable.

as far as im concerned there are only 2 44's worth swapping under the front of an xj.

and thats late 70's ford's hp44

or 1980-92 waggy/j-10/j-20 lp 44's (without vacuum disconnect)

whowey

Not to mention that ANYTHING early bronco related seems to be made of gold here in the midwest.... Basket cases go for stupid prices.

Blackburn

1980 and up waggy axles work nice, perfect width and huge gear selection. Waggy axles are low pinion and it is said that the high pinion ring&pinion is stronger however the R&P isn't the weak link the neckdown on the stock shaft is, even after getting 4340 chromo's the weak link is then the stub so the LP being weaker than a HP is a non issue. I run a Waggy front with high-steer and full hydro,welded spider gears and 16-35 R15 Boggers. My rear is out of a 91 Nissan Pathfinder it's an H233b and it's 33 spline with disc brakes also welded spiders the rear is narrower than the waggy, so I made 1/2" spacers to get things closer. Never had a rear shaft break yet it's a beefy little axle.

nick_n_ii

Your be choice IMO is to get a mid 80's to early 90's waggy front axle (pluses, dis breaks, strong tubes, easly upgraded to flat top knuckles) and a mid 90's Isuzu Rodeo Dana 44 rear (it matches the waggy bolt circle, and width, plus can be found with 4.56 gears and have disc breaks)

But going with that combo you save on alot when it comes to rear gearing(if your going 4.56's) and you save on not needing to up great the rear breaks.

That's the combo I'll be looking for in the near future to put into my ZJ..

JakeWI

thanks guys. I will have to keep my eye out for some full size waggy axles.

89cherokeelimited

I was talking to a rep that sells DANA axles and he said Dana 44 the max they recommend were 35" tires.... anybody have Dana 44"s with bigger tires?