Hey Everyone, I recently blew up the rear Dana 35 axle on the Cherokee so I figure its time to upgrade. I am trying to decide on were to go from here. I got an empty case of a Dana 44 that I got from my buddy for free. I was thinking of building that up with all new components or used components if that works along with a locker "probably OX". Right now the jeep has 33" tires on it. I am considering going to 35s someday but right now I am going to stick with the 33s to make it more practical to drive on road as well as off. That's another reason I am leaning towards an OX locker. I know they are expensive but I plan on driving the Cherokee on road quite a bit as well and I think I want a locker I can totally dis engage. So I am asking everyone's opinion on what direction you guys think would be the best. I certainly don't have unlimited funds but I would like to do this right. This is my first axle rebuild but I have a good friend that knows all the more technical stuff like setting gear mesh and stuff like that that is going to help me along the way. Do you guys think I should rebuild the Dana 44? If so what components would everyone recommend? Also is there a better, cheaper more practical solution like looking for a new Axle already partially built or even building up a different type of axle? Any opinions suggestions and or experiences would be greatly appreciated since I am kinda new at the axle swapping / building world. Thanks!!!

 

awesome thread to watch and great picture of moab too!!! great work!

 

I'm running that exact lift and I love it also. Great work and great Jeep.

 

if you have the 44 housing just build that up, that way you have no worries whenever you go to 35s. rustys offroad has a super 44 kit with an arb locker for 1140, great price considering the arb is about 950. add some onboard air you will be good to go, check out their super 30 kit when ever you upgrade to 35s too.